The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 381

Chapter 381

After ensuring Athena was unharmed, Xander quietly took his leave.

Once Xander learned Athena was going to compete, he discreetly had her horse replaced with one from the Xander Manor’s

stables.

The horse Athena rode was specially trained at the Xander Manor, and it was highly intelligent and responsive to human intentions.

When it sensed Willow’s hostile move, it instinctively fought back.

“Prince Xander, you’re truly a mastermind!” Nelson gave a big thumbs–up, lavishing praise on Xander.

Deliberately dragging his feet to buy time, he added, “If you hadn’t replaced Miss Monson’s horse beforehand, the consequences would have been unthinkable!”

As Nelson spoke, he craned his neck to peer back.

He thought, ‘Miss Monson is so astute. How could she not notice the difference in the horse she’s riding? It’s been quite a while, yet she still hasn’t come after us.

‘Prince Xander is just as tight–lipped and he never says what’s really on his mind.‘

Xander kept walking without responding to Nelson. His gaze was blank and distant, but what truly filled his mind was the image of Athena on the field.

Xander mused, ‘I always thought she was just a delicate lady, but what a pleasant surprise‘

Unwilling to give up, Nelson asked, “Your Highness, are you not going to wait for Miss Monson?”

Xander responded calmly, “She’s already won, so there’s no need to stay for the rest.”

This victory cemented Athena’s reputation, and no one would dare underestimate her again.

Xander left feeling at ease. Nelson, however, pursed his lips, clearly itching to say something but held his tongue.

Muttering under his breath as he followed behind, Nelson said, “Your Highness has done so much for Miss Monson, but why would you keep it all from her?”

Nelson pondered, ‘How could Athena ever fall for Prince Xander if she doesn’t know about all the efforts he had silently done for her?

‘How much longer will it be before we can finally welcome the princess consort into the manor?‘

Xander gave a bitter smile as he silently wished Athena could know his feelings.

But the moment he thought of the three–year agreement she had proposed, he suppressed that desire once again.

‘Athena doesn’t have feelings for me,‘ Xander thought bitterly. ‘What’s the point of clinging to her like this?

‘If by then she still hasn’t changed her mind and insists on being with Ferris, then I’ll step aside and wish them well.‘

If Nelson knew Prince Xander’s real intentions at that moment, he’d be worried too.

The pair bypassed the main gate and opted for a side entrance instead.

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Chapter 001

While Xander had arrived unnoticed, his departure was even more discreet.

Just as Xander was stepping out of the Beckham’s residence, a figure suddenly appeared directly in his path.

Athena’s sudden appearance took Xander by surprise, yet filled him with quiet delight.

She looked as if she’d rushed over, as a light sheen of sweat glistened on her forehead.

Her rosy lips were slightly parted as she caught her breath.

“Prince Xander,” Athena smiled as she stepped forward until just two paces separated them.

Xander looked at her with slight awkwardness, offering a resigned yet gentle smile. He asked, “Since you already know, what was the rush?”

Xander’s gaze lingered on the mud–splattered hem of Athena’s dress.

He could almost picture her dashing over to see him.

She could have been so focused that she’d failed to notice the dirt staining her skirt.

A gentle warmth bloomed in Xander’s heart at the thought. ‘So Athena does care about me after all, he realized.

Noticing the mud stains on the hem of her skirt, Athena flushed slightly and took two steps back. She looked at Prince Xander and asked softly, “Prince Xander, why did you help me?”

Athena thought, ‘What a silly question. Xander’s feelings for me are written all over his face, yet here I am, running over to ask this.

‘I can’t believe it. Even with my notorious reputation, there’s someone quietly watching over me from the shadows.

‘After the countless sleepless nights, my heart has become a hardened stone.

‘So when I finally encountered rare kindness and warmth, all it did was leave me feeling lost and unsettled.

Xander noticed Athena’s unease and offered her a gentle smile, “As my fiancée, it’s only natural that I protect you.”

Chapter 382