The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 348

Chapter 348

Xander surveyed the room instead of answering, then asked her, “Are you settling in well here?”

“I feel quite comfortable here,” Athena replied.

As long as those people stopped bothering her, Athena felt hopeful about the days ahead.

The only regret was not being able to celebrate Christmas with Margaret.

Xander gazed into Athena’s luminous eyes and chuckled, “Tonight, you’ll accompany me to the imperial party.”

“Me?” Athena asked, bewildered.

‘As my future wife, you’ll accompany me to the imperial party,” Xander stated.

The imperial party was always crowded with countless noble ladies and daughters, many of whom would vie for Xander’s attention.

Xander found their persistence tiresome, but with Athena by his side, the nuisance would lessen considerably.

Athena suddenly realized and thought, ‘So Prince Xander is just using me as his human shield.’.

‘One doesn’t come empty–handed when asking for a.favor,” Xander chuckled. With a casual wave, his attendant entered carrying a box and set it on the table.

A delicate, barely perceptible scent drifted from the unopened box.

‘What is this?” Athena asked, her curiosity piqued.

Xander personally opened the box. To Athena’s amazement, inside was a gorgeously crafted ensemble that took her breath

away.

The outfit consisted of a sapphire–blue silk cloak, adorned with medallions in a front–opening style, a black–and–gold jacket with cloud–patterned shoulder panels and full–length sleeves, sleeves that were luxuriously lined with black fox fur, and ornate gilded clasps fastening the front.

Athena stared at the outfit, her breath catching in her throat.

This is way too extravagant,‘ she thought, stunned.

It was clearly custom–made for the royalty.

The message was obvious. Xander wanted her to wear it to the party, making his intentions crystal clear.

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“Is there something wrong with it?” Xander asked, noticing the surprise on Athena’s face and assuming she didn’t like it.

Athena shook her head, looking flattered yet a bit uneasy. “It’s just too extravagant… and way too showy for me.”

Xander chuckled lightly. “At those court gatherings, it’s all about status and prestige. You’re representing me. Even if you wanted to keep a low profile, I wouldn’t allow it.”

Athena was still hesitant, but Xander reassured her, “Don’t worry about causing trouble, and don’t be afraid of anyone daring to pick on you. Unless they’re tired of living.”

Anyone who dared to cross Xander’s wife must be tired of life.

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Chapter 348

His demeanor, as if he could shoulder the weight of the heavens, gave Athena immense courage.

If she refused again, she’d just end up making a fool of herself before Xander.

“Since you have put it that way, what do I have to be afraid of?” Athena said, readily agreeing with a cheerful smile.

Athena looked at Xander, her gaze full of mixed emotions. After a brief hesitation, she asked, “Your Highness, do you still recall our agreement?”

Xander nodded gently. “I remember. Rest assured, I would never force you into anything, certainly not marriage.”

“Since you’re well aware of this, Your Highness, aren’t you actually giving me an advantage?”

Accompanying Xander as his future wife, Athena was bound to attract countless people eager to curry favor.

A lone wolf struggled to survive. If she wanted to secure her place among the noble ladies, connections would be her stepping stones.

Athena thought, ‘By doing this, isn’t Prince Xander afraid I’ll grow my wings and fly away from him sooner than he expects?‘

Xander saw the doubt in Athena’s eyes as clearly as if it were written across her face.

He gave Athena a faint smile. “I can afford to bet, and I have the patience to wait.”

His confident gaze made Athena feel ashamed. ‘How petty of me,‘ she admitted to herself.

He said, “Then I shall count on you tonight, Miss Monson.”

“Glad to be of service, Prince Xander.”

Athena and Xander raised their cups, lightly clinking them together before draining them in unison.

The imperial party was scheduled for the evening, but protocol required early arrival at the palace.

After dressing to perfection, Athena seemed like a completely different person.

Her gaze was sharp, carrying an unmistakable air of authority.

The luxurious gown only heightened her unapproachable aura.

Standing beside Xander, they looked every bit the perfect pair.