Chapter 3 - “They Already Buried You”
Madison leaned close enough for Avery to smell champagne on her breath.
“You died overseas eighteen months ago.”
Avery stared at her.
“What did you just say?”
“That’s what Julian’s family believes.”
“Why?”
Madison’s beautiful face hardened.
“Because dead heroes don’t come home and contradict people.”
Avery pulled her wrist free.
“What did you tell them?”
“That you were lost during a classified rescue.”
“I’ve been stationed in Norfolk.”
“They never checked.”
Avery’s stomach turned.
Madison had always resented her military career.
When they were children, Madison had cried if Avery received attention.
When Avery earned her commission, Madison accused her of humiliating the family by “playing soldier.”
But lying about her death was different.
It required documents.
Details.
A story convincing enough to fool a royal household.
Prince Julian approached them.
“Madison, is everything all right?”
Madison instantly softened.
“Yes. This officer is confused.”
Avery looked directly at him.
“I’m Lieutenant Avery Bennett.”
Julian frowned.
The name clearly meant something.
Madison stepped between them.
“She’s an unstable former acquaintance.”
“Former acquaintance?” Avery repeated.
Madison’s eyes flashed.
Then she slapped Avery across the face.
The entire ballroom went silent.
Avery absorbed the blow without moving.
Madison shoved her toward the champagne tower.
May you like
And within seconds, the King was standing over the shattered glass, calling Avery by a name no civilian should have known.
👉 But “Harbor Seven” was not Avery’s identity—it was the code attached to the most dangerous rescue of King Edmund’s life.
