The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 229

Chapter 229

Xander let out a light chuckle and said to Athena, “Marriage is no trivial matter. You should be more cautious.”

His expression and demeanor made her feel as if an elder were pressuring her.

Athena felt even more uncomfortable and replied perfunctorily, “Thank you for your concern, Your Highness, but I believe Ferris is a good man and worthy of my trust.”

She wasn’t heartless. Ferris had sacrificed so much for her. That was why she refused to let anyone look down on him. Whatever Xander’s motives, she would stand up for Ferris.

Xander’s gaze held a glimmer of conflicting emotions as he looked at Athena. After a long pause, he let out a long sigh. “Forget it. You may leave.”

Athena turned on her heel and left without so much as a backward glance.

Nelson was dumbfounded. He glanced at his sulking master, then at Athena, and had no choice but to hurry after her.

Poor old man, frail with age, he was panting by the time he finally caught up to Athena at the main gate.

“Miss Monson, His Highness speaks without thinking. Please don’t take his words to heart,” Nelson pleaded, nearly frantic with worry.

The truth was that Xander wanted to show he cared, but the way he spoke could drive anyone mad. But that was Xander, straightforward and candid.

After a brisk walk, Athena had finally cooled down.

She just didn’t get why everyone felt the need to meddle in her marriage. The elders in the household did so, and now even including Xander.

Seeing the anxious look on Nelson’s face, Athena gave him a faint smile. “Nelson, you’re overthinking it. Why would I ever be angry with him?”

Though she claimed not to be upset, her smile was a little forced.

Nelson wanted to say that Xander had been waiting for Athena all along, but he worried that saying so might scare her off for good.

Forcing a careful smile, he replied obsequiously, “Yes, Miss Monson, someone as gracious as you would never hold it against him.”

Noticing how cautious old butler Nelson looked, Athena felt a pang of guilt. “I’ll come back in three days,” she said gently.

This wasn’t Nelson’s fault. She shouldn’t have taken it out on him.

Offering Nelson a warm smile, Athena stepped into the carriage and left.

Nelson didn’t turn back until Athena’s carriage was out of sight. He shook his head with a weary sigh. “There’s still a boy in the courtyard waiting to be pampered,‘ he thought. ‘What a headache.

Sure enough, Xander was still sitting there, a deep frown etched on his face. When he saw Nelson return, his voice was icy.

“Gone?”

“Your Highness, Miss Monson has left,” Nelson replied respectfully.

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Xander said nothing, but his face clearly showed he was displeased.

Nelson, having served Xander for years, could easily guess what was on his mind. He asked cautiously, “Your Highness, are you worried about Miss Monson’s marriage?”

Xander’s frown deepened. “The duke’s estate is clearly exploiting her. She knows it’s a disaster waiting to happen, yet she’s deliberately walking right into it,” he said.

Nelson sighed in resignation, “But what can be done, Your Highness? The marriage has been arranged. Perhaps it’s best to let it go.”

Nelson was well aware of Xander’s feelings for Athena.

Hearing this, Xander shot Nelson a frosty glare. “Why me? It’s those with ill intentions toward her who ought to let it go.”

Nelson looked stunned. ‘Was it really appropriate to say that so bluntly?‘ he wondered.

Nelson was already breaking out in a cold sweat as he asked, “Then, Your Highness, what do you intend to do?”

On the battlefield, Xander had never known defeat. Whatever he set his sights on, whether he had to fight for it or take it by force, he would make it his.

Nelson thought in shock, ‘Could it be-‘

Before Nelson could ponder further, Xander’s commanding voice cut through the air. “Only I can ensure her complete safety.”

The unspoken implication was clear. Ferris was incapable of protecting Athena.

A bead of sweat finally trickled down Nelson’s temple. Just as I expected,‘ he thought with a sigh.

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