The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 38

Chapter 38

Athena didn’t pay any attention to Eloise, instead focusing her gaze on Margaret. She was waiting for Margaret to speak.

Margaret looked into Athena’s unusually bright eyes and smiled gently. “Go on, I’ll have a chat with your mother”

Willow tried to reach for Athena’s arm, but she quickly pulled away.

Athena bowed respectfully to Margaret before stepping forward and heading out.

“Athena, wait for me!” Willow called after her in a sweet, innocent voice, flashing a smile as she followed.

Once outside, Athena exchanged a look with Gwen, who nodded slightly and then entered the room.

Athena walked toward the garden and stopped in front of a small rockery. Willow, seeing the coldness in Athena’s eyes, froze and didn’t dare step closer.

“What are you planning now?” Athena asked, her voice sharp.

Willow’s face twisted in a look of injured innocence, her eyes filling with tears before she spoke, “Athena, why do you ask

that?”

Her expression seemed to imply that Athena had said something harsh, as though she were the one being mistreated.

Athena couldn’t help but let out a quiet laugh. She’d have to be mad to ask Willow such a question. Even if she knew the answer, she wouldn’t say it.

Not wanting to waste any more time, Athena turned away. “I’m heading back.”

“Athena, Mother said we should pick some fabric…” Willow’s voice trailed off, hesitant, as though lacking any real conviction.

Eloise’s request to pick fabric was nothing more than an excuse.

Willow knew this, but still called out to her. Athena turned to look at her, her eyes cold. “Do you still have something to say?”

“Athena, would you like to visit Nicolas and Matthew?” Willow bit her lip, struggling to get the words out. It took her a while, but she finally managed to speak.

She looked at Athena with hope in her eyes. “They’re badly injured. I’m sure they’d be so happy if you visited.”

Athena’s gaze was like ice as she looked back at her. Her words cut straight to the heart. “If you want to put on a show of ‘siblings deeply affectionate,‘ why bother involving me? Can’t you act without needing me as your backdrop?”

When they were young, Willow had been sweet and charming, the apple of her three brothers‘ eyes. All she had to do was call out “Brother,” and they would rush to fulfill her every wish. Athena could only watch from the sidelines.

And at times, Willow would generously share a little of what she had, but it was always the leftovers, the things she didn’t

want.

Everyone praised Willow for her generosity and kindness. Her three brothers constantly urged Athena to learn from her. To win their favor, Athena would always give whatever Willow wanted. But that was no longer the case.

Willow stared at Athena, her eyes wide in shock, and her tears welled up immediately. “Athena, I didn’t mean it like that. I really do think of you as my sister.”

But no matter how many tears Willow shed, they couldn’t soften Athena’s heart.

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Chapter 38

“Your tears mean nothing to me,” Athena said flatly before turning and walking away.

Willow stood there watching her retreat, hastily wiping the tears from her face. “Nona, come with me to see Nicolas and Matthew.”

When Athena returned to Snowdrop Wing, she found Aliza absentmindedly watering the plants. The water had spilled over the edge of the pot, but Aliza hadn’t noticed.

When she saw Athena return, Siena hurried over with a bright smile. “My lady, you’re back!”

Aliza quickly snapped out of her trance and came forward to serve.

Athena noticed that Aliza had changed her hairstyle today and was wearing a new jeweled hairpin. Ever since Matthew was injured yesterday, Aliza had seemed distracted and uneasy.

Athena couldn’t help but smile inwardly. She turned to Aliza and said, “My handkerchief is missing from the garden. Could you go and find it for me?”

Aliza’s eyes immediately lit up. She curtsied respectfully and said, “Of course, my lady. I’ll go search for it right away.” With that, she hurried off.

Once Aliza was gone, Siena hesitated for a moment before speaking up, “My lady, there’s something odd about Aliza lately.”

Athena paused, her hand lingering on her teacup. Her long lashes fluttered as she asked in a calm voice, “What do you

mean?”

“She’s been acting strange–putting on makeup and powder, but she’s distracted when working. She wasn’t like this before,” Siena said, a hint of disapproval in her tone.

She’d been silently bothered by Aliza’s behavior for some time.

Aliza, who had always relied on being a house–born servant, had started acting like she was superior, as if she thought herself above the others.

Normally, Aliza would give Siena orders with an air of authority. In the past, Siena had always been too timid to challenge her, but ever since Athena had praised her, Siena’s confidence had grown.

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