The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 255

Chapter 255

Arthur’s smile grew wider as he looked at Xander and said indulgently, “You never change, Xander. You say that, but you really ought to settle down and start a family one of these days.”

Xander put on a pained expression. “If you keep talking like that, I’ll just have to escape to the border regions for a few more years.”

Xander looked utterly aggrieved.

Arthur shook his head with a fond chuckle, his affection clear in his eyes. “You’re impossible. Have it your way, then.”

Arthur turned to Athena. After carefully considering Xander’s words, he found the idea inappropriate.

Only those who had passed rigorous selection and multiple examinations could enter the Imperial Medical Bureau.

A healer like Athena was indeed unqualified.

Granting her the title of Viscountess was already a great honor bestowed upon her.

She merely happened by chance to cure an illness, still far beneath the court physicians.

With that, he dismissed the notion of admitting Athena into the bureau.

Arthur waved his hand dismissively. “Enough, you may withdraw.”

Athena paid her respects once more, then exited the Heaven Hall with Xander.

Once the two had left, Arthur frowned and asked Thanatus, “How did that Monson boy get into the Pidence Guards?”

Seeing the emperor’s displeasure, Thanatus answered honestly, “I heard the Duke of Monson pulled some strings to get him the job. He’s been loafing around in the Pidence Guards for three years without making a name for himself. He was in line for promotion this year, but his bad reputation scuttled his chances.”

“A bad reputation?” Arthur’s displeasure deepened.

“Indeed, Your Majesty,” Thanatus replied, “One of the Monson household’s serving girls became pregnant with Matthew’s child, causing quite a scandal. It happened during their adopted daughter’s engagement party, with many guests witnessing the commotion. The Duke of Monson managed to suppress most of the gossip, so word didn’t spread far.”

Arthur slammed the table. “How could a worthless playboy like him be worthy of serving in the Pidence Guards?”

Thanatus immediately caught on and asked, “What would Your Majesty have me do?”

“Demote him to guard the city gates,” Arthur ordered.

Furious, Arthur immediately stripped Matthew of his position.

Thanatus acknowledged and hurried out to carry out the order.

Meanwhile, Athena and Xander walked in single file, slowly making their way out of the hall.

The pain from her injured foot sent waves of agony through her with every step.

She could barely move forward, each step was a struggle.

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Xander saw the pain etched across Athena’s face, her brows drawn tight, his jaw clenching in barely contained irritation.

He snapped coldly, “If you had any sense, you wouldn’t have let yourself get hurt like this.”

Athena gritted her teeth against the pain and looked at Xander in bewilderment, only to find him glaring at her, his face dark with anger.

His deep–set eyes were clouded with suppressed fury, yet it was clear he was holding something back, making his true feelings inscrutable.

Athena dared not dwell on it, only bowing her head. “Thank you for coming to my rescue,” she said softly.

‘It was he who had secured my title as the Viscountess, he who rescued me at the mansion gates, she thought.

She started to bow, when firm hands steadied her arms, stopping her before she could bow.

Xander regarded Athena with an inscrutable, shadowed gaze.

Though there was a fire burning in his eyes, his words softened unconsciously. “I secured your the Viscountess title not for you to bow to others. I want to see you stand tall and be yourself.

“I want to watch you rise meteorically, soar to great heights, and become someone everyone admires, leaving them in the dust.

“Eventually, I want to see you take your vengeance freely, no longer enduring, and trample those who once humiliated you beneath your feet.”

Athena stared wide–eyed at Xander, tears welling up in her eyes.

‘Is he… really standing up for me?‘ she wondered, her heart pounding with a mix of disbelief and gratitude.

Xander’s grip on her arm tightened slightly as he spoke each word with deliberate emphasis. “Athena, don’t let me down. I will be waiting for that day to come.”

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