A Hidden Queen

Chapter 92

The morning comes far too soon for the unruly mop of light brown hair that sticks out from under the sheets. Johnathan Smithen groans as the flittering sunlight glares in his face. He buries his head in the pillow, rolling over onto his side. He stretches his limbs far above his head, sinking into the soft mattress as his muscles relax further. He lays there for several more minutes, giving his mind time to fire up and begin the day despite the constant backfiring it did all night.

Josephine had told the men of her decision yesterday evening over dinner. The words had felt like a punch to John's gut. He wanted her to grow up, move on and create her own adventures, but his heart ached at the sudden pronouncement of said decision. Time always went by too fast, making John feel like he was losing her after just gaining her. However, there was a sense of contentment that washes over him when he set his own emotions aside. But that was not always an easy thing to do. He sighs, stretching once more before throwing the covers off.

He glances at himself in the full-length mirror resting against the wall. Despite being a man in his forties, he was still fit and trim, enabling him to keep up with the young men that made up his crew. However, the years of sun were catching up to him, wrinkling his skin and creating deep crow's feet around the eyes. His withering hands ran over his bread, noting the new strains of gray hair tha littered it. He needed to shave. He mused, pulling at the beginning stages of a scraggly mess.

John sighs heavily, pushing the chore aside as he snatches up his pants lying across the edge of the bed. His long legs shimmy into the loose fabric, pulling them onto his hips.

"That's a beautiful sight if I ever did see one."

John snorts, tying the front of his pants, "You like what you see?"

"I've seen it enough times to know I do."

John gives a humorous huff, shaking his head at the young woman occupying the bed. She shifts onto her back, pulling the sheets up over her chest before resting against her knees. Victora Brandon was an average woman in every way. She was basically built, standing at five foot three inches with a face that was neither pretty nor ugly. Her long brown hair was constantly braided; even now it was held together despite the tousled look. She gazes at John with dull brown eyes that held little spark of life.

If John was being honest with himself, he didn't find her outward appearance overly attractive. She was no stunning beauty that would turn heads, but she was attractive in her own way. However, what really attracted John to her was not her appearance but her mind. That intelligent and cunning mind that gathered information without the slightest hiccup, outshined any flaws she possessed. She was a woman who gave John what he needed, both in bed and in business.

"I heard you were preparing to leave. When do you embark?" She inquires curiously.

"Who said anything about leaving?"

"Rumor has it that The Queen is commandeering The Absent King's ship. And that you are the lucky scowl to take her to the rivers edge."

John pauses, turning around and narrowing his eyes at the young woman, "How did you hear about that? Joe has not spoken of her decision to anyone but myself and Albert. Are you spying on us?"

"I have no time for such childish games, John. Did you forget that my specialty is intelligence, dear heart? There's very little that goes on about the island that I do not know about. Besides that, the people are excited to have the queen back and know what she is doing. Her personal life is no longer so personal."

"But how did you come about it." John presses tersely. "Someone must have told you, if you are not spying on me in my own home."

"Aye, someone did tell me." Victora pauses. "You did, John. You were wallowing in selfish want and musing over her decision after we made passionate love last night."