The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 217

Chapter 217

If Ferris truly had been harmed, Gale would have stormed in with armed guards and cut Athena down on the spot, demanding her life for him.

Athena lowered her head, knowing she was in the wrong, and felt guilty.

Ferris was willing to stake his life just to marry me. No wonder Lady Mcgee is so furious. She has every right to be, wondered Athena.

Seeing Athena remain silent, her head bowed in a submissive manner, Gale felt her anger subside slightly.

Gale let out a heavy sigh and continued, “Regardless, the Mcgee family owes you a debt. Though I dislike you, for Ferris’s sake, I’m willing to bow my head. All I ask is that you treat him with genuine affection.”

Athena replied with trembling reverence, “Ferris has shown me wholehearted devotion, and I swear to be just as true to him -may lightning strike me dead if I ever betray him.”

Upon hearing Athena swear such a solemn oath, Gale’s gaze flickered with a hint of fear. “I–I never said I didn’t believe you,” she stammered. “Why must you swear such a dreadful oath?”

It made her feel as if she were some villainous guy.

“I merely wished to show you my sincerity, Your Graçe,” Athena replied with deference.

“Enough of that. Spare me your coquettish tricks. I won’t be fooled by such theatrics.” Gale frowned impatiently. Though her words remained sharp, Gale’s gaze softened slightly when she looked at Athena.

Athena suppressed a chuckle. ‘So she’s all bark and no bite,‘ she thought.

Athena affectionately linked arms with Gale and smiled, “Let me walk you out, Your Grace.”

Gale wanted to pull her arm away, but when she saw Athena’s gentle, warm smile, she just couldn’t bring herself to do it.

Gritting her teeth, Gale fought back the urge to shake Athena off and, in the end, allowed Athena to escort her out of the

estate.

On the way back, Gale couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.

The more she thought about it, the more convinced she became. ‘Wasn’t I supposed to put Athena in her place today? So why does it feel like I ended up playing right into her hands?

‘Athena really is a little enchantress. Every man who meets her seems to lose his mind over her. Even I almost fell for her tricks.

Gale straightened her back, gently closed her eyes, and began to calm down.

The news that Athena was set to marry Ferris soon reached Willow’s ears. Willow’s heart churned with mixed emotions when she heard the news. “What? Her Grace has come to propose?” she exclaimed in disbelief.

‘Of course I want Athena married off, she thought bitterly, ‘but did she really have to secure such an advantageous match? In the future, every time I see her, I’ll have to bow my head to her.’

Nona’s face twisted with indignation. “It’s true, Lady Willow. I heard it myself. They said they’d come to propose as soon as you marry into the Osborne family.”

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Willow’s hand paused mid–air, the spoonful suddenly unappetizing.

Nona, ever quick to read her mistress’s moods, offered what seemed like comfort. “Lady Willow, you needn’t trouble yourself over this. You know Lord Ferris’s condition all too well–who’s to say this wedding won’t turn into a funeral-

Before Nona could finish, a furious voice cut in from outside. “How dare you? Who gave you permission to speak such ill- omened words? Out, and face your punishment.”

The newcomer was none other than Nicolas. With a thunderous expression, he strode into the room.

Nona turned pale and immediately bowed. “Spare me, Your Grace.”

Willow quickly rose to her feet to defend Nona. “Nicolas, Nona spoke without thinking. She’s been utterly devoted to me. Please let this one slip.”

Nicolas snorted coldly and barked, “Get out.”

Nona scrambled out in panic. Willow coughed lightly twice, her body swaying unsteadily.

Nicolas quickly reached out to steady Willow. The moment he touched her icy hand, his brows furrowed in concern. He gently scolded, “The weather’s getting colder by the day.

“Why are you still wearing so little? You know how delicate your health is–put on more layers, or you’ll catch a chill.”

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