Chapter 284: Chapter 284 Heart Behind Shield
Phoebe’s POV
"He’ll pull through, but the blood loss was severe," the healer announced. The elderly woman, probably in her early eighties, spoke with deliberate slowness. "I’ve sealed his wounds with healing magic. No need to fret, my queen."
"Thank you, Ysabel," I said, relief flooding through me as I addressed the ancient healer.
"I’ll brew a remedy for him, my queen." The healer bowed and departed, leaving me alone with Timothy.
I settled on the bed’s edge, taking his cold hand in mine. He remained unconscious, his complexion ashen but his chest still rising and falling steadily.
From Dominic’s account, Timothy had battled five creatures simultaneously while shielding Harlow.
The same little girl he’d been uncertain about wanting in his world—the only obstacle preventing him from pursuing Jude.
Yet here he lay, having risked everything for her protection.
"You’re such a puzzle, Timothy." I knew about his initial meeting with Harlow, but I hadn’t realized he’d been visiting her regularly since then.
The thought prompted me to rise and leave the room. I discovered Patricia consoling Jude, who couldn’t stop her tears from flowing.
"Don’t panic, the gamma will survive. He’ll recover completely. Once he awakens, you can express your gratitude for saving Harlow. Everything will be alright, he’ll make it through." Patricia embraced her sister protectively.
Clearly, Patricia remained unaware that Timothy wasn’t merely the royal gamma who’d protected her niece—he was also Jude’s fated mate.
"May I speak with Jude privately?" I interjected.
Jude’s head snapped up immediately. "How is he, my queen?" she asked, her voice raw from crying.
"He’ll recover. The healer is preparing medicine for him now. Would you like to visit him?" My suggestion sparked hope in Jude’s eyes, though she quickly declined.
"No... I’ll wait until he regains consciousness." Jude ducked her head, stroking Harlow’s hair gently. Losing her daughter would devastate her, but losing Timothy would destroy her completely.
"Why refuse?" I pressed, sensing her true desires.
Patricia answered for her sister as usual. "It’s fine, my queen. She’ll wait here until the royal gamma awakens. She doesn’t want to disturb his rest."
I disagreed completely. "Timothy would want her beside him, particularly now." My words clearly puzzled Patricia, who couldn’t understand why her sister’s presence would matter to the royal gamma. She glanced between Jude and me, detecting something amiss.
However, she didn’t dare question the queen directly.
"Come inside, Jude. Timothy will be pleased to have you caring for him." I grasped Jude’s hand. She neither rejected nor accepted my offer.
"How... how can you be certain he’d be pleased?" Jude finally whispered, nibbling her lower lip before meeting my gaze. "I doubt he would..."
I laughed softly. "I know him well. He was actually my first friend when I arrived at the palace, so I understand him enough to guarantee he’d be delighted to see both you and Harlow."
Jude remained unconvinced, especially when I mentioned Harlow—the source of tension between them.
Nevertheless, I managed to convince her that Timothy didn’t harbor negative feelings toward the child.
If Timothy despised the little girl, he wouldn’t have protected her or even met her initially. Knowing his character, he’d been visiting Harlow repeatedly since their first encounter at that same location.
"Trust me. He’ll be overjoyed." I reassured Jude firmly.
Only then did Jude consent to enter with Harlow in tow. After closing the door, I explained everything to Patricia.
"She’s Timothy’s destined mate," I stated bluntly.
"She is?!" Patricia gasped in shock. "She never mentioned anything!"
I assured Patricia that Jude hadn’t intended to hide it, then explained the complexity of their situation.
"I want her happiness..." Patricia whispered softly. "My queen, are you certain the royal gamma will accept both her and Harlow?" Patricia fidgeted with her dress hem. "If... if the royal gamma doesn’t want Harlow in their lives... I could raise Harlow myself... as long as he accepts my sister. Jude deserves joy."
"Don’t speak that way." I squeezed Patricia’s hands gently. "Timothy will embrace Harlow. I’m absolutely certain."
"How can you..." Patricia doubted me, just like Jude—understandably so.
"Why do you think he’s lying in the infirmary? He shielded the little girl. He was there because he’d been meeting Harlow to know her better. Notice that trinket Harlow’s wearing? Timothy bought it yesterday." I pointed it out.
Yesterday during dinner, I’d spotted the trinket Timothy purchased. He’d tried concealing it, but when I inquired, he claimed it was for himself. Such a terrible liar...
"Are you positive, my queen?"
"Stop worrying," I reassured her. "Let them have privacy." I then guided Patricia away.
——
Meanwhile, inside the room, Jude stood beside Timothy’s bed, tears streaming down her face, while Harlow clung to her mother.
