From Slave To Queen (by Karyn Anderson) novel Chapter 284

Chapter 284

Her grandfather had devoted himself wholeheartedly to paving the way for the duke’s estate. It was his unwavering support that elevated the Duke of Suffield to powEL.

Yet when the old man was wrongfully imprisoned, not a single soul at the duke’s estate dared to speak on his behalf.

Even Eloise turned a blind eye to his plight.

Athena had once believed that in the face of nin, people would simply protect their own. But what she saw was far worse. Those at the duke didn’t just turn their backs on her grandfather, they struck him while he was already down.

Her chest burned. It hurt to breathe as she thought about how her grandfather had survived such cruelty, and how she, unwillingly, had too.

Tears streamed down Athena’s face, each drop striking Xander’s heart with equal pain.

He reached out and gently brushed away the tears on Athena’s face, his voice soft as he promised, “I’ve got you covered. You won’t have to worry about anything from now on

Xander vorved to be Athena’s shelter from every storm, to keep her safe, and to see her live in peace and happiness.

Athena’s eyes were red and swollen from crying, her utterly broken look wrenching Xander’s heart

With trembling lips, Athena murmured to Xander, “Please, becareful.”

Athena vaguely sensed that her grandfather’s case would have far reaching implications.

There was no way Xander could reopen the case without word getting out. He was going to be in danger

Xander smiled faintly at her anxious words. “Tll be fine. I might be gone from Pidence City for a while, but if anything happens, don’t act on your own Just wait for me. We’ll get through it together.”

Athena nodded softly and whispered, “Alright

After one last lingering look at Athena, Kander strode away without a backward glance.

With him gone, the grand chamber all at once felt hollow.

Even as sunlight streamed down on Athens, she felt none of its warmth.

When Trina came in with the coffee, she found Athena standing motionless, her gaze wacant, looking like a lost soul.

Startled, Trina hurriedly set the coffee down and rushed to Athena, “My lady, what’s wrong?” she asked anxiously.

Athena slowly snapped out of her dare, her eyes struggling to focus before she managed a trembling, profoundly relieved smile at Trina. Her voice shook with emotion as she said. “Trina, there’s finally news about my grandfather, he’s still alive.”

Trina’s eyes widened in surprise at the news. Then, just like Athena, a joyous smile spread across her face.

Tears mingled with Trina’s’smile as she nodded to Athena and said softly, “You’re not alone, you still have family”

With her voice choked, Athena told Trina, “You mustn’t breathe a word of this, understand?”

Even without Athena’s warning. Trina understood the gravity of the situation.

She nodded emphatically, her eyes filled with determination. “You can rest assured, even if it costs me my life, I won’t breathe a word”

No sooner had Trinished speaking than Athena gave her a light tap on the forehead and glared at her with mock annoyance. “Why bring up death for

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Chapter 284

no reason? Don’t jinx it!”

5. I was just joking, my lady!” Trina said, rubbing the spot on her forehead where Athena had tapped her. Still, a warmth bloomed in her chest.

Trina thought. To have such a kind hearted lady in this lifetime, Frust have truly done something good in my past lives to deserve such a blessing”

With an ingratiating smile, the carefully picked up the cup and offered it to Athena

rina hadst expected the cup to be so scalding hot. In that instant, her fingers slipped, and the cup crashed to the floor

It shattered into countless pieces, leading Trina standing rooted to the spot, utterly at a loss

Marquita burst in upon hearing the commotion, her eyes sweeping the room in alarm. “What happened? What happened? Lady Athens, are you hurt?”

One look at the scene and Marquita knew Trina had messed up again.

Marquita pointed her feather duster at Trina and scolded, “Trina! How many cups have you broken this month alone? If you keep this up, Lady Athena won’t be able to put up with your butterfingers anymore!”

Though Marquita was scolding harshly, she swiftly knelt down to clean up the mess hersel

Trina knew that despite her sharp tongue, Marquita wasn’t truly harsh at heart.

ly knelt down to clean up the mess. “Sorry, Marquita,” she said with an apologetic pout. “It was just an accident.”

She quickly

“Don’t you give me

Marquita replied.

e me that it’s only because Lady Athena is so g

so generous that she puts up with you. if it were me, I’d have kicked you out long agor

While the two chattered and bickered away, Athena found their lively noise anything but annoying

Athena rested her chin in her hand, watching them with a fond smile as their banter echoed through the room. It was in these small, noisy moments that she felt the warmth of home most clearly.

Trina might act all carefree and thick–skinned most of the time, but when it came to pain, she was the biggest softie around.

Athena looked surprised and asked, “Who is it?”

Athena paused for a moment upon hearing who it was. Then her eyes lit up with interest. Have her wait in the reception hall,” she said,

If she came to me, then she must be at the end of her rope

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