The divorced military queen awakens novel

Chapter 626 Unexpected Bargain 220 The idea of trading the letter had never featured in Joaquin's strategy . Its sudden appearance shifted the board - and Julius meant to exploit every inch of that advantage . Sliding his phone into his pocket , Julius returned to the ancestral hall Quinn had already gone , her absence leaving the courtyard oddly hushed He strode to the locked chamber where Gavin remained confined the hinges groaning as he pushed the heavy door aside . Julius stood with his coat already bunoned the collar turned up against a night wind that had not yet begun to blow .

The muted glow of the corridor lamps carved sharp angles across his face , etching resolve into every line . Ill be leaving Jexburgh tonight . The moment I'm gone . you'll be free to step outside these walls . Remember this . Quinn and the child she's carrying are now your responsibility . The estate guards will answer to you but Quinn's word outranks yours . Treat it as law . Gavin planted himself in julius path arms folded eyes a storm of disbelief . You really mean to disappear without telling Quinn ? Aren't you afraid shell lose faith in you all over again ?

" Julius met the challenge without flinching . " Her rust is a lesser price than her safery . To him , nothing - absolutely nothing - ourweighed her safery . He adjusted his cufflink , voice dropping to something close to a plea . A few more hours and you'll be free , Gavin . Don't make me regret trusting you . " With that , Julius pivoted and disappeared into the long corridor . Gavin was left pacing the cell - like room , rage coiling so tight he finally stamped the floor just to hear something break To hell with his trust !

If the man truly trusted me , he wouldn't have locked me up in this gilded cage . As twilight settled over the manor , Julius commandeered the vast marble kitchen , rolling up his sleeves and coaxing flames beneath copper pans until the air swelled with the aromas of sautéed herbs and slow - braised meat . By the time the grandfather clock tolled eight , a feast worthy of any holiday sprawled across the dining table , steam curling like silk above each dish . Quinn paused at the threshold , eyes widening at the unexpected tableau . " What inspired you to cook tonight ?

" she asked , genuine surprise coloring her voice as she took in the neatly plated courses , each one looking suspiciously restaurant - perfect . Julius wiped flour from a knuckle , offering the faintest smile . " You once told me that when your father was home , he'd cook for the family . You dreamed of a marriage like that . I can 1/3 19:32 Mon , Dec 22 Chapter 626 Unexpected Bargain never match your dad , but I'm willing to try . " She sank into her chair , curiosity flickering . " When did you learn all these recipes ? " 26 +20 Free Coins He set a bowl of soup before her .

" I've been learning in secret for a while - wanted to surprise you . " The surprise was genuine ; a soft laugh escaped her lips as she took the spoon . Together , they began their meal , the room quiet save for clinking cutlery and the low hum of night insects outside the open window . After dinner , Quinn rose , but a sudden wave of dizziness stole her balance . Julius was beside her in an instant , one arm circling her waist before she could fall . She blinked , lids heavy . " I ... I feel weak ," she murmured , a thick drowsiness dragging at the edges of her words .

Julius kept his voice gentle , almost apologetic . " I slipped a mild sedative into your drink . It won't harm you or the baby , but it will let you sleep for a few hours ." He gathered her into his arms , cradling her as though she were the most fragile thing in the world . With measured steps , he headed for the bedroom , the corridor lights blooming like small moons along their path . Quinn fought to keep her eyes open , words slurring together . " You ... " she whispered , forcing each syllable through the fog . " Why ? " He tightened his hold , remorse clouding his features .

" Quinn , I'm going to see my father and end this once and for all . I'm sorry I kept it from you . " Only weeks earlier , he had sworn never to lie to her again . Yet here he was , twisting words and hiding truths - the difference between omission and deceit felt painfully thin . Quinn's heart sank . He's ... going to see Joaquin ? And what does he mean by " end this " ? Don't tell me ... But the thought dug icy claws into her chest , and panic bloomed where certainty used to live . She tried to form words , but her throat constricted , refusing sound .

At last her eyelids , burdened with leaden sleep , drifted shut . Somewhere inside the gathering darkness , a single spark of awareness flickered on , refusing to die out . Julius carried her into the dim bedroom and laid her gently on the mattress , smoothing the quilt over her as though sealing a promise he wasn't sure he could keep . 2/3 19:32 Mon , Dec 22 Chapter 626 Unexpected Bargain Z ( 26 ) +20 Free Coins Julius lowered his voice until it was barely louder than the hush of the IV drip beside the bed .

" Quinn , back in Celosia , you blindsided me once , and tonight I've done the same to you . Let's call it even , alright ? If , by some miracle , I make it home again , forgive me for this betrayal . One last time . Please . " No ! Don't do this , Julius . We promised we would face every demon together - not you alone , not ever again . " You're carrying our child now . You're strong - stronger than anyone I know - but you're in no shape to confront my father , that madman .

The night I watched them wheel you into emergency surgery and could only wait outside , wondering if I'd lose both you and our baby , I swore that man would never touch either of you again ." He spoke those words in a steady murmur while sliding the sandalwood bracelet she once gave him over her slack wrist , his fingertips lingering as though memorizing the curve of her pulse . " You told me the bracelet would keep me safe every year I drew breath . " He tightened the loop gently . " Now I'm giving that safety back to you - and to our baby .

May the two of you outlive every storm that finds me . " For that blessing to hold true , he was prepared to sacrifice everything - name , fortune , even the years he had left . Quinn , half - conscious beneath the sedatives , felt the familiar warmth of the beads settle against her skin . Yet something else - metallic and icy - closed around her thumb . What is that ? What is he putting on me now ? " The Whitethorn signet ring , " he explained , lifting her hand to the faint bedside light . " With it , you control every resource in the family . The Shadow Guards answer only to this crest .

If I don't return , you'll be head of the Whitethorn family - no one will dare defy you . " 3/3 Sara Lili Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland's breathtaking cold.