The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 319

Chapter 319

After the two had paid their respects, Lizzie’s cool voice came. “Do take your seats.”

‘She’s not giving me any trouble? How strange, Athena thought, surprised.

Just as Athena was thinking this, a court attendant approached her and said, “This way, Lady Athena.”

Gale had already taken her seat, while Athena was led by the attendant to an isolated spot at the far end near the doorway, a single seat set apart from the others.

The setup looked decidedly modest when compared to the lavishly appointed seats reserved for honored guests at the front.

There was no proper chair, just a simple little table and a thin cushion.

As soon as Athena sat down, she instantly found herself dwarfed by the noble ladies, both in height and in status.

If not for her known status, people might have mistaken her for some lowly servant.

Soon, mocking laughter drifted down from the elevated seating area.

A dozen or so scornful gazes rained down on Athena.

Athena curled her lips into a faint smirk. ‘Now that’s more like it,‘ she thought.

Athena thought to herself, ‘Isn’t this exactly why Lizzie summoned me here? Just to make a spectacle of me?‘

Gale’s heart ached and her brows knitted with worry, but she thought, ‘If I stand up for Athena now, it’ll only stir up more trouble for her.

Very well, I’ll just have to bear it for now!‘

In stark contrast to Gale’s unease, Athena appeared completely unperturbed.

The party officially commenced.

The maidservants filed in, serving dish after dish.

Athena nibbled at her food and savored the fine wine, completely unfazed by the malicious glares thrown her way.

Athena thought to herself, ‘Right now, I only have one thought in mind. Finish this meal and get the hell out of here.’

Suddenly, while serving the dishes, a maidservant accidentally spilled soup on Athena.

The maid pleaded, “Please forgive me!”

The maid collapsed to her knees in terror, her whole body trembling with fear.

Athena glanced down at her gown, greasy stains were already spreading across the fabric.

The commotion at the entrance drew all eyes from the elevated area.

“What happened here?” the head maid demanded sharply.

“Madam,” the maidservant replied respectfully, “Lindsay accidentally spilled soup on Lady Athena.”

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Chapter 319

The head maid snapped, “What do you think you’re doing? Get out of here and report for punishment, now!”

“Yes, my deepest apologies!” the terrified Lindsay Burns scrambled out on her hands and knees.

Athena caught the subtle signal Lizzie gave the head maid, who immediately started walking toward her.

She said, “Lady Athenalet me take you to change your clothes.

“Athena, I shall accompany you,” Gale declared, rising to her feet.

One of the noble ladies interposed with feigned courtesy, “Your Grace, the party has barely commenced, and Her Highness is expecting our toast. Surely you wouldn’t consider it proper to withdraw at this juncture?”

Another lady said, “Come now. Do you really think Miss Monson would come to any harm here?”

Two noble ladies intercepted Gale, temporarily trapping her in polite conversation.

Gale could only watch anxiously as Athena walked away.

Athena gave Gale a reassuring smile, nodded at her, and then followed the head maid out.

The pavilion was spacious. The head maid led Athena past the bustling front courtyard, heading straight for a secluded guest room in the rear.

After passing through the side gate, the number of guards gradually dwindled, leaving the area noticeably quieter and more isolated.

Athena’s eyes grew cold as she watched the head maid’s retreating back, a dangerous glint flickering in her gaze.

“Madam,” Athena came to an abrupt halt.

The head maid looked at her in confusion. “Is something wrong, Miss Monson?”

“Is it really necessary to walk this far just to change clothes?” The warmth drained from Athena’s smile as her dark eyes glinted with a dangerous edge.

The head maid’s heart skipped a beat. Never before had she seen such a chilling gaze in the eyes of a woman who appeared so docile.

Her gaze was bone–chilling, utterly emotionless.

It was as if she might lunge forward at any moment and slit her throat.

The head maid quickly composed herself and forced a smile. “There’s no need to worry, Miss Monson. This secluded area is reserved for guests who’ve had a bit too much to drink. The change of clothes is inside. Please help yourself.”

Wit

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