The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 287

Chapter 287

Willow looked at Nicolas in terror, only to see his brows tightly knit with pained concern as he reassured her, “Willow, don’t be afraid. It’s just routine questioning, you’ll be fine.”

“Nicolas, I’m the daughter of the Monson family! If this gets out, how could I ever show my face again?” Willow sobbed her eyes out, her voice trembling with humiliation.

She thought bitterly, I’d rather die than be locked up with those lowlifes!‘

“If you force me to go… I… I can only prove my innocence with my death!” Willow cried, her voice trembling with desperation.

With these desperate words, she made as if to dash herself against the pillar.

Eloise lunged to grab Willow, her face draining of color in terror.

Eloise turned pleading eyes to Henry. “Your Grace, you can’t abandon Willow! How could you bear to see her suffer in the police station prison?”

Henry heaved a long sigh. “But with Prince Xander involved now, how do you think the Monson family can afford to go up against him?”

“But…” Tears streamed down Eloise’s face, her heart aching, while Willow broke down in sobs.

Osbert’s brows knitted in frustration. He waved his hand impatiently and barked, “Take her away!”

He thought irritably, ‘Now that Henry has made his position clear, if I let them drag this out any longer, we’ll be stuck here till nightfall‘

Two officials stepped forward and said to Willow, “Lady Willow, if you would, please come with us.”

Willow stared at the chains in their hands, her knees trembling with fear.

She thought anxiously, ‘If I resist any further, they won’t be so polite.

‘They’ll just tie me up and drag me to the police station. That would be even more humiliating.’

Willow walked out with lingering backward glances. Eloise tried to chase after her, but Nicolas held her back. “Mother, it’s just routine questioning. They won’t harm Willow.”

Just then, Osbert added, “Take Lady Willow’s maid into custody as well.”

Nona never expected the trouble would land on her so quickly.

Nona gasped in alarm and tried to resist, but the official wasn’t having any of it.

He slapped her hard across the face and snapped, “Behave!”

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Nona cowered like a frightened quail, submitting meekly as the shackles were clamped around her wrists and she was dragged away.

With the matter settled, Osbert bowed respectfully to Henry with a polite smile. “Your Grace need not see me out.”

Henry’s face darkened with rage, but he remained silent. Osbert offered an awkward smile, turned, and quickly strode off.

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Chapter 287

If Osbert had to choose between Xander and the Monson family, he would undoubtedly side with Xander. After all, no one dared to cross Xander.

The officials escorted Willow and Nona out of the Monson family.

Outside the gates, a crowd instantly gathered, gawking at Willow and Nona as they were led away in shackles.

People craned their necks, murmuring in surprise, “What happened? What did Miss Monson do to get herself arrested?”

A person said, “Who knows? But it must be something serious if they’re dragging her off to the police station like this.”

Willow was so furious at the crowd’s gossip that she could barely contain herself.

These lowly peasants, what nonsense are they spouting?‘ she fumed inwardly.

Though Willow was so furious inside she could practically scream, on the outside, she still managed to put on a pitiful, aggrieved expression.

Nona truly proved herself a loyal servant. Even in shackles, she defiantly cried out for Willow. “My lady is wronged! So what if she’s the Viscountess? That doesn’t give her the right to slander anyone!”

Osbert frowned and shot a sharp look at his subordinates. “Gag her. Now!”

He sneered inwardly, ‘How dare this lowly wretch speak ill of the Viscountess!‘

The officials immediately stuffed a rag into Nona’s mouth, silencing her completely.

One of them snarled, “Shut your trap! You’ll pay for this soon enough.”

Nona’s face went deathly pale. In that instant, she understood the official’s intent.

Osbert, wary of Willow’s status, dared not lay a finger on Willow, but had no qualms about making an example of Nona.

He barked, “Bind this wretched maid to the flogging rack. Fifty lashes to start with!”

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