The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 407

Athena had initially considered asking the gatekeeper to deliver the pastries to Xander, but thought better of it and carried them into the Xander Manor herself.

preoccupied with how to talk to Minister Beren about her grandfather that she failed to notice that someone was watching her intently from not far ahead.

From a corner of the long corridor, a regal, elegantly dressed woman fixed her gaze intently on Athena and murmured, “Is that Athena?”

The maidservant at her side replied respectfully, “Indeed, Your Highness, that is she.”

This noble lady was none other than Alexandra Cavendish, the Dowager Princess, who had freshly returned from her

retreat.

Pidence City was bitterly cold and plagued by frequent sandstorms. As she was sensitive to the cold, Alexandra deliberately went on the retreat. Had Xander not sought an imperial marriage decree for himself and Athena, Alexandra would not have returned to the Xander Manor so prematurely.

A flicker of surprise crossed Alexandra’s face. Remembering the kindness Athena had shown her, the fierce glint in her eyes softened considerably.

She instructed the maidservant at her side, “Invite Lady Athena to my quarters and tell her I have matters to discuss with

her.”

“Yes, Your Highness,” the maidservant said before she turned and left.

The maidservant intercepted Athena at the next corner gate. “Lady Athena,” she said respectfully.

Athena looked at the maidservant before her with surprise. Though she had visited the Xander Manor several times, she did not recognize this particular servant at all.

Athena stood her ground, eyeing the maidservant warily.

“Lady Athena, I am a servant serving Her Highness, the Dowager Princess. Her Highness wishes to speak with you and has specially asked me to extend her invitation.” Jane Brown spoke with measured composure, every gesture impeccably proper.

Athena set aside her doubts. Since the Dowager Princess herself had summoned her, there was no way she could refuse.

“But…” Athena hesitated as she looked anxiously at the pastry box in her hands, feeling a bit unsure.

Jane caught on quickly and asked, “Are the things in this box meant for Prince Xander?”

Athena nodded.

“Lady Athena, you may entrust the pastry box to me. I shall deliver it to His Highness on your behalf,” Jane assured.

Athena suddenly realized that the Dowager Princess must have sent someone to intercept her to prevent her from getting too close to Xander.

She handed over the pastry box, a faint smile playing on her lips. “Many thanks,” she said.

Jane tilted her head slightly and gave another maidservant a meaningful glance. The maidservant promptly took the pastry box from Athena’s hands and retreated to the side.

عامة لحمة العالم

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Chapter 40/

Athena followed Jane and soon arrived at the West Wing.

Alexandra’s residence stood in stark contrast to Xander’s. While his exuded understated elegance, hers was flamboyant. The interior layout was virtually identical to that of the royal palace.

The moment Athena stepped inside, she was enveloped by a comforting warmth that stood in sharp contrast to the chill

outside.

She looked toward the seat of honor, where Alexandra sat in lavish, resplendent robes upon a plush armchair, watching her with a subtle, knowing smile.

Her face, which bore a distinct resemblance to Xander’s, though showing the gentle marks of time, was still stunningly beautiful.

She was pushing fifty, but could easily pass for someone in her early forties.

“Your Highness,” Athena greeted as she curtsied with impeccable precision.

Alexandra might appear approachable, yet there were not many people who hold such an exalted position who are easy to deal with.

Athena kept her head bowed, her demeanor so reverent that it was beyond reproach.

Alexandra let out a soft chuckle and said, “Take a seat.”

With a word of gratitude, Athena took her seat.

“Lady Athena, you’ve grown even more radiant since we last met,” Alexandra remarked amiably, her gaze upon Athena deceptively warm. Yet somehow, she remained strangely unapproachable.

Athena knew Alexandra wasn’t here for idle chatter. With a faint smile, she replied, “Your Highness flatters me.”

Sure enough, Alexandra sighed and said, “Alas, what a pity that such beauty is so often cursed with misfortune. Were it otherwise, you might have married well and lived in comfort.”

Chapter 408