The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 382

Chapter 382

“Is that the only reason?” Athena asked, her voice laced with disappointment as she rephrased her question.

‘So, Prince Xander was protecting his fiancée, and not me as a person.

‘If it were anyone else in this position, he’d protect her just the same, Athena thought bitterly.

Xander, utterly oblivious to the subtle complexities of a young woman’s heart, simply nodded, as if in acknowledgment.

Athena could feel the excitement in her heart slowly fade away as his words sank in, leaving behind only a quiet calm.

‘Of course, Athena thought bitterly, ‘being someone’s favorite was always a luxury I could never afford.’

Not far away, Nelson grew so exasperated by Xander’s reply that he couldn’t help but stomp his foot.

He was itching to rush over and answer for Prince Xander.

He silently fumed, /All Miss Monson needed was a simple affirmation! If he had just said it was because of her as a person, not just as his fiancée, wouldn’t that have finally broken down the wall between them?

‘Oh, this is driving me crazy!‘

Athena took a half–step back from Xander, offering a.slight curtsy as she thanked, “Thank you for your assistance, Prince Xander.”

Her sudden shift in demeanor completely baffled Xander.

He contemplated, ‘I just saw blazing affection in Athena’s eyes, but how could it vanish in the blink of an eye?

‘Women! They are so utterly unfathomable.

Xander racked his brains, desperately searching for something more to say to Athena.

When Athena saw Natasha waiting for her nearby, she turned to Xander and said, “I have urgent matters to attend to, so I’ll take my leave now.”

With those words, she turned and walked away.

Xander watched her retreating figure, his eyes betraying the anxiety he couldn’t voice.

From behind, Nelson’s voice sounded, tinged with urgency. “Your Highness, why didn’t you invite Miss Monson back to the manor for a bit?”

Xander felt a pang of regret. The invitation had been on the tip of his tongue, but before he could voice it, Athena was already walking away.

Xander gazed thoughtfully in the direction Athena had departed, then raised his hand in a subtle summoning gesture.

Before long, a shadow guard materialized before him.

“What has Athena been up to lately?” Xander inquired.

The shadow guard bowed his head and replied respectfully, “Your Highness, the Viscountess is investigating General Kurtis Perkins‘ case. It seems she intends to start with the Justice of the Federal Bureau.”

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Chapter 382

Xander frowned slightly and probed, “She’s already making her move? This soon?”

Arthur had placed a strict gag order on this case, forbidding anyone from ever bringing it up again.

While Athena wanted to clear General Perkins‘ name, Xander knew she stood little chance.

“Guard the Viscountess closely,” Xander instructed the shadow guard. “Report any abnormalities immediately.”

“Understood. Your Highness,” the guard responded.

With a subtle wave of his hand, Xander dismissed the shadow guard, who vanished in an instant.

Nelson followed behind Xander, his brows furrowed deeply. “General Perkins‘ entire family was patriots through and through, yet they met such a tragic end. It’s truly heartbreaking! Everyone knows how devoted the old general was to the country. So, how could anyone believe he’d stoop to embezzlement?”

Compared to Nelson, Xander remained far more composed in his response, “The King knew well that General Perkins would never commit such an act. But the case had far–reaching implications. During that harsh winter, countless civilians froze to death because the army’s payroll never arrived. And with the evidence appearing so irrefutable, the King had no choice but to punish the general’s entire family.

“With such damning evidence, the entire clan would have faced execution. Under immense pressure, the King had commuted the death sentence to exile. From this perspective, he has already shown tremendous leniency. Such talk must never be uttered again.”

The warning in Xander’s tone was not lost on Nelson. Bowing his head, the steward replied respectfully, “Your Highness is absolutely right. I’ve spoken out of turn.”

With a glance at Xander, Nelson ventured carefully, “Should we tell Miss Monson the truth about all this?”

Xander replied in a low voice, “Since she’s determined to investigate, we’ll assist her discreetly. With her stubborn streak, she won’t give up until she hits a brick wall. Rather than watch her get hurt, it’s better to prepare her for the truth now, so she can be mentally ready.”

Hearing this, Nelson gave a silent thumbs–up in his mind, thinking, ‘How incredibly thoughtful Prince Xander is!‘