Chapter 364
Xander guided Athena beneath the arch of white rose
s into the manor’s oak paneled ballroom.
All the guests erupted in cheers, their congratulatory shouts filling the air.
At the front, the chaplain pronounced the blessing, and the couple exchanged vows.
When it came time to honour their elders, Alexandra sat rigid in a tall carved chair, forcing a wan smile that deepened only when her son’s cool gazs flicked her way.
Afterward, Athena was escorted back to the bridal chamber.
Tall beeswax tapers wavered, casting a honeyed glow over embroidered draperies.
Athena, in satin gown and pearl–spangled veil, sat at the edge of the canopied bed. Her back was straight, yet her gloved fingertips trembled on her lap
She drew a steady breath or two to quiet her racing heart.
Trina, her maid, noticed the tension and whispered with a cheerful smile. “Don’t worry, my lady. Marquita and I are just here, nothing to distress you.”
Hearing Trina’s gentle voice, Athena finally felt her tension ease a little.
“Have some water, Your Highness.” Trina poured a cup of water for Athena. Athena took it, drank a few sips, then handed it back to Trina.
She’d been up and busy since dawn, not a single bite or sip passing her lips.
Still, Athena didn’t dare drink much. “What if I need to use the restroom later? People would laugh at me!” she worried.
Trina leaned in close and whispered, “His Highness just instructed that if Your Highness is hungry or thirsty, don’t worry about the formalities. Just let me know. There’s a chamber pot right behind this room, so please eat and drink freely.”
“Can I really?” Athena was still shy about it.
‘Even though Xander is so thoughtful, it’s still my wedding day, with so many eyes on me,‘ Athena thought anxiously.
So many eyes had followed her all day. Besides, Alexandra disapproved of her. If Alexandra seized on the slightest misstep, another lecture would follow,
Athena shook her head. “I’m not hungry yet. You and Marquita should eat. You haven’t had a bite either.”
“But His Highness insisted. Don’t worry. No one will disturb us.” Trina, clearly worried, still tried to persuade her.
Athena insisted on waiting for Xander, so Trina and Marquita gave up.
The two stayed by Athena’s side, neither of them touching the food on the table.
When the food began to cool, servants came in to clear it away and replaced it with freshly prepared dishes, fruits, and wine.
In short, everything in the bridal chamber remained fresh.
Xander’s attentiveness pleased both Trina and Marquita greatly.
The removed food was taken to the kitchen to be shared among the servants.
It was obvious the food hadn’t been touched.
The servants divvied it up and chatted happily about Athena being graceful and generous.
11:28 Sun, 20 J01 GO
Chapter 364
Just then, a maid eating the leftovers suddenly clutched her head.
Her eyelids began to droop as she murmured, “L… I feel so dizzy…”
Before she finished her sentence, she collapsed.
The cook, terrified, didn’t dare make a sound, but knowing the seriousness of the situation, quickly said to the others, “Stop eating! Semene drugged
the food!”
Fortunately, only three or four maids had eaten.
The steward locked the courtyard and didn’t let anyone in or out. Then she slipped away to find Nelsort in the front hall.
Nelson was busy entertaining the guests when he saw
the kitchen steward approach with a serious expression. He immediately went over to meet her.
Lowering his voice, Nelson asked, “What happened?”
The steward whispered a few words into his ear, and Nelson nodded without panic..
He waved his hand to dismiss her.
Nelson then called over Ansel and said to him, “Someone sneaked into the manor and drugged Lady Athena’s food. Go investigate immediately.”
Xander laughed along good–naturedly. “Don’t worry. I’ll keep you all company tonight. But first, let me visit the privy.”
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