The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 36

hapter 36

Eloise’s hand froze mid–air, the bowl of herbal medicine trembling slightly. Her smile faltered–but only for a heartbeat- before she quickly recovered, the warmth returning to her face.

She looked at Athena with a gentle, motherly expression and reached out, trying to touch her cheek. But Athena leaned away, avoiding the gesture without hesitation.

Her hand hanging in the air, Eloise’s face stiffened. Her eyes quickly turned red. “Athena, you’re my daughter. Seeing you hurt breaks my heart too. Matthew… well, you know his temper.

“He’s all bark and no bite. He may come off harsh, but deep down, he really does care for you.”

Athena gave a cold, sarcastic laugh. “Is that what love looks like? Beating someone until they cough up blood? If that’s how he shows affection, maybe let Willow have it–see if she appreciates it.”

Eloise sniffed, clearly embarrassed. “Yes, he was wrong. He went too far. But can’t you let it go?”

“I already have.” Athena’s smile was faint and sharp as ice. “He’s irrelevant. Why would I waste time holding a grudge against someone who doesn’t matter?”

Eloise’s eyes welled up again. She stared at Athena, stunned–like she couldn’t believe how cold Athena had become.

The room fell into heavy silence. The only sound was Eloise’s quiet, trembling sobs.

Athena had no patience for theatrics. Her voice was calm but cutting. “Let’s not waste time, Lady Eloise. If you have something to say, just say it. No need to put on this act. If anyone walked in right now, they’d think I was the one bullying you.”

Eloise’s face tightened in discomfort. Her voice dropped to a whisper. “After all this time… you still won’t call me ‘Mother‘?”

Athena turned her face away, unwilling to meet those pitiful, watery eyes. She thought, ‘What is the point of all this? Why can’t she just speak plainly instead of putting on this show of maternal love? Does she think I would fall for it?‘

“Didn’t you already cast me aside three years ago?” Athena said flatly.

The words hit Eloise like a slap. She stood frozen, staring at Athena as tears fell silently down her cheeks. “So you really are still blaming me…”

“If there’s nothing else, I’d like to rest now,” Athena said, voice steady but clearly weary.

Seeing the fatigue and indifference in Athena’s eyes, Eloise finally pulled herself together. She forced a tight smile and said softly, “Athena, I heard from the physician… you changed Margaret’s prescription?”

Athena thought, ‘Ah. So that’s what this is really about. She must’ve seen the new medicine and come to investigate. This isn’t concern–it is curiosity, maybe even opportunism. A mix of flattery and testing the waters.‘

Athena instantly understood. Her expression stayed calm as she asked in return, “And why do you want to know?”

Eloise thought, ‘She hasn’t denied it–which is as good as admitting it.

Eloise’s eyes lit up slightly. She reached out again, trying to hold Athena’s hand with forced affection. “Good girl… just tell Mother where you got the prescription. You never studied medicine–how did you manage to change it?”

The truth was, ever since Margaret had switched to the new medicine, her complexion and energy had noticeably improved.

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Chapter 36

Eloise hadn’t realized until later that it had been Athena who provided the prescription.

What Athena didn’t understand, though, was why Eloise suddenly cared so much.

Seeing Athena eyeing her with suspicion, Eloise finally relented and told the truth. “Since Prince Xander returned from the border, his illness has kept relapsing. If we could find someone capable of treating him, it would be a tremendous service.”

The court was in turmoil. Factions were forming. The duke’s estate had long supported the Crown Prince. If they could win over Prince Xander now, it would be a powerful advantage.

Realization flickered in Athena’s eyes. ‘So it’s all about politics after all.’