From Slave To Queen (by Karyn Anderson) novel Chapter 295

Chapter 295

Chapter 295

Xander’s words flowed through Athena’s heart like a warm, gentle current.

All her life, she had heard nothing but cold, cutting words. Never in her life had anyone spoken to her with such tenderness.

Back at the duke’s estate, any misstep would earn her harsh punishment.

Even when Athena tried her hardest to please her family, it never seemed to matter. They never once truly cared about her.

Yet with Xander, she felt like a precious treasure, truly cherished.

Athena clung to Xander’s arm and said with heartfelt sincerity, “Thank you, Prince Xander. Thank you for being so incredibly kind to me.”

With a soft chuckle, Xander patted her hair lightly. “Of course I have to be good to you.”

Xander’s words left Athena utterly enchanted, making her feel completely off balance.

Athena glanced around at the surrounding mountains and forests, then deliberately changed the subject. “Prince Xander, I need to go to the temple. The pawn ticket is in the dry well.”

“I’ve already sent my men to retrieve it. With Ansel and Jessa on hand, you can rest easy,” he said.

“Then what should we…” Athena’s voice trailed off, uncertain.

Xander pulled a whistle from his belt and blew a sharp, commanding note.

Within moments, dozens of shadow guards appeared at his side, their faces tight with worry.With heads bowed, they said in unison, “Forgive our delay, Your Highness.”

Xander’s gaze turned icy. “Doesn’t matter. Leave none alive in these woods, except one for questioning.”

The shadow guards bowed respectfully and replied in unison, “At your command, Your Highness.”

Then, Xander gently raised his hand, signaling them to leave.

The remaining guards formed a protective circle around Xander and Athena as they made their way down the mountain.

At Osborne Manor, Kelsey paced the main hall in a frenzy, her worry mounting with every step

Fletcher’s face darkened with fury as he growled, “Now you’re worried? Where was this concern before? I warned you repeatedly to keep Michael in check, so tell me, what exactly have you been doing?

“Now he dares to defy the Queen for that woman? Are you trying to get the Osborne family wiped out?”

Kelsey’s face flushed with humiliation, then paled with distress under his scolding.

Kelsey sat down anxiously, her brows knitted in concern. Soothingly, she said, “My lord, please calm down. These rumors may not be true. Let’s wait until Michael returns before we make any decisions.”

“The Queen is in a towering rage! With all the evidence laid bare, you still dare to defend him?” Fletcher’s face turned livid with fury

His breath came in short, angry bursts as he exploded, “He escorted Athena the entire way and even injured the Queen’s own people. The sheer audacity of that boy!”

Kelsey was both shocked and fearful, but this was her son after all. At that moment, she could only try to defend Michael.

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Chapter 295

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She Kelsey tried to explain, “Michael has always been loyal and devoted since childhood. He’s only protecting Athena out of respect for their bond. I’m sure Her Majesty the Queen will show understanding.”

Yet, even as she said it, Kelsey herself didn’t truly believe her own words.

‘The Queen only went after Athena,‘ Kelsey thought with disdain, ‘because that presumptuous girl actually has the gall to dream of clearing General

Perkins’s name!‘

With both the Queen and Prince Fermin involved, Kelsey couldn’t possibly allow Athena to act as she pleased.

Fletcher’s forehead pulsed with rage as he spoke in a weary, drained voice, “When he returns, send him to the Queen to beg for forgiveness on his knees. Tell him, if he dares meddle in Athena’s affairs again, he’ll no longer be my son.”

With that, Fletcher stormed out, still fuming.

Kelsey sat alone in the hall, silently weeping while thinking about how Athena and Michael had been childhood sweethearts.

But that illusion shattered the moment her grandfather became embroiled in scandal.

If Michael married Athena, the Osborne family would never know peace.

And with Athena’s reputation already in shambles, there was no way someone like her could ever be accepted into the Osborne family.

As thoughts of Michael’s future clouded her mind, Kelsey’s tears dried, replaced by a cold, unwavering resolve.

She would put an end to Michael’s feelings for Athena, once and for all.

Because if she didn’t, it was only a matter of time before Athena dragged their family into complete ruin.

Thus she ordered her servant, “Go tell Lady Willow to get her ass back here immediately, or she can forget about ever setting foot in the Osborne family again.”

All this time she’d been staying at the Osborne estate, Michael hadn’t shown his face, not even once. It broke her heart.

Nona skipped in cheerfully from outside. “Lady Willow, someone from the Osborne family is here!”

“Really?” Willow’s face lit up with sudden joy as she sprang to her feet.

Nona nodded vigorously. “The messenger is waiting in the main hall.”

Willow’s eyes lit up with hope as she eagerly asked, “Who is it? Is Michael here too?”

“It’s just a servant,” Nona reported, though she found it odd. “He says he’s here to deliver a message,

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