The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 111

Chapter 111

Athena’s eyes instantly welled up as she threw herself into her arms, tears streaming down her face. “Grandmother, I was so scared. When I heard you’d fainted, I completely lost my head. But I don’t regret what I did, not for a second.”

Athena thought to herself, “I will never let anyone harm Grandma. Not now, not ever!

“My silly child…” Margaret murmured, gently patting Athena’s back over and over, her heart aching with both worry and pride.

Margaret had only just woken up, but after a brief conversation, her strength soon gave out.

After carefully settling Margaret into bed, Athena quietly withdrew from the chamber.

Athena had been all fired up just moments ago, but Margaret’s words cooled her down.

Athena thought to herself, ‘Whoever dared to hurt Lucky must have been sure no one would find out.

‘Only someone Lucky knew well could have gotten close to him.

‘At that time, only Yvette, Willow, and her maidservant were in the garden, all three are suspects.’

Athena walked into the hall with a stormy expression. Seeing her face, Eloise’s heart clenched in alarm, she quickly pulled Willow behind her and forced a smile. “How is Margaret?” she asked.

“Grandmother has taken her medicine and has fallen asleep,” Athena said, her piercing gaze never leaving Willow.

Athena’s dagger–like gaze was almost tangible, leaving Willow with nowhere to hide.

Willow forced an awkward smile. “I’m so glad Grandmother is okay.”

“Yes…” Athena scoffed lightly, her voice laced with sarcasm. “Thank goodness Grandmother is all right, otherwise, wouldn’t that have played right into certain people’s hands?”

Faced with her snarky demeanor, Willow didn’t dare say a word.

Athena spoke up again, her voice icy. “Yvette just told me she was fetching Lucky’s ball when he suddenly disappeared. Lucky for him, he managed to survive. But Lucky never forgets a grudge. Once he’s recovered, I’m sure he’ll point out exactly who tried to hurt him.”

Athena said coldly, “When we find whoever harmed Lucky, I’ll make sure they lose an arm.”

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Willow visibly blanched at Athena’s words, her face draining of color as fear gripped her.

Wringing her handkerchief tightly, her eyes brimming with tears, she looked utterly pathetic.

Seeing Willow so terrified, Eloise quickly shielded her and said to Athena, “Willow would never do such a thing. There’s no need to frighten her like this.”

“We’ll know soon enough.” Athena fixed Willow with an icy glare, then turned on her heel and strode out of Starling House.

After returning from Margaret’s chambers, Athena summoned Trina and whispered a few words in her ear.

Trina’s eyes widened in surprise, but she nodded quickly in understanding.

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Then, Athena pressed a small pouch of coins into her hand, and Trina slipped out.

As Trina stepped out, she ran into Siena and Aliza.

Lately, Trina had been attending to Athena exclusively, which was gnawing at Siena.

As soon as Siena saw Trina, she deliberately picked a fight. “Where do you think you’re going, you little wretch? Instead of properly serving Miss Monson in her room, you’re always wandering about!”

“I sent her out,” Athena’s voice cut in, no one had noticed when she’d appeared at the doorway.

Siena started, then hurried forward to curtsy to Athena. “Miss Monson,” she asked, “when did you return?”

Athena gave Siena and Aliza a quick, indifferent once–over, both were all dolled up, clearly trying to outdo each other in looks.

It seemed they’d just returned from Matthew’s quarters again.

“Just got back,” Athena said with a faint smile.

All the allowances and supplies from Athena’s quarters ended up in Matthew’s hands, one way or another, due to those two and their endless little tricks.

Siena felt uneasy. ‘Could Athena have found out?‘ she thought to herself.

Seeing Athena’s pleasant expression and finding no disapproval in her eyes, Siena silently sighed in relief, letting her guard down.

Aliza approached with a bright smile, offering a steaming cup. “Miss Monson, I’ve made you some fresh coffee. Would you like some?”

Athena took a seat and sipped her coffee.

Siena propped open the window and, casually mentioning Matthew, said, “You know, Mr. Monson’s three–year post at the Pidence Guards is up. With all the merits he’s earned, he might get promoted this year. Mrs. Monson said we should throw a big celebration when the time comes.”

Athena paused with her teacup halfway to her lips, a spark of interest flickering in her eyes. “Have you caught wind of something?”

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