The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 119

Chapter 119

‘Besides, the fire has consumed everything, leaving no evidence at all.

‘And Willow, likely framed, is none the wiser.

Henry suppressed a sigh, his authoritative gaze sweeping impassively over the assembled family members.

Everyone pleaded for Willow, all except Athena, whose eyes burned with resentment.

He thought, ‘What a disappointment Athena has become.’

After some deliberation, Henry finally made his decision.

Averting his gaze from Athena, his expression stern, he declared in a deep voice, “Were it not for your mother and brother pleading on your behalf, such a grave offense would not be easily forgiven. For now, your transgression will be recorded. After the Osborne family presents their proposal, you will be grounded in your quarters for fifteen days to properly reflect on your wrongdoing.”

Upon hearing this, a flicker of relief, like a drowning person finding solid ground, instantly flashed in Willow’s once despairing eyes.

Willow hastily prostrated herself, tears gushing from her eyes as she cried out, “Thank you for your mercy, Father. I will thoroughly reflect on my wrongdoing.”

Willow’s voice quivered with tears, sounding utterly heartbroken.

Her sobs wracked her body, sending her into violent coughing fits.

Eloise was watching her with concern when she suddenly caught sight of Willow’s hand. She gasped, “Willow! Your hand! Quickly, summon the house physician!”

Everyone turned to look, only to see Willow’s fingers a bloody mess, the skin scorched and peeled back, exposing bright red, tender flesh underneath. Blood seeped from the wounds, making it a gruesome sight.

Eloise felt as if a thousand needles were stabbing her heart, the pain was so sharp that she nearly passed out.

Eloise’s eyes brimmed with tears as she quickly helped Willow up. Her voice trembled as she cried, “Willow, how could you keep quiet when you’re hurt this badly? Doesn’t it hurt at all, my child?”

Her precious daughter was burned like this. It shattered Eloise’s heart.

Athena watched it all impassively, drawing her exposed hand back into her sleeve.

Back when she came home covered in wounds from the Empress’s torture, Eloise had never shown me such concern.

Back then, Eloise didn’t even ask if she was alright, let alone show this kind of heartbroken concern.

Athena thought bitterly, “Willow merely burned three fingers, yet Mother is wailing as if the world ended. Such a cruel irony, what a staggering contrast!‘

Willow clung to her mother, tears streaming uncontrollably as she choked out between sobs, “I… I’ve caused such a disaster. I deserve the worst punishment. It’s just some burns, I don’t dare ask Father and Mother to worry about me anymore…”

Willow put on such a pitiful look, as if she had suffered the greatest injustice.

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Eloise held Willow tightly in her arms, gently stroking her back as she softly murmured, “Oh, my poor child…”

Henry frowned, his brows tightly knit. He thought, ‘Willow has always been a sensible child. I really haven’t misjudged her after all.’

The three Monson brothers watched the scene and felt a bitter taste in their hearts.

Before long, the house physician arrived with his medical kit.

Seeing the burns on Willow’s hand, the house physician cleaned the wound, perfunctorily applied some burn ointment, and called it done.

“Shouldn’t we bandage it?” Eloise couldn’t help but ask.

“The bleeding on her hand is from burn blisters that burst. Now that all the blisters have been drained, she’ll recover in a few days. It’s nothing serious.

If not for the paycheck from the estate, the physician wouldn’t have even bothered with the ointment.

Eloise didn’t catch the dissatisfaction in the house physician’s words. She nodded in relief.

Willow grimaced, her face twisted in pain.

Henry then said, “Return to your quarters and reflect properly on your misdeeds.”

“Yes, Father,” Willow answered tearfully, her voice trembling with pitiful obedience.

Just as she sighed in relief and turned to leave, a hoarse yet commanding voice cut through the hall. “Hold!”

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