The Unshackled Queen: Never Say Never

In two days, they’d reach Newfort’s port.

Winston’s anxiety lingered until Hannah returned.

He quickly asked, “Is everything okay? Do you have a solid plan? Do you need me to do anything?”

“You don’t have to lift a finger,” she replied.

Rocco, wheeling himself out, voiced his concern.

“Hannah, have I been a burden to you?”

Hannah, with a gentle smile, reassured him.

“Not at all.

It has nothing to do with you.

Once the ship docks, you’ll return to Cadilind with my cousin.

”

Rocco, clutching her clothes, asked apprehensively, “What about you, Hannah? Aren’t you coming with us?”

Hannah answered with a calm smile, “I need to stay in Newfort a bit longer.

I have some things to sort out.

I’ll follow once I’m done.

”

“I want to stay with you then!”

Hannah firmly said, “No! Here, I can’t protect you as well as back home.

”

Rocco tried to argue, but Hannah cut him off, “No buts.

You’re safer on your own.

I can’t be worrying about you too.

”

After a moment’s hesitation, Rocco agreed, “Okay, I’ll do as you say.

”

Hannah then turned to Winston.

“We shouldn’t meddle with the ship’s cargo.

”

Winston, concerned, said, “But that’s all contraband.

What if something goes wrong…”

“There won’t be any trouble.

Bryson’s reliable.

”

Winston, puzzled, asked, “Why so much trust in him?” He opened and closed his mouth, lost for words.

“Yes, I trust him,” she affirmed.

After pondering for a moment, Winston replied, “Okay.

But remember, if he’s in trouble and can’t handle it on his own, I’m not stepping in.

”

Hannah offered a reassuring smile, aware of his concerns.

“No need to worry.

He’s always managed to keep his promises to me.

”

As Hannah prepared to leave the ship, Conor’s people found her.

She didn’t hesitate this time and agreed to work with them.

She had one condition.

They could not contact her until she returned to Wallace.

She said Wallace’s sharp instincts would detect something amiss.

Conor accepted her terms.

They agreed to contact each other through a secure website after that.

As the time for Hannah to disembark approached, her anxiety grew.

It wasn’t a lack of trust in Bryson.

She feared something might happen to him on the Queen Elizabeth.