From Slave To Queen (by Karyn Anderson) novel Chapter 354

The news that Xander was going to marry Athena spread through Pidence City like wildfire.

Naturally, this news reached the military camp as well.

Xander handing over the military token had already shaken the morale of the troops.

There were worries the King might discard him after using him.

The union between the two noble houses was like a reassuring tonic, steadying the troops‘ morale.

The return of Kurtis was like an anchor dropped into stormy seas.

The soldiers gradually forgot their fears and eagerly discussed the upcoming wedding.

Mateo Friedman, who was cleaning his spear, accidentally dropped with a loud clang onto the stone ground. “Prince Xander is marrying Duchess Athena? Is that true?”

A young soldier nearby responded in a loud voice, “Of course it’s true! They say the King personally arranged the marriage. The gifts filled eight carriages and stretched all the way from Crimson Street to Sanlow Gate…”

“Really?” asked Jett Gould, the one–eyed veteran, his bloodshot eyes lighting up.

When Xander handed over the military token a few days ago, he had sat beside the campfire all night, unable to sleep.

Now he finally smiled with relief. “General Kurtis just returned to Pidence City, and we have already received such joyous news. The King hasn’t forgotten

us after all!”

They had served with Kurtis for many years, always hoping for a day like this.

As the men chatted and laughed, Mateo tilted his chin toward a figure in the distance.

The rest immediately stopped talking, stood up, and walked toward the man who was busy scrubbing clothes.

Under the blazing sun, the washbasins were filled with foul–smelling clothing.

Michael’s hair was messy, and his hands moved mechanically.

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His fingers were pale from the water, sweat dripped from his forehead, and in just under a month, he looked utterly worn down.

His once–handsome face was now gaunt and sun–darkened, his stubble reaching up to his cheeks.

If not seen with their own eyes, no one would believe that he was once the mighty and valiant Lord Osborne.

“Yo, Lord Osborne, you’re far too noble to be doing our laundry. I really can’t accept this honor,” Mateo said as he kicked over a washbasin. The clothes fell into the dirt, covered in mud.

Dirty water splashed all over Michael’s face and body. He paused for a moment, then numbly bent down to pick the clothes back up.

This routine happened every day.

It was as if heaven were punishing him, forcing him to suffer all the pain Athena had once endured.

Michael felt no anger. In fact, he wished they would treat him even worse. Only then could he feel some sense of redemption.

Mateo stepped forward again, intending to hit him, but was held back. “Why waste energy on someone like him? You abuse him, and he probably thinks he’s repenting. Don’t dirty your hands.”

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15:42 Sat, 19 Jul GOO

Chapter 354

Mateo spat. “If I had known Duchess Athena was being sent to the military camp back then, I’d have risked my life to protect her. Some people are worse than scumbags. Thankfully, karma caught up with him.”

He then deliberately provoked Michael. “Well, good for her. She’s about to marry Prince Xander. She’s protected now. The one you didn’t cherish is no beyond your reach. Are you regretting it now?”

Michael froze, pain surfacing in his eyes. He regretted it every moment.

He hated himself for being blind, for not seeing how much Athena had given him.

He had mistaken glass for a gem and hurt Athena again and again.

If anyone deserved punishment, it should be him.

Michael seemed to have all the strength drained from him. He stared blankly ahead.

“No one knows where these bandits came from. They’re ruthless and vicious. Burning, looting, killing. Nothing is beneath them. They hide in the treacherous terrain and move like ghosts. It’s been over a month and we haven’t even seen their shadows,” said Stetson Byrne with a sigh.

He squeezed his way to the front line, surprising the others.

At the front tent, the new commanding officer, Ryker Hubbard, looked deeply worried.

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