A Hidden Queen

Chapter 84

Albert aggressively rubs the back of his head as he returns to his cottage. He had waited for almost two hours for the brat before he wandered down to town in search of her. Still unable to find the child, Albert decided to return home. John and his crew had always moved like sap in the winter when they returned home. The damn kid probably didn't even have the shore boat lowered yet. Albert scoffs at the absurd notion, his thoughts quickly returning to Josephine.

He did not begrudge the woman anything, but he didn't like the idea of his little girl being grown and married. Especially to a boy that he knew absolutely nothing about his family heritage and the caliber of a man he was. Josephine now had scars and memories that would haunt her for the remainder of her days. Those terrors were not easily dealt with personally, let alone in a marital situation. Even though much could be said about the boy risking his life to rescue Joe, there was still a concern on whether he could be the man or king that she needs him to be.

Albert sighs heavily at the lack of answers. He knew the frustration came from his overwhelming need to protect his granddaughter, a feeling that only grew ravenous when Clinton was killed. But he also could not judge the boy until he laid eyes on him, which was another battle all on its own.

The Wise King shakes the notion, continuing along his way before pausing at the crest of the hill. He expands his lungs, tempering the laborious breathing from the constant incline. His brown brows furrow as movement catches his attention. For a single second, Al lays eyes on a rather tall, triangular shaped man gazing about before slipping into his home.

The primal instincts comes in a rush; his head buzzing with the seeping adrenaline. Ignoring his burning lungs, he takes off at a run leaping over the dilapidated fence and flattening himself against the wall. Albert breathes deeply, his chest aching with the exertion as he peers through the nearby window.

The man stood in the kitchen area, leafing through several of his documents littering the table's surface. Albert slowly backs away, crab walking towards the side bedroom. He pulls a knife from his belt, wiggling it into the bottom of the window until he worked it lose.

"Got ya." Albert triumphs, contorting his lanky body through the small space.

"Is he here?" The male voice was deep and husky. "Doesn't seem like he left. The door is wide open. Are you sure he's not here?"

Albert presses himself against the far wall, sliding his pistol from his waist band. The sound of clanging metal and shuffling feet muffled the reply from the other person, making them appear distant as if they were moving through the back end of the house.

"Should we wait?"

Albert doesn't hear the answer as he slides closer to the edge of the wall, peeking around the corner. The man's back was towards him, but he could tell he was a beast. He stood a good few inches above his own height; his broad shoulders and chest straining the seams of his cotton shirt. The wavy brunette hair was tied back with a faded red ribbon; the tamed curls cascading down the back of his neck. The young man turns, leaning his weight against the table's edge with an audible creak. He shuffled through Albert's papers once more, glancing at the maps spread about the surface and intensely studying the lines and notations.

Albert steadies his breathing as he slowly creeps out from his hiding space, being mindful to avoid the creaking boards scattered about his path. He quietly comes to a stop in front of the studious man, aiming at the intruder's head before pulling back the spark. The lad tenses with the audible click, slowly raising his eyes to look down at the barrel of Albert's flint.

"Ye better have a good reason for intruding on me home lad." Albert seethes angerly.

The young man pierces Albert with stunning ice blue almost silver eyes. They held no fear, only cautious understanding.