The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 253

Chapter 253

Willow was choking on her tears, sobbing uncontrollably. Michael panicked, stammering, “I’m sorry, Willow. I didn’t mean

10.”

“Stop crying already! The more you cry, the worse the swelling gets,” Nicolas furned, both angry and frustrated, then delivered a vicious kick to Michael.

Michael didn’t dodge or resist, he took the blow squarely.

He thought to himself, I’m a man who’d never raise a hand against a woman. But this time… I really was in the wrong

Willow saw Michael getting hit and rushed to shield him. “Nicolas, please stop hitting Michael! Can’t you two just stop fighting?” she cried out, her voice full of urgency.

Perhaps the sight of her injured face brought some sanity back to the two men.

They stopped fighting.

Nicolas helped Willow up, his brows knitted so tightly it seemed they could crush a fly. “Come on, I’ll take you back to apply some medicine,” he said.

“Okay.” Willow nodded obediently.

Then, glancing back at Michael with every step, she followed Nicolas back to the mansion.

As Michael tried to follow, Nicolas barked at him, “It’s bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding!”

“Nicolas…” Willow gently tugged at his sleeve.

But he scowled darkly at her. “You’re not even married yet, and you’re already taking his side against your own family? Come on, you’re coming home with me.”

Blushing, Willow lowered her head. When she looked up, Michael was already on his horse, riding away.

In the courtyard, Fiona anxiously waited with Cedric in her arms.

When she saw Nicolas leading Willow back, she hurried forward to meet them.

But the moment she noticed the two of them holding hands, she froze in surprise.

Nicolas appeared completely at ease. “Willow’s hurt. I’m taking her back to treat her wound,” he said matter–of–factly,

“Fiiona” Willow murmured weakly, her voice barely audible. “My eye is injured… I can’t see the path clearly.”

Fiona snapped out of her daze and asked with concern, “Is the injury serious?”

Willow pressed her lips together and nodded, her voice tinged with grievance. “It hurts so much.”

“Would you like me to help you apply some medicine?” Fiona offered gently.

Willow shook her head. “Thank you, but that won’t be necessary.”

She turned to Nicolas with an adoring gaze. “Cedric still needs your care. There’s no need to trouble you. My brother has always been the one to treat my wounds since I was little.”

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Fiona’s smile gradually froze on her face.

She glanced at Nicolas, who looked completely at case, seeing nothing inappropriate in the situation.

Willow seemed unaware that they were both adults now and should maintain proper boundaries.

Fiona thought, ‘I want to remind them, but I’m afraid Nicolas would scold me for having dirty thoughts.

‘After all, they’re just siblings. It’s only about applying medicine. What am I overthinking?”

Forcing a smile, Fiona said, “That’s good, then.”

Willow clung to Nicolas as they walked, her childish coquetry ringing out. “Nicolas, do you think my injury will get worse? Can I still be a beautiful bride?”

“You’ll always be the most beautiful in my eyes,” Nicolas replied.

“Then be gentle when you put on the medicine,” she pouted. “You know I’m scared of pain.”

Nicolas let out a hearty laugh and teased indulgently, “Alright, scaredy–cat.”

Seeing the two of them so close and affectionate, Fiona couldn’t help but feel a pang of jealousy.

Nicolas had never shown her that kind of gentleness.

Even after she had just given birth, all he said was, “Get some rest.”

But with Willow, he was always so gentle, so patient.

Cedric’s cries snapped Fiona out of her reverie. She quickly wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes. She thought to herself, ‘I must be losing my mind. How could I actually be jealous of my own little sister?‘

She said, “Be good, Cedric. Let’s go back to your room now. Daddy will come play with you tonight…”

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