The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 351

Chapter 351

Upon hearing this, Lizzie shot Fermin a withering glare.

She glanced around to make sure no one was nearby before speaking, “I brought her in to broaden her horizons. Do you think I’d ever mistreat anyone under my

care?”

With her eyes shining with adoration, the maid dipped into a slight curtsy before Lizzie.

Observing her, Lizzie gave her chin a gentle squeeze and cooed, “Good girl.”

Just then, all the palace lanterns along the eaves of the Grand Hall illuminated simultaneously. Hundreds of palace lanterns with cracked–ice patterns brightened the interior, turning the hall into a breathtaking galaxy of light and creating an utterly magnificent scene.

Joyous music flowed from within the Grand Hall as officials and their families began filing inside in an orderly procession.

Fermin cast a glance toward the Grand Hall and said to Lizzie, “Aunt Lizzie, shall we head in?”

“Sure,” Lizzie replied as she rose gracefully. Her maid immediately stepped forward to offer careful support at her arm.

No one knew what the maid whispered into Lizzie’s ear, but it had her giggling uncontrollably. In a rare display of affection, she even rested her head briefly on the maid’s shoulder.

Still, mindful of the difference in status, Lizzie only tilted slightly before correcting her posture.

‘That maid had some serious nerve, nothing about her tells others that she’s a “servant“, Fermin couldn’t help but sigh deeply. ‘Our unconventional Aunt Lizzie had always flouted all conventions.‘

Emboldened by the Queen Mother’s favor, Lizzie often pushes boundaries with her outrageous behavior.

Sometimes, even the King found himself powerless to rein Lizzie in, and this was precisely why she acted so boldly.

Fermin followed behind Lizzie into the Grand Hall.

He was seated at the lower left, while Prince Xander and Athena occupied the upper right seats.

Pamela was chatting with a group of noble ladies at the tables when she noticed Fermin’s entrance and immediately fell silent.

The palace gala dinner was packed with guests today, but Athena recognized only a handful of faces.

While Arthur had many children, only his most favored were in attendance today.

The only ones Athena recognized were Fermin and Lizzie; the other princes in the Grand Hall were mostly strangers to her.

Xander noticed Athena’s curious eyes darting around. Leaning in, he lowered his voice and said, “From front to back, that’s the Third Prince, Evander Cavendish, and the Fifth Prince, Fabian Cavendish. You’ll get to know the other princes and princesses in due time.”

Xander’s pointed mention of these two instantly clicked for Athena. “What’s so special about them?” she asked.

Xander explained in a low voice, “Evander is earnest and a bit naive, and his mother is a low–ranking consort, so he’s not in the King’s favor. Fabian’s mother is favored by the King, but the Queen keeps her suppressed, making it hard for him to rise to prominence.” Leaning in, he added, “But don’t be fooled by what you see on the surface, some real drama will unfold during tonight’s gala.”

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Xander spoke while swirling his wine glass, and his demeanor exuded effortless aristocratic charm.

Between casual banter, Xander had effortlessly mapped out the relationships here for Athena.

Athena listened carefully, but the lively chatter in the Grand Hall made it difficult to hear, so she leaned a bit closer to Xander.

Even such a slight movement instantly drew the watchful gazes from every faction in the hall.

Lost in thought, Ferrris had been holding his wine for quite some time without bringing it to his lips.

Seated in the middle, at an area quite far from Athena, Michael could only see half of her figure from where he was.

As such, he could barely make out her face.

While Michael was attentive to Willow, he couldn’t rein in his wandering heart. The moment Athena made even the slightest move, his gaze would instinctively dart her way.

“Michael,” Willow called out softly.

Michael snapped out of his daze, a fond smile spreading across his face as he turned to Willow. “What’s the matter, sweetheart?” he asked gently.

“Nothing in particular, I’m just a little nervous,” Willow said, gazing up at Michael with puppy eyes. But inside, jealousy was consuming her alive.

‘Even though I’m already Michael’s woman, why is he still hung up on Athena?‘ Willow thought bitterly.

Michael squeezed her hand reassuringly as he gently murmured, “Don’t worry, I’ve got you.”

On the surface, everyone in the Grand Hall seemed relaxed, yet each had their own agenda.

Athena sensed that she had become a target. If looks could kill, she’d be completely pierced by now.

Just then, Athena noticed Lizzie flashing her a taunting smirk from across the hall.

Lizzie raised her wine glass in a mock toast from across the hall. Athena picked up her own glass and returned the gesture with equal poise.

Chapter 352