The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 310

Henry found himself caught in the crossfire, and at this critical moment, he could no longer afford to consider any bond that remained between him and Athena.

Henry said to Fermin, “Your Highness, don’t listen to her wild accusations. I once hoped she would turn over a new leaf, but now it’s clear she’s beyond redemption. I leave everything entirely to Your Highness’s discretion.”

Fermin’s gaze locked onto Athena, his eyes alight with sudden interest.

He said, “Fascinating, truly fascinating. Henry, your daughter is… rather intriguing.”

Henry stared at Fermin in astonishment, unable to decipher his true intentions.

‘Could it be that Fermin has taken a fancy to Athena?‘ Henry wondered anxiously.

Just as he was lost in thought, he heard Fermin declare, “I will give you one chance. But let me make one thing clear, if you fail to prove your innocence, then…”

Before Fermin could finish, Athena cut in firmly, “I’ll accept whatever punishment Your Highness deems fit.”

“Excellent.” Fermin’s face showed approval. “Escort Athena to Ivory Grove.”

Athena departed with the matron, while Fermin remained gazing at her retreating figure with contemplative intensity.

Henry watched Fermin’s expression carefully. Fermin murmured thoughtfully, “In all of Pidence City, no noble lady possesses Athena’s courage. My judgment of her was not mistaken.”

Henry asked tentatively, “Then, Your Highness, what are your intentions?”

Fermin murmured, “Such strong–willed individuals may be hard to tame, but once conquered, they pledge unwavering loyalty. I have need for such assets.”

Henry drew a sharp breath, anxiety flickering in his eyes. “But what if she remains unyielding?”

Fermin cast a cold glance at Henry, his voice dripping with menace. “What use is there in keeping someone alive who cannot serve me? I may value talent, but if too much time is wasted on a single matter, it simply isn’t worth it.”

Fermin thought coldly, ‘If I can’t have it, I’ll destroy it.‘

Henry broke out in a cold sweat. He knew Fermin’s true nature all too well.

People said that wolves were untamable, but Fermin defied all expectations and tamed them.

Rumors said Fermin had captured a pack of wolves and brought them back to his estate. He starved them and forced them. to fight each other.

When only three of the strongest wolves remained, Fermin had one skinned alive right before the other two.

The two wolves were utterly terrified.

Fermin then ordered an experienced beastmaster to train the two remaining wolves. Only the obedient one would be spared.

Thus, the wild wolves, having learned the price of defiance through his ruthless methods, dared not rebel again and submitted meekly.

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Chapter 310

Henry shuddered at the thought. He dared not imagine what unspeakable fate might await Athena if she fell into Fermin’s hands.

The others followed to Ivory Grove, eager to see how Athena would bring Willow back to consciousness.

They were all eager to witness how Athena would turn the tables when the odds were stacked against her.

“Your Highness, Duke, if you please,” Athena said, stepping forward to block their path just as Fermin and Henry moved to follow her inside.

Displeasure flickered across both men’s faces. Henry rebuked sharply, “Such insolence! How dare you block His Highness’s path?”

Athena put on an innocent face and replied, “Well, since I need to perform acupuncture on Lady Willow, she’ll have to remove her clothes. If you don’t mind being present for that, I certainly have no objections.”

Fermin and Henry stood dumbfounded, exchanging awkward glances before reluctantly turning back to the anteroom.

Nona volunteered eagerly, “I will attend to Lady Willow.”

Henry nodded approvingly.

Athena said, “I can’t have any distractions during acupuncture, not even a fly, let alone a person. If anything throws off my concentration and I make a wrong move with the needles and harm Lady Willow, don’t blame me.”

Nona’s face flushed crimson with anger. She wasn’t fooled for a second. She knew Athena’s words were nothing but a thinly veiled insult.

Henry let out a weary sigh and motioned for Nona to withdraw.

Nona snorted with resentment and stepped aside.

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