The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 40

Chapter 40

Willow sniffed, her voice trembling with a hint of tears. “I feel guilty. This marriage was meant for Athena, but now it’s been given to me. It feels like I’ve stolen it from her…

“I already owe her so much, and now this marriage too. It’s only right that she resents me.”

Matthew scoffed lightly. “What right does she have to resent anyone? If she hadn’t done those wicked things back then, she wouldn’t have ended up in this situation.

“The Osborne family is a prestigious one–why would they want a woman with a tarnished reputation to be their matriarch? It’s you who’s helped her. If the Osborne family calls off the engagement, she’ll only look worse.”

Willow bit her lip and fell silent, her voice barely above a whisper. “Still, it’s my fault.”

“Don’t worry,” Matthew reassured her. “Both Joseph and I are on your side when it comes to the Osborne family.”

Willow lowered her head, not saying anything, but a small smile tugged at her lips.

“What do you mean ‘you owe her‘? No one in this household owes her anything.” A bright voice cut through the room.

Joseph walked in, holding a tray.

He flashed a mischievous smile as he set the tray in front of Matthew. “Matthew, you’re quite lucky. Even while injured, there’s still someone thinking of you.”

On the tray was a bowl of restorative soup and a sachet of herbs.

Joseph, clearly used to this, casually placed the items down before pulling up a chair and sitting down.

Willow looked surprised. “Who sent these?”

“The soup is from Siena, and the sachet is from Aliza,” Joseph said with a wink at Matthew.

Matthew shot him a quick glance, then turned away, his expression unreadable. He looked annoyed. “A lowly maid thinks she can climb the social ladder.”

With that, he suddenly kicked Joseph. “How much have you received from them?”

Joseph swiftly got up and dodged the kick, feigning innocence. “It’s just a small gift, Matthew. Why are you getting so upset?”

Matthew glared at him. “These maids have bad intentions. If Mother knew, she’d give you a good beating.”

“Matthew, you’ve only got one concubine now. What’s the harm in taking another?” Joseph said quickly, sending Willow a playful glance.

Willow smiled, playing along with his suggestion. “Of course, it would have to be approved by Mother first.”

Matthew frowned, thinking for a moment. He wasn’t opposed to taking a concubine, especially since the woman had originally been promised to Willow but had been taken by Athena instead. If he asked Eloise, she might well agree.

Even the maids seemed to dislike Athena, which said a lot about her character.

He silently made a decision, thinking he’d bring it up with Eloise soon.

Meanwhile, Athena was in the process of preparing medicine for Margaret when she realized a few ingredients were

1/2

Chapter 40

missing. She stood up and headed toward the storeroom.

As she approached a low wall, she overheard voices arguing.

“You should take a good look at yourself before you speak. How dare you argue with me?”

It was Aliza, her voice lowered deliberately, as if trying to keep the conversation private.

Then came Siena’s mocking laughter. “Being a house–born servant makes you special, huh? Didn’t you hear Lady Willow say that everyone is born equal? Why can’t I do what you’re doing? Besides, I’m just as pretty as you.”

“Y–You…” Aliza was furious and reached out to slap Siena, but Siena turned and ran.

Athena’s lips curved into a small, knowing smile. When it came to greed, even the strongest of relationships could crumble.

She shook her head and was about to leave when she saw Gwen entering her courtyard, followed by two people.

Hastily, she turned around and waited for them to enter.

Behind Gwen were a sharp–eyed old maid and a young, plump maid with her head lowered, making it hard to see her face clearly.

Gwen stepped aside, gesturing for the two to come forward. “These two are here at Lady Margaret’s request to assist you, Lady Athena.”

2/2