The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 281

“Don’t worry, Miss Monson, I’ve already packed everything, Trina replied with a smile.

Athena nodded, gazing at the heavy snowfall outside. She said to Trina, “Tell them to add two more charcoal braziers for the night watch tonight.”

“Already taken care of, Miss Monson,” Trina replied as she made the bed, “Only you are so kind–hearted. Other families give their servants just one brazier a night, but you provide three. Everyone in the courtyard appreciates your generosity.”

Athena chuckled, “Life’s hard enough as it is. If we start skimping on their benefits too, how’s anyone supposed to get by?”

Only she knew how she endured those winters in the barracks.

She’d curl up in a pile of firewood with no warm clothes and no fire.

Yet even then, she often woke up shivering from the cold.

Those days were no different from hell.

Having endured the same hardships herself, Athena truly understood their suffering.

Outside, a blizzard raged. Inside, warmth enveloped the room.

Before long, the room fell into complete silence, with only the soft sound of breathing remaining.

Some time later, a hushed voice came from outside.

“Miss Monson, we have a situation,” someone reported quietly.

A shadow flickered past the window, and Athena’s eyes snapped open.

When Ferris left, he secretly left shadow guards behind to protect Athena.

These guards remained unseen in ordinary times, only revealing themselves in moments of true crisis.

The room was dimly lit, and Athena could make out nothing more than the shadowy outline of the hidden guard.

“What is it?” Athena asked calmly.

“A few thugs are sneaking toward your courtyard, Miss…” The shadow guard faltered, his voice trailing off.

Athena frowned slightly, sensing something was off. “Just a few thugs? Is it really necessary to report this to me in person?”

“Miss, they were brought here by Blake,” the shadow guard added hesitantly.

Athena instantly realized what was going on. Blake was her foster brother.

Fearing Athena might show mercy because of their past ties, the shadow guard came for her orders.

Athena chuckled lightly. “Don’t hesitate. Tie them up and deliver them to the police station.”

“Yes, Miss Monson,” the shadow guard acknowledged, turning to withdraw..

Athena paused, sensing something amiss. “Wait,” she said sharply.

1/2

“Don’t act yet. Keep watching covertly, I want to see if he’s here for money or for my life,” Athena instructed.

She thought, ‘Blake wouldn’t show up here for no reason. Someone must be whispering poison in his ear, stirring up trouble

behind the scenes.

If I follow this trail, maybe I can reel in the real mastermind.

Though surprised, the shadow guard complied immediately.

It wasn’t long before the sound of footsteps echoed from outside the courtyard.

The footsteps hushed as they reached the gate, and a long blade slid silently through the crack in the door.

By the pale light reflecting off the snow, a shadowy figure deftly jiggled the latch until it clicked open.

Trina watched from inside, her heart racing and face turning pale. “Miss Monson, they’re armed! This is no ordinary robbery!” she whispered, voice trembling.

Athena reassured her, “Stay calm. We’ll be fine.”

Those shadow guards weren’t just for show.

Seeing Athena’s composure, Trina gradually steadied herself.

The courtyard gate burst open with a kick, and four masked men swaggered in.

To their surprise, the yard stood completely deserted, not even a night watchman in sight.

The intruders froze for a moment, then visibly let their guard down.

One of the men, burly and gruff–voiced, slapped the scrawny kid on the shoulder and barked, “You sure you got the right place, kid? This tiny yard doesn’t look like it’s hiding any loot.”

Blake shot back, “Relax, Jeremy. A daughter from a rich family is recuperating here. Word is, she brought several chests of silver. We get in, grab the goods, and get out quick.”

Jeremy Hartley’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Is she pretty or what?” he asked eagerly.

Blake forced a laugh. “Ugly as hell, face full of pimples, fat and plain. Why else would she be dumped here?”

Jeremy grunted, finding the logic sound.

He nodded dejectedly and grumbled, “Alright, alright, let’s just find the damn money.”

.

Ath