The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 332

Chapter 332

He looked down at her, his towering frame shielding her from the biting wind.

“We’ll talk inside.” At these words, tears welled up in Athena’s eyes.

She shook her head. “I didn’t come to confront you, Prince Xander.”

Taking two steps back, Athena performed a deep curtsy before Xander. “I am deeply grateful to Your Highness for saving my

life.”

Just as Xander was about to help her up, Athena continued softly, “I’m a woman of modest learning, unworthy of such an honor. I know Your Highness only did this as a tactical measure to help me out of trouble. I could never repay your kindness. by embroiling you in dishonor.”

“What are you trying to say?” Xander’s brows knitted tightly together.

For the first time, a crack appeared in his usually impassive mask.

As perceptive as he was, there was no way he couldn’t possibly understand her meaning.

She was trying to run away from him.

Sure enough, the next moment, Athena’s voice rang out clearly. “Within three years at most, I will surely find a way to have His Majesty revoke his order of our marriage.”

The determination in Athena’s eyes sent a dull ache through Xander’s heart.

Xander struggled to contain his emotions, his wounded eyes fixed on Athena. “Do you… hate me?”

Athena shook her head quickly. “I would never presume to overstep my station, Prince Xander.”

Biting her lip, she looked at Xander apologetically. “But my heart belongs to Ferris. I simply can’t divide my affections between two people.”

Athena was genuinely grateful for all that Xander had done for her.

But she and Ferris had promised to be with each other for life.

She couldn’t break that vow.

Xander gazed at Athena, his heart torn apart again and again.

He thought, ‘Sometimes, I’m tempted to use unconventional means to make her stay.

‘But I know her. If I ever tried that, she’d vanish from my life without a trace.

‘With her, I’m always powerless.

‘I’ve done things that even shock myself.

‘Every time, I swear to myself that I will never do it again.

‘But the moment she’s in trouble, nothing else matters.

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‘My principles and pride are all thrown to the wind:”

Seeing that Xander had remained silent for so long, Athena realized she might have crossed the line.

She lowered her head, unable to meet his gaze.

Suddenly, Athena felt Xander’s warm, strong hands gently but firmly lift her chin.

As she looked up, she found herself staring into his conflicted eyes.

They were no longer as fierce as before. Instead, they were softened by an undercurrent of tenderness she couldn’t quite decipher.

“But what if you fail?” Xander’s deep voice trembled with urgency.

Athena could see her own reflection in his eyes, along with all the worry he tried to hide.

She met Xander’s eyes helplessly, completely at a loss. Her mind was clear, but her throat felt clogged. She couldn’t get a single word out.

Her heart was pounding like a drum. Athena had never been this flustered before.

She thought, ‘Is it because we’re standing so close? Or is it the way Xander’s pressing me for an answer?‘

Athena struggled to compose herself, but her eyes betrayed her panic.

Athena thought anxiously, ‘What if I can’t persuade the Emperor to revoke the decree? Would I really have to marry Xander I’ve never even dared to entertain such an idea. The intricate web of royal politics is so daunting. I honestly don’t think I’m cut out to be his partner.’

Xander stepped even closer, until only a breath separated them.

His cool, masculine scent washed over Athena, overwhelming her senses and making her instinctively step back.

In her flustered state, she completely forgot about the flowerpot behind her.

As she lost her balance and was about to fall, a pair of strong hands caught her slender waist just in time.

Xander’s deep voice murmured in her ear, “When the time comes, will you give me a chance?”

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Chapter 333