A Hidden Queen

Chapter 88

Albert sat in his old rocking chair, swaying back and forth with a mild creak. The house was quiet, something that has been sorely missed with the kids around. He sighs heavily, continuing to read in the calm stillness. He gets halfway down a page when the door to his cabin bursts open, slamming against its stop. Albert jumps at the sudden disturbance. His feature twists hotly as Gibbons comes barreling into the familiar home. He aggressively throws his hat upon a spoke, growling slightly as it refused to stay. After three more attempts, Ivan waves it off, leaving it on the floor preferring to snatch the open bottle of rum out of the cabinet.

Albert curiously knits his brows together, leaning back into his chair to watch his old friend. Gibbons slumps miserably onto the bench seat, a heavy sigh deflating his taunt shoulders as he ran a hand through the white hair. His face twists foully as he jerks the bottle off the table, taking a full swig straight out of the bottle.

"No, by all means, help yourself Ivan." Albert snips lightly, tired of the self-wallowing.

Ivan freezes, a pink hue spreading across his cheeks as he gingerly sets the bottle down, "I am sorry, Al. I did not mean to be so rude."

Albert waves him off, "There is no need for apologizes. You have always been welcomed in this home at any time. However, you have surely shown yourself to be troubled with something. So, what troubles you so much to disturb my peace so violently?"

"I am greatly troubled. Albert, I do not perceive how long I can continue this cat and mouse game with Joey. You need to talk to her; she's beginning to put pieces together and it is not in the right form either."

"Stop worrying. She does not even know enough to begin to curiously ask questions."

"After what just happened at the market, she does now." Ivan states bluntly. "She cornered me with such hostility that I thought I'd have to physically defend myself merely to get away from her."

"What happened at the market?"

"The people happened, Albert. They are excited to see her amongst them once again, especially after her absence for so long. Not to mention they are thrilled to lay their eyes upon the new king as well. Many of the woman have been presenting gifts and that endearing title of 'my queen' has been rolling off many tongues. Both Charlie and Joe have become wise to all of it. I doubt we have much time before she comes up here after you, my friend."

"Damn." Albert spits, slamming his book shut and coming out of his chair. "I thought we would have more time before that occurred. I had planned on telling her abou it this evening over dinner, but I did not expect such a welcoming."

"You cannot fault the people for being joyous or referring to her respectfully. You knew it was going to happen the moment she stood on the island, especially with you spouting about her return like some forgotten bride. You should have told her among the first nights she was here, Albert." Ivan scolds lightly.

"Do not scold me like some child, Ivan. That is not something to spring on someone after an almost five-year absence." Albert hisses lowly.

"It doesn't matter. You still could have told her. She's been here for several days now, Albert."

Albert grows quiet, tapping his fingers against his hip. This was not good. He thinks sourly; his heart skipping several beats as the door suddenly groans in protest. Gibbons' eyes widen, his face pulling down sorrowfully at the hideous noise. Albert finds himself holding his breath as John's dark mop pokes out from around it.

John furrows his brow, standing halfway in the doorway, "Hey guys. What's going on? You two look like someone just walked over your graves. Should I leave?"