The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 375

Natasha’s voice brimmed with excitement as she gently nudged Athena. She teased, “What are you standing there like a fool for? Go greet Prince Xander already! He’s your fiancé, after all!”

‘Prince Xander never attends such trivial gatherings.

‘His sudden appearance could only mean one thing–he was here specifically for Athena, Natasha thought as she watched Athena in exasperation.

Noticing her inaction, Natasha pondered, “There’s such a golden opportunity right in front of her and she’s not grabbing it. If she waits any longer and the chance will be gone!‘

At this moment, she was itching to shove Athena straight into Xander’s arms, just to put Willow in her place.

However, Athena only spared Xander a fleeting glance before quickly averting her eyes.

‘My heart is racing,‘ Athena thought, but she managed to reply calmly, “Why wouldn’t Prince Xander be here? Maybe he enjoys polo too?”

Natasha was at a loss for words, and she fumed inwardly, ‘Prince Xander is cold and aloof, and he never shows up in crowded places like this.

‘Yet Athena just calmly said, “He’s only here to watch polo.”

‘Why can’t she use that brain of hers and realize Prince Xander came here for her?‘

Athena glanced again in Xander’s direction, only to find he was already gone.

‘He must dislike showing his face in crowded places and has probably already left,‘ she thought.

Natasha was about to say more when Athena tugged at her hand and said, “They’re forming teams now. Let’s go join one.”

Polo is played between two teams of eight players each.

By the time Athena and Natasha arrived on the field, Willow had already assembled her team.

She had come prepared, as all her teammates were skilled polo players.

The remaining players on the field looked utterly dejected. After all, facing Willow’s team meant certain defeat.

Just Matthew alone was enough to make anyone’s blood run cold.

He was renowned for his lightning speed and ruthless, unpredictable maneuvers.

Anyone who dared to go head–to–head with him was lucky to escape with just a minor injury. More often than not, they’d be unseated from their horses.

It was this aggressive prowess that had earned him quite the reputation in polo circles.

Athena scanned the field and she noticed four women and two men.

With herself and Natasha, that made a full team of eight players.

Athena walked up to them and asked, “Wanna team up?”

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Chapter 375

The leading woman’s eyes widened in shock when she realized it was Athena. She stammered hesitantly, “Athena, you… You’d team up with us?”

To them, having someone as skilled as Athena join their team felt like a waste of her talent.

“Why not? I’m just here to have some fun,” Athena replied with a smile.

Everyone beamed and nodded eagerly in agreement, “That’s amazing!”

Just moments before, they’d been worried about the match, but Athena’s arrival rekindled their hope.

Willow gently bit her lip as Athena appeared.

‘Why does Athena always have to compete with me?‘ she thought bitterly.

“Willow, don’t be afraid. I’ve got your back,” Matthew said, shooting Athena a look full of hatred.

‘If it weren’t for Athena, I wouldn’t have fallen so low,‘ he thought bitterly.

He had been demoted from being one of the Pidence Guards to a mere soldier on guard duty, and Matthew could hardly bear such humiliation.

He had resigned last winter and had been idle at home ever since.

The Duke of Suffield, who was at his wits‘ end, had begun considering marriage prospects for Matthew.

When the Beckham family hosted this polo match, the Duke of Suffield saw it as a chance for Matthew to make an appearance and pave the way for his marriage.

Of course, Matthew knew nothing about any of this.

He thought the Duke of Suffield wanted him to protect Willow.

Seeing Athena, a surge of old grudges and fresh resentment overwhelmed Matthew.

Willow looked at him gratefully, murmuring, “Matthew, thank you for always looking out for me.”