Chapter 3 - The Guardian of Queens
An hour later, Nathan’s Bentley pulled up to a dilapidated apartment building in a crowded section of Queens. The stairwells smelled of old cooking oil and damp concrete. Nathan held the twins' hands tightly as they climbed to the third floor, stopping outside apartment 3B.
When he knocked, the door was opened by an elderly woman with kind, tired eyes—Mrs. Gable, the neighbor. Standing just behind her dress was a tiny four-year-old girl with dark curls, wearing a faded t-shirt and holding a well-worn plush rabbit.
Lily had her mother’s big, soulful eyes, but her complexion was fragile, her breathing slightly heavy.
"Can I help you?" Mrs. Gable asked defensively, looking at Nathan's expensive attire.
"Mrs. Gable, my name is Nathan Whitmore. Claire is my housekeeper," Nathan said gently, kneeling down so he was at eye level with Lily. "Claire collapsed this evening. She's in the hospital, but she is safe. The doctors are taking care of her."
Mrs. Gable let out a sharp gasp, her hand flying to her chest. "Oh, dear God... I told her. I told her she couldn't keep doing this."
Lily stepped out from behind the older woman, her little voice trembling as she clutched her plush rabbit. "Is Mommy broken?"
Owen stepped forward before Nathan could answer. He reached out and gently patted Lily’s shoulder, just like he had done for Claire at the gate. "Don't worry, Lily. My daddy is really strong. He took your mommy to the big doctor, and we came to get you so you can stay at our castle."
Lucas nodded eagerly. "Yeah! We have a giant playroom and a swing set, and we can play monarchs together!"
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Lily looked at the twins, then up at Nathan. Nathan offered her a warm, reassuring smile, extending his hand. "Your mommy loves you very much, Lily. She asked me to keep you safe until she wakes up. Will you come with us?"
Lily stared at his hand for a long moment, then slowly reached out and wrapped her tiny fingers around his thumb.
