Embroidered across the velvet was the image of their family of seven-along with Elizabeth Kendrick''s name.
They said their goodbyes to the monks at the abbey, and Tarquin personally carried Elizabeth''s urn down the hill.
But just as they reached the foot of the hill, a squad of soldiers appeared.
They stood in crisp formal uniforms, waiting at the roadside.
Army, Navy, Air Force-the whole works.
As soon as they saw Tarquin holding Elizabeth''s urn, every one of them snapped
to attention and saluted, heads bowed in respect.
Tarquin was caught off guard. "..."
After the salute, one of the officers stepped forward to exin,
"The higher-ups learned that Elizabeth and Kendrick would beid to rest together today. They asked us toe and pay our respects."
"Given the current situation, their heroic deeds can''t be shared with the public yet. But we can''t let our heroes go unrecognized. We''re here to honor her and escort her back to her husband."
Tarquin understood. He nodded, hugging his mother''s urn tightly and bowing in gratitude.
The officers then turned to Soren, saluting once more. "Commander!"
Soren returned the salute. "Let''s go. We can''t bete for Elizabeth''s burial." The group piled into the cars, heading toward Number One Manor.
Tarquin had nned it all out-he wanted to take his mother to see Number One Manor onest time, then visit her old house, and finally, to the cemetery.
Military vehicles led the way, a procession of ck sedans following close behind. They were giving her the respect she deserved.
Elysia still had no idea about the details of the government operation. She was confused-why would the military brasse out personally to see them off?
Soren''s presence made sense, sure.
But the heads of the Army, Navy, and Air Force? That was something else.
It wasn''t the right time to ask, though, so she just kept quiet.
Tarquin caught her confusion and exined quietly,<fn5978> Follow current nov?ls on FindN()vel</fn5978>
"Dad and Mom died serving the country. They gave their lives for the nation''s safety. That''s why the military''s here."
Elysia''s eyes widened in shock. "!"
She''d always believed her inws had died in a family dispute over money.
She''d never imagined they were heroes.
Her respect for Elizabeth and Kendrick deepened.
She didn''t ask for details, just frowned, her expression solemn.
"Your parents are our pride. We should all learn from them."
She turned to the kids-Elliot, Evan, Emmett, Elijah, and baby
Maddie-"You all need to learn from Grandpa and Grandma. They were heroes You''re their grandchildren-you have to
remember what that means.
s
The five kids nodded together. "We''ll learn from Grandpa and Grandma!"
Tarquin looked at his family, pride warming his chest.
In his heart, he whispered:
Mom, with such an amazing daughter-inw and grandkids, you must be proud, right?
You used to ask me what kind of girl I wanted to marry.
Well, you can see for yourself—it had to be someone like Elysia.
No one else would do.
I love her, Mom. For the rest of my life, it''s her and only her.
...
Their convoy rolled from the outskirts back into the city.
Onlookers gathered on every corner.
The news of Elizabeth and Kendrick being buried together had already gone viral overnight.
At first, everyone thought it was just another rich family drama But when
the
bootary vehicles pulled up the
whole city was stunned. s
A military escort-that was the highest honor.
No one knew exactly what Elizabeth had done.
But they knew it had to be extraordinary.
Even with Tarquin''s wealth, the military wouldn''t show up like untess truly mattered s
One luxury car after another crossed the city streets, nked by military vehicles.
The spectacle left everyone speechless.
Soren gazed out the window, brow furrowed, and murmured,
"This is what a hero deserves."