The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 207

Chapter 207

Eloise dared not let Henry know about the siblings‘ conflict. She managed a composed smile and said, “He must be occupied with official matters. We’ve already received his message. There’s no need to worry.”

Upon hearing this, a faint, knowing smile flickered in Athena’s eyes.

‘Yeah, Matthew is down in the well getting his hands dirty, she thought with amusement. ‘Actually, I was planning to bring him some food today, but I wasn’t feeling well and it slipped my mind. Missing one meal won’t kill him.’

Besides, there were those two rats down in the well with him.

Willow caught the knowing glint of amusement in Athena’s eyes.

Willow had endured a grueling session with the governess today, forced to practice calligraphy for hours and repeatedly perform the curtsy. Her wrists and knees still ache.

Matthew had taken Athena away, yet here she was, returning alone. Willow was sure Athena knew Matthew’s whereabouts. Eloise covered for Matthew, letting Athena off the hook.

“Miss Monson, why are you staring at me instead of eating?” Athena’s piercing gaze locked onto Willow, making Willow flinch and shrink back in her seat.

Willow quickly lowered her head, her voice trembling with nerves. “Athena, you must be mistaken. I–I wasn’t looking at you.”

Trying to hide her nervousness, Willow hastily picked up some food, her face straining into an ingratiating smile as she turned to Athena and said, “Athena, I remember you love this the most. Please, have some.”

However, before Willow could reach Athena with the fork, Athena blocked her with her own and sneered, “Aren’t you and Matthew as thick as thieves? Funny how he’s not here tonight, and yet you haven’t even asked after him.”

With a light flick of her fork, Athena deftly intercepted Willow’s fork and pushed them back.

Willow flushed with embarrassment and shot Eloise a pleading look. Eloise gave her a reassuring smile and smoothly intervened, “Willow has been deeply concerned about Matthew’s well–being.

“Why else would she risk reprimand to go searching for him today?”

Henry frowned, utterly baffled. “Wait? Didn’t you just say he was tied up with official business?”

Eloise belatedly realized she’d let slip too much. She quickly recovered and explained, “Willow wanted to bring Matthew some food, and that’s why she went looking for him.”

Although Henry sensed something was amiss, since today was a day of celebration, he chose not to pursue the matter further.

Athena let out a knowing chuckle and gracefully served Margaret some choice morsels.

Athena’s triumphant smirk earned her a sharp, disapproving glare from Eloise.

‘Athena knows perfectly well that I’m covering for Matthew, yet she insists on bringing it all out into the open. She’s truly a handful, Eloise thought.

Willow lowered her head timidly, her eyes rimmed with red as she glanced at Eloise, looking so pitiful and close to tears that Eloise’s heart ached for her.

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“I know you’re not that kind of person,” Eloise said gently to Willow.

Margaret set her fork down with a deliberate clink. Nothing ever escaped her keen eyes.

Margaret narrowed her eyes, her gaze radiating authority and wisdom. “In this family, our children have always been resilient. Even with a knife at their side, they wouldn’t so much as frown.

“Crying day after day is unworthy of a Monson. If this keeps up, you’ll cry away all our good fortune.”

Margaret’s gaze lingered on Willow. Under that piercing stare, Willow’s heart clenched with anxiety, and the tears welling in her already red–rimmed eyes finally spilled over. She just couldn’t hold back anymore.

Eloise stiffened slightly, embarrassment flashing across her face.

Knowing that Margaret had never favored Willow, Eloise quickly interjected with a conciliatory smile, “Lady Margaret, Willow has always been frail and tender–hearted since she was little.

“I’m afraid I’ve spoiled her terribly. If she’s done anything improper, please overlook it for my sake.”

Under the table, Eloise gently took Willow’s trembling hand in hers. Only then did Eloise realize that Willow’s hand was trembling slightly in hers. Eloise was even more worried about Willow.

Athena had always been under Margaret’s wing, while Willow had never gained Margaret’s favor.

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