The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 269

However, no one expected that Athena would completely forget about this matter.

That was why Xander was upset.

Soon enough, the meal was ready.

Athena lifted the lid, scooped a spoonful, and sniffed. Her face twisted in disgust.

‘Same as always, tastes like death,’ she thought.

Athena cautiously glanced at Xander, who was sitting at the table waiting for dinner.

After a moment’s thought, she drizzled a few drops of sesame oil over the oatmeal.

Only then did she signal the maid to serve it.

Though Xander had asked Athena to cook, as royalty, he couldn’t possibly dine on just one dish.

The table was already set with several exquisite side dishes, making Athena’s oatmeal pale in comparison, not even worthy of being called an accompaniment.

Nelson stared at the mushy, gluey oatmeal, his brow furrowing deeply in distaste.

‘No way this could taste good,’ he thought.

“Miss Monson, what exactly is this?” Nelson asked, taking the initiative.

Athena felt secretly delighted, but kept her face composed as she replied smoothly, “Emerald Wilderness Elixir.”

Nelson stifled a gasp and thought, ‘Seriously, she just makes things up!

He was sure Athena was doing this on purpose.

Xander remained expressionless, as detached as a deity to whom nothing in this world mattered.

He said to Athena, “Sit.”

Athena didn’t stand on ceremony and took her seat.

Athena snuck a glance at Xander and saw his brows furrowed as he stared at the bowl of oatmeal.

He seemed to be hesitating, clearly debating whether to even try a bite of that unappetizing–looking mush.

Nelson couldn’t bear it any longer and gently suggested, “Your Highness, perhaps I should have the kitchen send over some more food?”

Xander raised his hand and gave a slight wave of his fingers. Nelson immediately took the hint and fell silent.

This was Athena’s first time,cooking for Xander.

He was absolutely delighted.

Then Athena saw Xander lift the spoon, take a delicate scoop, and bring it to his lips.

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Those exquisitely shaped hands, together with his heaven–blessed features, somehow transformed that humble bowl of oatmeal into something extraordinary.

Athena thought to herself, ‘I never imagined that just watching someone cat could be such a pleasure to behold.

Who would have thought that someone with such a handsome face could kill without even blinking?

‘No wonder the neighboring kingdoms tremble at the mere mention of Xander’s name, as if they were staring Death himself

in the face.”

“Delicious.” His deep, satisfied voice snapped Athena out of her thoughts.

To her astonishment, she glanced at Xander’s bowl, it was empty.

Against all odds, he had eaten every bite of that barely–edible oatmeal as if savoring a gourmet delicacy.

Athena couldn’t help but admire Xander.

‘If he’s not faking it, then he’s one hardcore bastard,‘ she thought.

“Not bad for your first attempt,” Xander remarked, the corner of his lips curling into an amused smile as he observed the subtle shifts in Athena’s expression. “Here’s your reward.”

With a wave of his hand, Xander signaled an attendant, who stepped forward holding an ornamental box to Athena.

Athena blinked in surprise. “Is this… for me?”

Xander gave a faint hum. “Open it and see for yourself.”

Feeling both flattered and a little overwhelmed, Athena carefully lifted the lid.

Inside, she found an exquisitely crafted hairpin that took her breath away.

Athena looked at Xander in confusion. “Prince Xander, why would you give me a hair ornament?”

Xander took the hairpin from Athena’s hand, pressed a small bead on it, and the hairpin split cleanly into two.

With a flick of his wrist, he sent one half flying, it struck a tree outside, snapping a branch as thick as a man’s arm clean off.

The sheer force defied imagination.

“This is forged from frostiron, tough enough to cut through metal. Disguised as a hairpin, it’s easy to conceal. In danger, it could save your life,” Xander’s deep voice rumbled in Athena’s ear.

Athena stared at the severed tree branch, her face a picture of shock.

‘If that thing hit someone, it would probably shatter their bones,‘ she thought.

Athena’s eyes sparkled with excitement, and Xander’s lips curled in satisfaction.

He knew all too well that beneath Athena’s docile facade lay an unruly spirit.

Nelson retrieved the hairpin and handed it back to Athena.

Athena held it in her hand, still thrilled.

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She thought, I don’t deserve such a precious gift.

‘If I’d known Xander put so much thought into this, I never would’ve played that prank on him.”

A flicker of confusion crossed Athena’s face, though she thanked him sincerely. “Thank you, Prince Xander. But why would you give me such a precious gift?”