The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 273

Chapter 273

Nicolas naturally felt a twinge of uneasiness, so he took a sip of his drink to hide his discomfort.

After weighing all his options, Nicolas realized that no one was better suited for the task than Fiona.

As Athena’s sister–in–law, arriving with a sick child in her arms, even the hardest–hearted person wouldn’t turn them away.

Unless, of course, Athena had no heart at all.

“Plead? What are you talking about? She’s your sister too, and we’re all family,” Nicolas said, knowing Fiona’s nature all too well.

He thought Fiona had always been docile and compliant, following his every word without question. Whenever he gave an order, she would obey without hesitation. This time would be no exception.

Yet Fiona gently bit her lip and, to Nicolas’s surprise, actually refused him. “My lord, you think too highly of me. I’ve never interacted with Athena before, my standing means nothing in her eyes.”

Even if Fiona were the last fool on earth, she still saw through the real purpose of this trip.

She thought, ‘Do the Monsons care about their reputation while mine is supposed to mean nothing?

This isn’t about inviting Athena. It is a groveling apology, plain and simple.

And to make sure Athena would even consider forgiving them, they insist that I bring my sick child along as a bargaining chip.‘

Fiona’s heart sank with disappointment.

‘He could ignore me all he wanted, but how could he stoop so low as to exploit his own son?‘ Fiona thought, her mind reeling.

Nicolas was slightly taken aback, his gaze darkening with displeasure as he looked at Fiona. This was the first time she had ever refused him since their marriage.

Perhaps because he was so used to dominating Fiona, Nicolas’s face darkened. He scolded, “You call yourself a mother? If you can’t even handle a little hardship for your child, you’re not fit to be a mother.”

With that, Nicolas flung his sleeve and stormed out, his face frozen in displeasure.

Tears welled up in Fiona’s eyes as she watched her husband storm away. Her heart ached as if pierced by needles.

Fiona thought bitterly, ‘I’d suffer any injustice for my son, even die for him. But why should I have to atone for the Monson family’s sins?‘

For the next few days, Nicolas gave Fiona the cold shoulder.

Even when they crossed paths in the mansion, he treated her like air.

Fiona thought to herself, ‘My heart ached with bitterness. Every single time, it was the same story.

‘Whenever Nicolas didn’t get his way, he’d freeze me out until I finally gave in.

Sirena gently advised Fiona, “My lady, Cedric’s chill still hasn’t improved. Perhaps we should go and plead with Lady Athena for help?”

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Chapter 273

Cedric was still too young to swallow those bitter medicines.

So the wet nurse had to drink the medicine herself, hoping its effects would pass through her milk before nursing him.

But as expected, the diluted treatment proved ineffective.

Every night, Cedric would cry because he couldn’t breathe well. The more he cried, the more blocked his nose became, making it even harder for him to catch his breath.

Night after night, Fiona would cradle Cedric in her arms, pacing back and forth until he finally managed to get some restless sleep.

Her heart ached for her son. ‘If only I could take this pain upon myself, Fiona thought desperately.

In the end, her heart softened. She nodded reluctantly and said, “I’ll go plead with Athena.”

Sirena’s heart leaped with joy. She hastily draped a cloak over Fiona and swaddled Cedric tightly before they set out.

No sooner had Fiona left than a servant hurried to report to Nicolas, “Mr. Nicolas, Mrs. Monson has taken Mr. Cedric out.”

Nicolas’s lips curled into a self–assured smile. Without even lifting his gaze, he waved a dismissive hand. “As expected.”

He knew Fiona would do exactly as he said.

The reason was obvious. She was madly in love with him.

The world was frozen stiff, a thin layer of snow blanketing the ground.

The carriage trudged through the snow for an hour before finally reaching the southern district of the city.

Fiona stood at the entrance, clutching Cedric, utterly at a loss.

The small courtyard before Fiona was exquisitely decorated, exuding a warm and inviting atmosphere. Decorations hung at the entrance, casting a gentle glow, while a branch of plum blossoms stretched out from within, blooming defiantly in the frost and radiating quiet vitality.

The guard spotted Fiona’s arrival and eyed her with wary suspicion.

Sirena stepped forward and said courteously to the guard, “My lady wishes to consult the miracle healer. Would you please announce our arrival?”

As she spoke, she discreetly pressed some money into the guard’s hand.

She deliberately avoided mentioning Fiona’s identity, worried that Athena might refuse to see them.

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