The divorced military queen awakens novel

Chapter 410 Family Ties Rekindled Chapter 410 Family Ties Rekindled 58 +10 Free Coins Even though talking scraped her throat raw , Quinn still said , her voice no more than a trembling rasp , " I have always been grateful - to you , Uncle Everett , and to the entire Fane family . Years ago , when you rescued my brother in Doria , you gave him a second life . In the years since , you have sheltered him well . All this time , you have searched for my mother . If she were still alive , the moment she learns you never stopped looking , she will acknowledge you as her brother again .

How could I , her daughter , not recognize you as my uncle ? " Tears spilled down Everett's cheeks , shining trails he could not wipe away fast enough . " May Yara , wherever she rests , still think of me as her brother ," he whispered , the words cracked by longing . Leander stepped forward and squeezed Everett's shoulder . " She will - she absolutely will . And Quinn and I accept you as our uncle , too . We already do ." Only after a long , shaking breath did Everett regain control . Laura , who had been inside the ward , slipped out without a sound , leaving the family to their reunion .

Because Quinn's throat remained swollen , the conversation flowed mostly between Everett and Leander while she listened , eyes soft but alert . " From now on , I'll call you Rowan , " Everett said , turning to Quinn's brother . " Once we return to Celosia , I'll hold a press conference and make your true identities public . The earlier story about you being an illegitimate son - my aides will draft a cleaner explanation .

Wherever you two choose to live - Celosia , Azania , anywhere - the Fane family will stand behind you in full ." " Thank you , Uncle , " Leander , now Rowan , replied , the simple words carrying a lifetime of weight . Fatigue crept across Quinn's face ; the brief conversation had drained the energy she had only just regained . Seeing that weariness , Everett adjusted the blanket around her shoulders . " Rest now , Quinn . When you wake , I'll come back . " After Everett left , Rowan settled beside the bed . " Sleep , " he murmured . " I will keep watch right here .

" " Rowan , may I borrow your phone ? I ... need to make a call , " Quinn asked , voice barely louder than breath . Her own phone had doubtless melted to useless slag in the fire . 1/3 17:14 Thu , Sep 18 Chapter 410 Family Ties Rekindled Rowan handed her the device , curiosity flickering in his eyes . " Who are you calling ? " " Julius Whitethorn . " Quinn keyed in his private number , each tap deliberate . +10 Free Coins The line rang . No answer . She tried again , and again - only silence . A frown tightened on her brow .

Abandoning that number , she dialed Fabian's instead , and this time , the call connected almost immediately . " Good afternoon , Ms. Bridger ," Fabian's voice came crisp and professional through the speaker . " Fabian , Julius isn't picking up . Could you help me reach him ? " Quinn asked without preamble . " Mr. Whitethorn is recuperating and cannot take calls at the moment ," Fabian explained . " If there is a message , I will relay it ." " I want to see him in person . There are things I must say face - to - face . " " Understood .

I'll inform him at once ." " One more thing ," Quinn added , her voice catching . " How ... How serious are his injuries ? " " I've checked him over , " Fabian reported , his voice steady yet wearing the faint rasp of exhaustion . " Nothing life - threatening - mostly surface cuts and bruises . He did lose quite a bit of blood , though , so absolute rest is non - negotiable . " " All right . Let him rest . When I'm discharged , I'll come to him myself . " With that , she ended the call and placed the phone back into Rowan's waiting hand .

Rowan accepted the device , eyes narrowing with sibling concern . " Quinn , what is happening between you and Julius ? Did you two really break up ? " " We did break up , " she admitted , voice scarcely above a whisper . Then , stronger , " But I've only just realized that I want us together again . " Memories flooded her - moments etched in nerve and blood . When the world had gone white and the boundary between living and dying blurred , it was Julius who filled her mind .

She saw him hurl himself between her and danger , felt his arms around her as they fled through fire and ruin , both of them half - certain they would not survive , neither of them willing to regret the risk . If death itself doesn't frighten me , why should the fragile work of rebuilding trust ever scare me ? " Rowan , " she said at last , her voice trembling but sure , " I love Julius Whitethorn . " 2/3 17:14 Thu , Sep 18 .. ... 58 Chapter 410 Family Ties Rekindled +10 Free Coins When Quinn drifted back to consciousness in the hospital , daylight had shifted .

This time , besides Rowan stationed like an unsleeping guard , she found Harlan standing near the foot of the bed . " You're awake . I heard you came around once before this . " He advanced a hesitant step . " Had I known any of this was coming , I'd never have let you attend that Whitethorn banquet alone . I should've been there ." Instead , he had learned of the disaster only after the sirens , when rumors tore through the city like wind through broken glass .

He had rushed to the hospital and found her lying unconscious , ivory against the sterile sheets , the steady beep of monitors the only proof she was still with him . In that instant , his entire body had shivered , blood congealing in his veins . He had witnessed her injured before , had stood beside her while she hovered at the edge of life . That history , however , did nothing to dull the terror . Harlan lifted a hand , fingers trembling , craving the reassurance of her warmth against his skin .

But just before contact , Quinn turned her face ever so slightly , letting his hand meet only cool hospital air . The rejection froze him , an almost imperceptible wince tightening the corners of his mouth . Turning to Rowan , she spoke after some hesitation . " Rowan , there are a few things I need to say to Harlan privately ." " All right . I'll go buy something to eat . " He stepped out , the door clicking softly behind him . The room settled into a hush , leaving only Harlan and Quinn , the hum of the air - conditioning filling the space where Rowan's presence had been .

Harlan broke the silence first . " Are you choosing Julius ? " Quinn's head snapped up , her gaze locking onto his , fierce and unflinching . 3/3