From Slave To Queen (by Karyn Anderson) novel Chapter 365

Chapter 365

Before long, a servant entered the room and cleared away the dishes and wine from the table, replacing them with a fresh spread.

Trina, ever cautious, took out a silver needle to test the food for poison. She and Marquita tasted every dish again before finally allowing Athena to eat.

Athena was so hungry she felt faint and could only manage a few bites at first.

Marquita reminded her that the guests would likely continue celebrating until well into the night, possibly until dawn, before allowing the Duke back.

If Athena didn’t eat something, her body wouldn’t hold up.

After all, she would need to rise early the next morning to offer formal greetings to Alexandra, and then accompany Xander to the palace to pay respects to the King and Queen.

It was a demanding schedule that required a strong body.

After getting some food in her, Athena began to regain strength. And just as Marquita predicted, Xander never returned that night.

The hall outside was still lively with guests drinking and celebrating. Xander was undoubtedly tied up with social obligations.

Athena, as the bride, could not leave the bridal chamber. All she could do was wait.

But the front estate was far from calm.

Ansel cross–referenced the guest registry and movement logs, quickly identifying a suspicious maid.

When he arrived with guards, the girl panicked and tried to run. Ansel swiftly kicked her to the ground, dislocated her jaw to prevent suicide by tongue- biting, and knocked her out cold.

Guards threw a sack over her and quietly carried her away to the secret chamber.

Despite the crowds moving about, two footmen carrying a sack didn’t draw attention.

Ansel returned to the main hall and exchanged a subtle signal with Xander. Xander gave a faint nod. He knew the situation was under control.

As the night deepened, some guests began to take their leave.

Nelson stood by the gates, seeing guests off while secretly counting heads. Anyone who entered had been logged; anyone who left without their full party was held back.

To all appearances, he was the gracious host. In truth, he was hunting the saboteur.

At one table, Lizzie kept glancing around, her anxiety growing.

Her operative hadn’t acted. That was odd.

She loathed Athena. Naturally, she had no intention of letting that wedding go smoothly.

The plan was simple. They would slip a sedative into her food to prevent the consummation of the marriage.

She would then whisper a few well–placed words into Alexandra’s ear, and from that day forward, Athena would have no place in Xander Manor.

It was supposed to be foolproof. Yet two hours had passed, and her agent had not returned.

Only then did Lizzie realize something had gone wrong.

Feigning calm, she rose from her seat. Other noble ladies at her table followed suit.

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11:28 Sun, 20 Jul

Chapter 365

“Your Highness, leaving so soon? Won’t you have another drink?” someone asked.

Lizzie gave a charmingly dazed smile. “I’m afraid I’ve had more than enough. Please, continue enjoying the evening. I’m retiring”

“Escort the princess,” the crowd chimed politely.

Lizzie placed her hand on her maid’s wrist and turned to leave,

Moments ago, she had been arrogant. Now, she was panicked, barely keeping it together. She wished she could vanish into thin air.

But just as she reached the estate’s front gate, Nelson stepped forward with a courteous smile. “Your Highness, please wait. Prince Xander would like you to remain a little longer.”

At the mention of Xander, Lizzie’s heart dropped. She hadn’t seen her agent again since sending her off, and the longer she thought about it, the more it made sense..Xander must’ve caught her in the act. That idiot had ruined everything. Still, Lizzie told herself. ‘Deny everything. What could Xander do? Kill

me?‘

She straightened her spine. She looked at Nelson angrily. “I’m tired and wish to return. Thank your master for me.”

She tried to walk away, but at Nelson’s subtle gesture, guards stepped in and blocked her path.

Their swords glinted coldly in the torchlight. Lizzie’s knees nearly buckled.

“Her Highness has clearly had too much to drink,” Nelson said with forced cheer. “Please escort her to the back to rest.”

The princess’s retinue was no match for Xander Manor’s household guards. Within moments, she was dragged off.

To keep her from shouting, a hand was clamped over her mouth.

She ran to it, pounding and shrieking, “Let me out! I’m a princess! You’ll pay for this! Xander won’t get away with it!”

For the first time, she truly regretted ever crossing Xander. He was ruthless. And he would make her pay.

Seeing it was Xander, they breathed a sigh of relief, bowed, and quietly shipped out.

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