The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 159

Chapter 159

Athena had grown up in the countryside. Even after being brought back to the duke’s estate and receiving refined tutoring, she remained worlds apart from those young ladies born into privilege.

What Michael remembered most vividly was the grand birthday party held for Athena. Back then, the duke’s estate had invited most of Pidence City’s high–born ladies to celebrate her.

Among the distinguished guests was none other than Gale.

At the party, some guests began clamoring for Athena to showcase her talents. She had only just started learning to dance and was far from skilled.

As expected, she stumbled and fell to the floor in a most undignified manner, her cheeks burning with shame as the room fell into an awkward silence.

In contrast, Willow was a true prodigy, her grace and talent far surpassed Athena’s in every way.

Michael remembered clearly the undisguised disdain on Gale’s face.

Throughout the party, Gale kept praising Willow, never once mentioning Athena.

It was supposed to be Athena’s homecoming party, yet she remained unnoticed in the shadows.

Despite Athena’s diligent practice of dance and music in later years, Gale’s impression of her never improved.

But Ferris shadowed Athena relentlessly, never leaving her side.

Michael knew exactly what Ferris was thinking.

That was why, whenever Ferris was around, Michael made sure to keep his distance.

Athena would trail behind Michael like a devoted little shadow, never leaving his side.

Back then, Michael felt triumphant. ‘Ferris isn’t worthy of Athena, and I’ll never let him get anywhere near her,‘ he thought.

Nicolas paid no heed to such matters, his only concern was his own family.

In a grave voice, he told Michael, “It doesn’t matter who it is. Now that the Mcgee family has publicly claimed Athena, it’s set in stone and cannot be changed. By going to the King now to ask for a marriage decree, are you trying to bring ruin upon the Monson family?”

Nicolas reminded him sternly, “No matter what Ferris is like, he’s still the King’s nephew.

“Do you really think a mere military honor can force the King to grant a marriage and use royal authority to pressure the Mcgee family? That’s treating the King as nothing more than a weapon for your own ends.”

For now, the King might rely on the Osborne family and tolerate this, but he would never swallow this insult.

When the time was right, the King would surely take action against the Osborne family.

Michael had clearly taken the words to heart, yet his eyes still burned with defiance.

He clenched his fists so tightly that the veins stood out on the backs of his hands. Through gritted teeth, he spat out, “So what, are we just supposed to stand by and watch Athena throw herself into that living hell?”

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Chapter 159

Nicolas let out a relieved sigh and gave Michael’s shoulder a firm squeeze. “How could you call it a living hell?” he reasoned, “Countless women would kill for that position. Besides, if Athena marries in and bears an heir, she’ll be set for life.”

Michael’s eyes turned icy again, his gaze dripping with scorn as he looked at Nicolas. “Do you actually believe that? You and I both know exactly what Ferris has been through, so why bother deceiving ourselves?”

Before Michael could finish, Nicolas desperately clamped a hand over his mouth. Glancing around nervously, he then hissed in a low, furious whisper, “How could you say that? Are you trying to get us killed?”

Michael scoffed coldly. Though unconvinced, he bit back his words.

His eyes stayed locked on the palace, burning with defiance, his face full of resentment.

Nicolas tugged at his sleeve, but Michael stood firm, refusing to budge.

As the two men stood locked in their stalemate, a young servant came galloping up. Before his horse had even stopped, he hurriedly dismounted and prostrated himself before Michael, exclaiming in panic, “My lord, terrible news! Her Ladyship’s chronic illness has flared up again!”

Kelsey suffered from severe migraines. When the attacks came, the pain was so excruciating she would sometimes bang her head against the wall.

The household took great care to shield her from any worries, their only concern being her health.

After a long period of remission, this sudden and violent relapse could only mean she had suffered some terrible shock.

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