The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 41

Chapter 41

Athena’s heart warmed. She hadn’t expected Margaret to think of this. She had no one in her courtyard who truly understood her, and it seemed Margaret had picked up on some whispers.

“Grandmother… she didn’t hear anything, did she?” Athena asked, concerned.

Gwen forced a smile. “There’s no such thing as a completely soundproof wall. Lady Margaret knows about the incident between you and Lord Matthew last night.”

Her expression darkened, but she quickly added, “Don’t worry, Lady Athena. Lady Margaret is fine. She knows you didn’t suffer, and she even had an extra plate of pasta for lunch today.”

At that, Athena almost smiled.

Seeing her smile, Gwen chuckled too. After leaving the two maids with Athena, she stepped out.

Athena looked at the two maids, who immediately bowed and spoke in unison, “Please, my lady, grant us a name.”

“Since you’re under Margaret’s care, I won’t be giving you names.”

They looked up, expressing their gratitude, and introduced themselves.

“I’m Marquita, and I’m responsible for managing the.miscellaneous tasks in Margaret’s courtyard.”

Athena nodded slowly. “From now on, you’ll be in charge of managing the household affairs in my courtyard.”

Marquita was a little surprised, but when she saw the smile on Athena’s face, she understood–Athena was entrusting her with responsibility.

“Thank you, Lady Athena,” Marquita said respectfully.

The plump young maid, looking a bit shy, quickly added, “I’m Trina Pierce, and I’ll do my best to serve you, my lady.”

Athena looked at her and found her quite endearing. “Get up.”

Not long after, Siena and Aliza returned. When they saw the two new maids in the courtyard, they immediately sensed a shift in the atmosphere.

But when they saw that Athena wasn’t giving them much attention, both Siena and Aliza relaxed.

Athena sat in the room, lost in thought, staring blankly at the table.

She was trying to make sense of Eloise’s strange behavior earlier. Eloise had intentionally dismissed Athena, clearly wanting to have a private conversation with Margaret.

Athena thought, ‘What could she want to say?‘ She couldn’t figure it out just yet.

While she was lost in thought, Siena entered with a report. “My lady, Lady Eloise is here.”

Athena looked up just as Eloise entered, accompanied by two maids. One of the maids was holding a tray covered with a red

cloth.

Eloise approached, smiling brightly, and tried to take Athena’s hand, but Athena subtly pulled her hand away.

Eloise’s hand dropped, and a brief flash of sadness crossed her face. But she quickly recovered, forcing a smile. “I’ve come to

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bring von some good news”

Athena remained seated, and Eloise signaled for the maid to bring the tray closer.

The red cloth was lifted, revealing a set of gilded headpieces inlaid with emeralds. There were three hairpins, a pair of hair ornaments, a pair of hairpins, and a necklace.

Despite the grandeur of the gift, Athena wasn’t surprised. Instead, a sarcastic smile curled on her lips. She already knew what Eloise was going to xay

Why would this be my good news? Shouldn’t it be the duke’s estate’s celebration?”

The sharpness in Athena’s eyes caught Eloise off guard for a moment. But she quickly regained her composure and forced at smile “You’re Henry’s daughter, so of course, your happiness is the family’s happiness too.”

“Lady Bloise, if you have something to say, just say it. There’s no need for all these roundabout words.” Athena’s eyes darkened with sorrow

She thought, ‘Using my marriage for Henry’s future–isn’t that the real ‘good news‘? But it is for their benefit, not mine!

Eloise ignored the disappointment on Athena’s face, still smiling brightly. “I promised I would treat you well, and of course, your marriage is something I’ve kept in mind. You and Lord Osborne weren’t meant to be, but I won’t neglect you.”

She gently patted Athena’s hand, her face beaming. “Ray Mcgee has come to propose to you. Your future is secured.”

Athena’s heart skipped a beat. Ray Mcgee of the Mcgee family was an extremely powerful figure–he had once carried the late king out of battle and had been granted his title.

She wondered, ‘How could such a prominent family want to marry someone with a tarnished reputation like mine?‘

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