A Hidden Queen

Chapter 15

Josephine laughs, running through the meadow that lined the hillsides of the island. She glances back to see James catching up to her. She digs her heels into the ground, spinning herself to the side. She giggles madly as she dodges James's attempt to grab her. She turns to face him, backing up as he creeps closer to her. A mischievous grin paints his features as a laugh bubbles from his chest. Josephine squeals as he lunges for her. She takes off at a dead run up the hillside.

It has been another year passing for Joe since the trial. It has been a hard road. She had been angry, cursing her father for giving up so easily and cursing her uncle for never showing. She wore herself out from all the hurt and crying she had done. After many dreadful warring nights, Josephine finally made the choice to pick up the pieces of her life and put them back together forming a new picture. It had been hard at first, to let go of the life that she wanted; a life of piracy, but with time and much support from James she was able to let it go. She had settled into her new life, having peaceful relations with her grandfather, making some friends from the port side town and being with James. All in all, Josephine could honestly say that her life was not all that bad.

James' laughter tickles Joe's ears. Joe glances over her shoulder, beaming brightly at James as he catches up with her. He grabs at the back of her dress, pulling her backwards. Joe stumbles, her mouth falling open in disbelief as James runs to get in front of her. He starts to walk backwards, grabbing at Joe's hand.

"Stop it, Josephine." He laughs, trying to catch his breath.

"Show me James." She commands pleasantly.

"Now you know that it's suppose to be a surprise."

"But what is it?"

"You'll see soon enough. I didn't bring you all the way here to the upper cliff of the island for no reason at all." He teases.

"You're procrastinating James."

James gives her a toothy grin. Joe smirks, pulling her hands away from his and taking off back towards the cliffs. Josephine giggles, turning back to look at James. James finds the laughter infectious as one bubbles forth from his own mouth. He growls painfully, taking off at a charge towards Josephine. Josephine gasps as James comes running by, placing himself in-front of her once again.

"Now stop it, or I will not show you a thing." James gruff humorously.

Josephine huffs, crossing her arms while giving the older man a childish pout. James straightens himself up, smiling down at her. She narrows her eyes before sticking her tongue out at him. The act sends James into another fit of laughter. He exhales deeply, coughing a bit to clear his throat. He shakes his head fondly, holding out his hand towards her. Joe cocks her head to the side, staring down as if deciding if its worth the effort. He rolls his eyes, reaching out further for her. After several seconds, Joe smiles shyly, uncrossing her arms. She places her hand in his, allowing him to wrap it around hers. He pulls on her lightly, getting her to continue their small ascent up to the top.

"Okay here is good." He states, stopping to turn and look at her. "Close your eyes."

"Close my eyes? What?" Josephine stutters bewildered. "No. James, just show me already."

James rolls his eyes, "You're being stubborn." He sighs in an exasperated way.

"And you're being bossy and conniving."

James laughs, shaking his head fondly. Joe eyes him curiously as he moves to stand behind her. She flinches back a little as his large hands come up to cover her eyes.

"James." Josephine whines.

"Shush. Just go with it. I won't led you astray." He admonishes.

Josephine huffs but allows the man to keep his hands over her eyes. The pair slowly makes their way to the very top of the hill. Josephine can feel James direct her to the edge of the cliff. A salt filled breeze twists and twirls around Joe. He has positioned her to where she is facing the harbor. She thinks.