Piracy

40. Reassuring Him

 "Niall, Hadley is with child."  

It was as if every good feeling passed over Niall's face, all at once. I'd never seen his eyes so bright. Without even a word, his reaction confirmed what I had surmised - he was thrilled with the news. 

"Oh, my god," he panted as if he's been running a marathon. "You're sure? She told you this?"

I had to giggle at his enthusiasm. "Yes, Niall, now go and put her fears to rest." And just like that, he disappeared into the thick of trees that separated the beach from the village. I made my way back to the village more slowly, preferring not to become drenched in sweat by the time I got back.

When I broke into the clearing, I saw Hadley and Niall, standing in a frozen embrace. I went to them and said, "Congratulations, you two. Now I think it's time for you to visit one of the priests at the monastery." I winked and walked away. 

I wondered how Gemma was doing, and if anyone had brought her food or water. I made my way to her temporary prison and found her fast asleep. However, I did see evidence of fresh water and a rather generous platter of food. I guessed that Abigail might have had something to do with that. 

As I wandered back to my hut, I considered the best way to tell Harry about Gemma, who she was and who she claimed to be. He already had so much to think about with his mother's condition and his country being run by a tyrant. But I didn't think that it would do any good to keep secrets from him either. 

Harry was right where I had left him, sitting at his mother's side, holding her hand. She was sleeping soundly, but Harry was awake, although he didn't acknowledge me when I entered the room. I went to him and kissed his forehead. He didn't even flinch. 

I was concerned for him, but I decided to leave him by his mother's side while I had supper with Louis and Abigail at Tansy's place. I found it relaxing to just sit and not have to fill the space around us with words. It seemed everyone was tired and overwhelmed, which meant an early bedtime for all. The sun had barely gone down when I went back to our hut with some food for Harry and his mum. 

Queen Anne had no problem eating a good portion, but Harry hardly touched his food. I quietly encouraged him, "You need to eat, my love. You've got to keep up your strength." Then I leaned to whisper in his ear. "You're going to need it if you join me in bed later."

I detected a tiny smirk before I kissed him and went to bed. 

And he never came to join me. 

* * *

When I woke with the  sunrise, I decided that I had to tell Harry about Gemma first thing. I was surprised to find him asleep next to his mother once again. I went to him and sat at his feet. He was slumped over in an awkward position, so I nudged his knee. "Harry, wake up."  He pried his eyes open, giving me a blank stare.

I sat down at his feet and looked up at him. "What's troubling you?" The blank look remained on his face as he went back to staring at the slumbering queen. "Please, Harry, let me help."

He had visibly changed in the few hours I'd been asleep. His face was flat, showing no emotion whatsoever, his eyes gray and lifeless. 

"Please, my love," I begged him. "Tell me what's wrong."

Out of the blue, his countenance evolved into that of a mad man. "What do you think is wrong?" He snapped. "My mother has been a prisoner for seven years and King Ernesto is going to kill me when he finds out I've returned, if he hasn't already." He carefully let his mother's hand go and rubbed both hands over his face. "We need her to be healthy in order to take her with us, and I just hope that happens before the king or his henchmen find us."