The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 404

Chapter 404

“How would that do? You are my husband, and attending to you is my duty,” Fiona said softly. “Mother–in–law specifically instructed me to attend to you well.”

Nicolas’s vision swam with darkness. He couldn’t tell if it was the medicine kicking in or the pain overwhelming him. Then everything went black.

“Rest well, my lord.” With feigned tenderness, Fiona carefully tucked the quilt around Nicolas, then quietly rose and left the room, her every movement deliberately gentle.

Once outside, Sirena brought a basin of warm water for Fiona to wash her hands.

Though Fiona’s face feigned sorrow, a glint of secret delight flashed in her eyes.

Come dinner that night, Fiona even helped herself to an extra bowl.

Eloise also sent someone to discreetly inquire about the situation. Fiona dutifully answered every question and, in the end, told the messenger to reassure her mother–in–law that there was nothing to worry about.

The servant returned to report to Eloise, who nodded repeatedly. “It can’t be easy for her to take care of him herself. That really puts my mind at ease,” she said.

Eloise believed that nothing compares to a spouse’s attentive care. With Fiona by his side, Eloise knew she had no need to worry about Nicolas.

The only ones left for Eloise to worry about were Willow and Matthew.

Willow’s wedding was in two days.

Tomorrow, well–wishers will start arriving at the mansion to offer their congratulations, and the whole household will be bustling with wedding preparations.

But to Eloise’s dismay, both brothers had been punished and were now bedridden.

Eloise murmured in distress, “What should we do about this?”

Before retiring for the night, Eloise checked on Willow, who had been taking aconite powder these past few days.

Though still confined to bed, Willow appeared in good spirits. Her cheeks glowed with health, and her eyes sparkled with life. Had it not been for the splint on her leg, Eloise would have sworn Willow was not injured at all.

“Mother, you’re here,” Willow called out sweetly as Eloise approached.

Eloise sat by Willow’s bedside. She reached out to gently stroke her cheek as she managed a bitter smile. “I am. I just wanted to check on you before bed. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to rest easy.”

The affairs of the mansion had been deliberately kept from Willow, so she remained unaware that both Nicolas and Matthew had been punished.

But Willow, ever so perceptive, immediately sensed something amiss and asked gently, “Mother, is something troubling you?”

At the thought of her two sons, Eloise’s tightly held composure finally shattered as she burst into tears.

Eloise managed a weak smile. “N–no, nothing.”

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Chapter 404

‘No, you’re lying to me! I can tell something’s happened. Just look at you!” Willow anxiously shook Eloise’s hand and pressed her, “What happened? Please, tell me now!”

‘Don’t tell me something’s wrong with my wedding again!‘ Willow thought anxiously.

Seeing Willow’s eyes filling with anxious tears and sensing her growing distress, Eloise finally relented and told her the truth.

Willow’s eyes widened in shock. “What? Prince Xander actually punished both Nicolas and Matthew? What about my wedding?”

Willow was supposed to be carried out of the mansion on her brothers‘ backs on her wedding day. Now that both Nicolas and Matthew are injured, the only thing on Willow’s mind is who will be carrying her on that day.

Tears welled up in Willow’s eyes as she cried out, “Mother, you must think of something! Under no circumstances can my wedding be affected. I won’t become a laughingstock!”

Willow was so consumed by her own distress that she failed to notice the astonishment in Eloise’s eyes. Eloise said, her voice tinged with disappointment, “Willow, you’ve always doted on your brothers. Now that they’re both injured, how could you only think of yourself?”

“Mother, that’s not what I meant at all!” Willow quickly backtracked, belatedly realizing her misstep. “I simply misspoke in my haste. Truly, my heart aches for both Nicolas and Matthew!” She rushed to explain herself, hoping to make up for her earlier slip.

Willow dragged her injured leg toward the edge of the bed. “I need to go see Nicolas and Matthew,” she insisted, her voice laced with feigned urgency.

Eloise quickly reached out to stop her, exclaiming, “Your leg is still injured! You can’t possibly get out of bed. Stay put and rest properly!”

“But I don’t even know how badly Nicolas is injured! I’m just so terribly worried,” Willow choked out, tears welling in her

eyes.

Willow spoke through her tears, her face the very picture of heartfelt concern. Anyone who saw her would believe she was the most devoted little sister, aching for her brothers‘ suffering.

Eloise breathed a sigh of relief as she said, “Fiona is looking after Nicolas, so you can rest easy.”

‘As I thought,‘ Eloise thought, ‘Willow is so close with her brothers, of course she’d care about them. I really was just overthinking it.‘

Chapter 405