A Hidden Queen

Chapter 25

John paces about the quarter deck. The helmsman and Pittman exchange small glances as John makes another pass. He grunts out of frustration, mumbling to himself as he walks about. It has been a half an hour since he had stomped his way up here after his discussion with Josephine. He did not want to discuss the matter only took a station at the taffrail to stare at the receding ocean for what seemed like an entirety. Pittman sighs heavily, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Sir, will you please stop that pacing about you are doing." Pittman grumbles, trying to keep the irritation out of his voice.

John stops looking over at his second, "I'm sorry Pittman. I did not mean to distract you."

"You did not distract me sir, but you are going to wear the boards thin if you keep doing that. What has you so vexed? Did the conversation with Josephine not go well?"

John sighs, scratching at the back of his head, "In truth Pittman; no, it did not. She is calling herself Elizabeth Phillips and refuses to acknowledge me."

"Hmm. Three years is a long time, John. And who knows what she has been through. She could be trying to preserve what little sanity she has left."

"Yeah, well, I wish she would cut it out." John grouses, coming to lean against the railing. "I honestly do not know what to do with her. I can see it in her eyes that she does not want to go back despite her demands. But I do not know how to get through to her."

"There may not be any getting through, sir. We may have to come to realization that she may have a life on land that she does not want to leave behind." Pittman regretfully points out.

"I do not like the implications of those words Rodger." John admits.

"Neither do I sir, but she is fighting something fierce. Whether it is herself or someone else I cannot tell, but it is a battle that must be waged. And we cannot deny her the outcome of that battle."

John sighs, "Yes, well she needs to figure it out before we exchange heated words. And I undoubtfully say something I will regret."

Pittman grins at the young man, shaking his head lightly. A small chuckle leaves his lips as he pats John on the shoulder. John glances over to the older man. He cannot help the smile that pulls at his own lips. John shifts, dangling his hands out over the edge of the railing. He gazes at the upper deck, the men lazily going about their work. He sighs heavily. Pittman had said some strong reasonings. He honestly had no idea what Joe had been through the past two, almost three years, she has been stuck on that island. She truly could have made a life for herself. But what was he to do if she had? He has already lost his sister Martha and his bother-in-law and best friend, Clinton; he could not just let Joey go to never see her again. His own fragile heart could not take that. John lowers his head, rubbing at the back of his neck. He brings it back up, crawling his way back up to a standing position.

"I do believe I will go check on Joey. It has been some time since I left her in the cabin, and I have yet to see her walk the ship." John states.

"I think that is a wise idea, sir." Pittman agrees.

John pushes himself off the railing, making his way down to his cabin. He pauses outside of the open doors, taking in a deep breath. He fists his trembling hands, flexing them as he exhaled. John relaxes his shoulders, lifting his head as he wonders into the room. His deep green eyes study the area with hawk-like precision. John freezes, his breath becoming trapped in his chest, as his eyes land on the bed. His face softens as Joe is curled up asleep. John creeps over to the side of the bed. Joe's loosened hair was scattered upon the pillow behind her. John smiles lightly, brushing away some of the strands that have fallen in her face. His hand instinctively cups the back of her head, gently massaging the scalp with his fingertips.

"You cannot begin to know how relieved I am that I found you Joey." John whispers in a shaky voice.

John freezes as Joe begins to stir. She shifts herself slightly, curling even more tighter. Her body trembles as a shiver travel down it. John reprimands himself as he forgot about the draft that runs through his cabin when the ship is in motion and the doors are left open. It was a perfect thing on a hot summer day after the sun has beaten down on you mercilessly. But when sleeping, it often chilled the body. John quickly grabs the red blanket, shaking it out before draping it over the young woman's body. Her shiver ceases as she curls her fingers into the fabric. John inhales sharply as Joe buries her nose into the fabric. Her body relaxes further into the mattress. John could not help the smirk that appears on his face. He leans down, gently pressing his lips onto Joe's forehead.

"You are safe now, Joey girl. You are home." John whispers quietly. He pulls away, rubbing his thumb over the tender spot. "Sweet dreams, my queen,"

John stands, making his way back out of the cabin. He pauses in the doorway, glancing back at his niece one last time. She was home and she was safe. Maybe now he can get her to see that. He shakes his head, running a hand through his hair. He plops his hat back on his head, wondering up to the quarterdeck with a new hope in his heart.