The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 406

Chapter 406

His hand withdrew in an instant, as light and fleeting as a dragonfly skimming the surface of the water.

Athena stood frozen for a heartbeat. Snapping back to her senses, she hurried after Xander. “Prince Xander, let me walk you out,” she called, a little flustered.

Xander didn’t say a word, but he deliberately slowed his steps, clearly waiting for Athena to catch up.

They walked out side by side until they reached the courtyard gate, where a carriage from the Xander Manor was already waiting.

Xander paused and looked at Athena. “Your estate isn’t exactly secure with so few people around. I’ve arranged for some of my men to guard the place. Don’t take it the wrong way. They won’t interfere with your freedom, and I have no intention of keeping you under surveillance.”

“Though we’re in the imperial capital under the Emperor’s watch, sinister forces lurk everywhere,” Xander warned. “I can’t always be by your side for protection, so you must stay vigilant. If anything happens, send word to the Xander Manor immediately.”

Xander seemed to possess boundless patience. He had already considered every detail for Athena, yet he still meticulously went over everything with her, never tiring of his gentle reminders.

It was as if, the moment Athena left his sight, she’d instantly fall into danger.

Even after boarding the carriage, Xander didn’t forget to remind Athena, “If anyone from the duke’s estate comes to bother you again, simply turn them away at the gate. Should anyone dare force their way in, my guards will deal with them.”

Xander spoke, and Athena listened in silence.

Though she remained silent, a quiet radiance of dawning hope began to glow in her eyes.

Xander watched Athena standing there, so soft and rosy–cheeked like a little marshmallow, and his heart melted.

With a gentle tap on the carriage, Xander signaled the driver to set off. He was afraid that if he did not leave now, he might never be able to tear himself away.

Athena watched as his carriage disappeared from sight before finally turning back inside.

Trina and Marquita exchanged knowing glances. Trina’s cheeks flushed pink with excitement. “Prince Xander,” she gushed, “he’s so gentle!”

2

Marquita said, “Lady Athena, you and Prince Xander are truly a perfect match. In all my years, I have never seen a man so thoughtful and considerate.”

Marquita thought to herself, “If Lady Athena could marry Prince Xander, she would surely find true happiness.”

Athena put on a mock–scared face and teased, “That’s because you haven’t seen Prince Xander’s ruthless side. The two Monson brothers were beaten black and blue by him. Still think he’s gentle?”

“Wow?” Trina exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with stars. “Prince Xander is so incredible!”

“Prince Xander is defending your honor, Lady Athena. You mustn’t be afraid of him,” Trina mused.

Marquita was practically beaming with joy as she bustled off toward the kitchen. “Prince Xander has helped you so much, Lady Athena. You simply must show your appreciation. Let me whip up some pastries for you to take to him.”

1/2

Chapter 406

With that, Marquita marched off without even waiting for Athena’s consent.

Trina cheered as she followed behind Marquita, “I’ll help!”

Athena was stunned.

“These two are getting bolder by the day,‘ Athena thought wryly. ‘Making plans without even waiting for my answer.

An hour later, Marquita thrust the pastry box into Athena’s hands. “Lady Athena, off you go now!”

Athena was reluctant to move. “I haven’t visited Grandmother yet.”

Marquita blocked the doorway, not letting Athena pass. “Lady Margaret already had her medicine and is fast asleep, Lady Athena. No more excuses, off you go!”

Athena frowned and stammered, “I–I still have medicine to prepare.”

Trina popped her head out and winked mischievously at Athena. “Don’t worry, Lady Athena. I’ve finished preparing all those medicines for you, and there are no patients at the clinic today. You can go without a care.”

Cornered with no escape, Athena found herself ushered into the carriage by Marquita.

Seated in the carriage, Athena fell deep into thought. “Minister Alfred Beren must know something about grandfather’s case,” she mused.

“To the Xander Manor,” she instructed the coachman.

Athena decided that she would drop off the pastries at the Xander Manor, then swing by the Beren residence.