From Slave To Queen (by Karyn Anderson) novel Chapter 219

Chapter 219

When Athena returned to Natasha’s side, Natasha gave her a mischievous look and winked. “Prince Xander treats you wel, doesn’t he?” she bined.“5. when are you two tying the kitot?”

Athena blushed slightly Recalling her conversation with Xander, she admitted to herself, I was being greedy.

I’m so lonely that if anyone shows me even a shred of care or concern, I just want to cling to them

It’s like that with Natasha, and so it is with Xander.

‘Their kindness makes me feel truly alive and truly human.

“Naturally, I want to

o repay their kindness.

“I know it’s silly, but after having been neglected and unloved since I was young, I can’t help but treasure these rare moments of warmth

“Let’s talk about that later,” Athena hedged. She couldn’t explain her complicated relationship with Xander to Natasha, so she could only give a vague

answer

As they were about to

to part ways, Natasha earnestly urged, “You simply must come visit me when you have time!”

“Alright, |

t, I promise I will.

Athena nodded in response,

Upon returning home, Athena instructed Trina to deliver two sets of century–old herbs, one to Xander and another to Natasha, as tokens of gratitude

Willow was carried back to the Duke’s Estate in a severely injured state. The excruciating pain from her broken leg made her wail incessantly, and her agonized screams reverberated through the entire courtyard

dat

“Mother, it hurts… it hurts so much.” Willow sobbed hoarsely as she clutched at Eloise like a lifeline with a face streaked with tears.

Her messy hair clung to her tear–stained cheeks as she wept in utter misery.

The agony from her shattered leg was so unbearable that she wished for death. She had even passed out from the pain multiple times on the way home.

Eloise’s heartached unbearably as she watched Willow in agony.

But she wasn’t a doctor and couldn’t bear the pain for her daughter. All she could do was hold Willow helplessly, murmuring again and again, “Willow, my poor girl, you’ve suffered so much you’ve truly suffered…

Inside the room, mother and daughter clung tightly to each other.

Outside, the Duke of Suffield’s face was ashen with rage as he berated Matthew, “She went to a party perfectly fine. How did she come back battered and broken? Her wedding is in just two days. What on earth are we supposed to do now?”

The marriage alliance between the Monson and Osborne familles had already been fraught with changes and delays.

Now, with the wedding date fast approaching and Willow’s leg broken, how could the Duke of Suffield not be furious!

The Duke of Suffield pointed his whip at Matthew and demanded, “Speak What exactly happened here?”

Matthew knelt on the ground, fear written all over his face. He explained, “Father, it was all Athena’s fault That troublemaker is the one who made Willow fall and break her leg

Even though Athena had produced evidence that Willow had set her up first, Matthew only hesitated for a moment before shifting all the blame back

onto Athena.

Chapter 219

Wter all, someone has to take the blame for this, he thought. ‘Iftadmht responsibility, what standing would have left in this households athe always been my scapegoa–what’s one more time?‘

The Duke of Suffield’s asher face showed a flicker of surprise. “Athena?” he exclaimed.

His expression was a complex mix of shock and fury.

Taking a deep breath, the Duke of Suffield spat out through clenched teeth, “She’s become so vicious. And, out of jealousy for Willow, shed stoop to ruining her wedding plans.”

At this painful thought, he stamined his hand on the table, exclaiming, “This is downright monstmus!”

“Father, please grant me permission to bring Athena back to the estate to… properly discipline her.”

He spat out the last words through gritted teeth, a primal savagery emanating from his very bones, his eyes blazing with ferocious hatred, like a beast intent on tearing Athena apart and devouring her whole.

The Duke of Suffield had been wavering, unsure whether to break ties with Athena, but Nicolas’s words finally steeled his resolve.

He looked into Nicolas’s resentful eyes and finally nodded slowly in response, “Athena has indeed gone too far. Go and bring her back, but handle this discreetly. Do not use excessive force. Remember, she now enjoys… certain powerful connections.”

Matthew gloated inwardly as he offered his scheme, “That wretched girl cares most about Grandma. If she hes Grandma is critically ill, she’ll come running back without fail”

“How could you even suggest such a thing about Grandma?” Nicolas feigned shock, though his voice remained eerily calm.

A calculating gleam flashed in his eyes, and he was clearly not opposed to the idea.

After all, as the heir to the Duke’s Estate and Margaret’s favorite, he couldn’t risk hurting her feelings

Sensing Nicolas’s tacit approval, Matthew raised his voice, “Grandma has always lavored Athena, and she gives her everything! I can’t stomach that So

what if she pretends to be ill for a few days? Its not like it really hurt her. Father has no reason to say no.

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify