The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 263

Kelsey stepped out of the study, only then realizing a thin sheen of sweat had broken out across her back.

Now, as a chilly breeze swept over her, she shivered, the cold biting straight to her bones.

Pausing on the steps to steady herself, a look of helpless resignation crossed her face before she finally forced herself to move forward.

Walking down the corridor, Kelsey saw Michael striding toward her with purposeful steps.

He wore a midnight blue robe embroidered with gold thread, substantial and luxurious in its weight.

An emerald–adorned belt cinched his waist, studded with turquoise, a clear mark of imperial nobility.

As Michael walked, his cloak billowed dramatically behind him with each purposeful stride.

His handsome features, bearing a striking resemblance to Kelsey, carried the same air of martial authority as Fletcher.

In her dazed state, Kelsey suddenly found Michael standing right before her.

Michael bowed deeply, hands clasped respectfully before him, and offered Kelsey a formal bow. “Mother,” he greeted her.

A surge of maternal pride rushed through Kelsey as she beheld her son’s noble bearing.

After marrying into the Osborne family, she never won Fletcher’s favor.

But after Michael was born, she finally had something to look forward to. He became her only hope.

“Rise, my son.” With a gentle lift of her hand, Kelsey motioned for Michael to stand.

Noticing the redness around Kelsey’s eyes, Michael instinctively glanced toward the study behind her.

His expression darkened, his voice turning icy. “What did Father say?”

In this family, Fletcher ruled with an iron fist. All matters were deferred to his authority.

Even the slightest misstep from Kelsey would earn her a stern reprimand.

Michael had been protective of Kelsey since childhood. So when he saw the redness around her eyes, he immediately demanded to know what had happened.

“No, it’s not like that,” Kelsey said hastily as she stepped forward. She glanced nervously over her shoulder, then gestured for Michael to follow her out.

Only after they had left the study did Kelsey finally exhale the breath she’d been holding.

Once they reached the pavilion, Michael carefully helped his mother sit down before asking, “What troubles you so, Mother?”

Kelsey felt ill at ease facing Michael. With his wedding plans undergoing repeated changes, she struggled to find the words.

After a long hesitation, Kelsey finally said softly, “Michael, I’m afraid there might be some changes to your wedding with

Willow.”

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Chapter 263

Michael’s heart skipped a beat, though his face remained impassive. He asked calmly, “What changes?

“Her Majesty the Queen was moved by your devotion and has granted your request,” Kelsey said cautiously, not daring to repeat Fermin’s exact words to Michael.

She thought, Who would know my own son’s temperament better than I do?

‘If Michael ever found out that Fermin intended to use Athena as a pawn, he would break with him without a second thought.

After much deliberation, Kelsey could only settle for this explanation.

Michael could no longer contain his joy. He sprang to his feet.

A radiant smile, one only seen on a youth, broke across his face.

His usually composed phoenix eyes now widened, sparkling with delight.

“Mother, is this really true?” he asked, his voice trembling with excitement.

Michael’s joy brought a bittersweet pang to Kelsey’s heart.

All along, Athena was the only one he ever wanted.

But as a member of the royal family, he could not be free to follow his heart.

Kelsey nodded slowly, a pained look in her eyes as she watched him. “Though the Queen has relented, Athena still harbors resentment. She may not accept you so easily, so don’t celebrate too soon.”

Athena had been formally banished from the Monson family, and now she held the title of the Viscountess.

Moreover, Ferris was deeply in love with her.

“Winning Athena back won’t be easy for Michael, Kelsey thought with concern.

“Don’t worry, Mother. I’m confident,” Michael assured her. In the past, he had to give up Athena for the greater good of the family, but now he was determined not to let her slip away again.

Thank heavens for this second chance, Michael thought, his heart brimming with gratitude.

He was determined to win Athena back this time.