The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 368

Chapter 368

“Since it’s Grandma’s concern, how could I just turn a blind eye?” Athena said, her voice calm, though she was far from willing.

Before treating Cedric, Athena laid out her terms to Fiona: “I can treat him, but you must not reveal to the Monson family

that these medications came from me.”

Fiona’s face lit up with joy as she nodded eagerly. “You have my word, Viscountess. My lips are sealed, and not a whisper will escape me,” she promised.

Athena knew Fiona was acting purely out of maternal devotion to her child. Were it not for this profound love, she would never have intervened in the matter.

“Bring the child over and I’ll take a look,” Athena instructed Fiona’s nurse.

Fiona glanced anxiously at the nurse, who promptly stepped forward and carefully placed Cedric into Athena’s arms.

Peeking out from the swaddling blanket was a tiny, gaunt infant face.

Cedric was already eight months old, yet he appeared no larger than a typical six–month–old.

His eyes, heavy with exhaustion and a sickly pallor, were utterly devoid of a child’s usual vibrancy.

Athena pressed her fingers gently against his wrist. After a moment, her brows knitted tightly as she thought, “This child… he’s suffering from a congenital deficiency

‘Looking at his frail, sickly state, he might not make it to five without prompt treatment.

‘But even with my treatment, there’s no guarantee he’ll recover.

‘To recover from this condition, seventy percent of its success is about proper care, and the remaining thirty percent is about luck.

‘It all depends on whether the heavens will shine its light on Fiona and her son.’

After Athena had been silent for quite a while, Fiona couldn’t hold back her anxiety any longer. “How is Cedric?” she blurted out. “How long will he need to take the medicine before he recovers?”

A storm of emotions raged within Athena, but she suppressed her shock and, with practiced calm, asked Fiona, “How was your appetite and sleep during pregnancy?”

Fiona was startled, and she wondered, ‘Wasn’t Athena supposed to be treating Credic? Why was she suddenly asking about me instead?‘

But since Athena was a miracle healer, Fiona answered whatever she was asked.

Fiona thought for a moment before replying, “During my pregnancy, I could hardly eat anything and always had a bitter taste in my mouth. The only thing I really craved was preserved fruits. As for sleep, it was terrible as nightmares kept me awake most nights.”

Athena just let out a faint “Oh,” without offering any answers. Fiona grew increasingly anxious. “My child…” she finally pressed.

Athena responded gently, “Cedric was likely born prematurely and is frailer than most children. You’ll need to provide meticulous care. I’ll prescribe some tonics to strengthen him gradually, but unlike adults, children require long–term

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Chapter 09

treatment. So, be prepared for a long road ahead.”

Fiona wasn’t surprised by that as Cedric had been sickly since birth, falling ill time and again.

As such, taking medicine had become as routine as daily meals.

Fiona felt as if a knife were stabbing at her heart every time she saw Cedric being forced to take the bitter medication.

Athena felt a pang of sympathy when she noticed Fiona’s eyes welled up with tears.

After a moment’s thought, Athena gently comforted her, “You don’t have to worry. I’ve added candied fruit to the medication so it won’t taste bitter at all.”

Hearing this, Fiona gave Athena a grateful smile, “Thank you… Athena.”

She didn’t address her as “Viscountess,” but by her given name, a clear sign of her trust.

Athena shook her head in response, “Since I’m no longer at the estate, I’ll have to rely on you to look after Lady Margaret for me. Consider this matter settled between us, and no thanks are necessary.”

She handed the prescription to Fiona, who clutched it as if she’d just found a lifeline for her son.

As she was leaving, Fiona said to Athena, “You saved my son’s life, and I owe you my own. If you ever need my help, I’ll do whatever I can with no questions asked.”

As their social standings and positions were simply too different, Athena didn’t take Fiona’s words to heart.

She didn’t expect anything from Fiona, and all she hoped was that Fiona would look after Margaret at the estate.

But who could have guessed those words would prove prophetic?