The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 228

Chapter 228

Athena followed the techniques Xander had taught her, practicing with hidden weapons for half an hour. Before long, she began to feel the strain.

Though it was a hidden weapon, to a complete beginner like her, it was extremely challenging.

‘How could my arms ache this much in such a short time?‘ she thought. Yet she refused to give up, gritting her teeth and persisting through the pain.

Just as Athena was about to continue practicing, Xander called her to a halt. “Come. Have some water.”

Under the banyan tree, Xander’s chiseled features and deep, contemplative eyes set him apart. Yet in a fleeting, unintentional glance, an unconscious tenderness softened his noble demeanor.

It was a pity Athena wasn’t paying attention to Xander at all.

When she glanced back, she only saw him pouring water. His hands were almost unfairly perfect, perfectly proportioned.

Athena couldn’t help but think, ‘God must truly favor His Highness. He was born into privilege, blessed with striking features, and even his hands are so exquisite.

‘No wonder people say others can’t compare to even one of his fingers.’

Xander slid a cup of water toward her. “Have some water,” he said.

Athena quickly averted her gaze from Xander’s hands, feeling a bit uneasy. ‘How improper of me. I nearly lost my composure,’ she thought.

She hastily accepted the water with both hands and bowed slightly. “Thank you, Your Highness,” Athena said respectfully.

Xander frowned slightly. ‘Am I that intimidating?‘ he wondered. ‘Why does Athena always treat me like some distant elder every time she sees me?‘

Athena noticed Xander’s frown and grew even more uneasy. ‘Did I offend His Highness with my improper manners?‘ she wondered anxiously. ‘Oh, now I get it.‘

She remembered what Nelson had said. Xander disliked people getting too close.

She hastily stood up and took two steps back. Then, she finished her water in one gulp.

Xander looked at her in confusion, only to hear Athena respectfully say, “Thank you for your hospitality, Your Highness. If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave now.”

Nelson had just arrived with a tray of pastries when he overheard Athena’s words.

Noticing Xander’s face darken, Nelson quickly stepped forward and said anxiously, “Miss Monson, must you leave so soon? I have just prepared these pastries. Please, do try some before you go.”

“But-” Athena glanced at Xander, whose expression was darkening by the second, and hesitated.

They say His Highness is temperamental–seems they’re right,’ she thought. With him clearly displeased, if I overstayed her welcome, I would only make myself even more unwelcome!

Feeling embarrassed, Athena turned to Nelson and said apologetically, “Sorry, Nelson, but there are some household matters I really must attend to at home.”

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Nelson anxiously wiped the sweat from his brow. “What’s the rush?”

He glanced at Athena and Xander–just a moment ago, they seemed to be getting along so well. ‘Why is she leaving all of a sudden?‘ he wondered, clearly puzzled.

“Uh, well,” Athena stammered, her mind racing. Honestly, dealing with Xander was even more stressful than getting scolded by her master for failing herbal exams.

Suddenly, an idea popped into her head. “It’s about my marriage,” she blurted out.

Just as Athena was about to relax, a sharp cracking sound cut through the air. The cup in Xander’s hand exploded into countless shards.

Nelson gaped in shock. Xander, always the epitome of composure, had actually lost his temper.

‘What is His Highness so angry about?‘ Nelson wondered in shock. ‘Could it be about Miss Monson’s marriage?‘

Just as this thought crossed his mind, Nelson noticed an uncharacteristic flicker of panic in Xander’s

eyes.

Athena’s palms grew clammy with sweat. ‘Is His Highness actually angry?‘ she wondered.

Before she could think further, Xander’s deep voice rang out, “Who are you betrothed to?”

“To Ferris, heir to the Mcgee family,” Athena answered in a small voice.

A cold, mocking laugh escaped Xander’s lips. Though he said nothing, the displeasure in his eyes was unmistakable.

‘What’s he so upset about? It’s not like he’s the one marrying Ferris, Athena wondered and felt a bit annoyed. ‘Xander, you’re really overstepping.‘