The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 422

Chapter 422

The subordinate’s eyes shone with admiration as he responded, “As you command, Lord Osborne.”

As the city gates slowly creaked open, Michael, leading the charge, rode into the city.

Beyond the city gates stretched a dense crowd.

They had completely blocked the city gates, waiting for their rations.

Michael rode in on his tall, majestic horse, but the crowd barely spared him a glance before immediately turning their attention back to the relief food.

A noble’s son getting married didn’t matter to them.

Nothing beat a full stomach.

Michael gave his subordinate a meaningful look. The subordinate nodded, then hauled out several large baskets and shouted to the crowd, “Today, the Osborne family is celebrating a joyous wedding. These lucky wedding coins are a reward from Lord Osborne. Those who want them, come get them here.”

The two heavy baskets of copper coins were placed at the foot of the wall, instantly drawing everyone’s attention.

“There are free coins. Hurry, everyone, grab them!”

A wave of excited shouts swept through the crowd, and the once–quiet commoners instantly erupted into a frenzy.

The crowd surged toward the foot of the wall.

Just as Michael had predicted, the crowd was instantly drawn to the copper coins like moths to flame, scrambling aside to clear a path.

A triumphant grin flashed across Michael’s face. With a sharp tug on the reins, he barked, “Go!”

Michael led the wedding procession as they charged forth toward the duke’s estate.

Little did Michael know that behind him, the poor crowd was shoving and trampling each other to grab the copper coins.

Frail women and children were knocked down and trampled underfoot. Before they could even rise, the surging crowd pressed relentlessly over them.

Shrill screams of women and terrified wails of children pierced through the chaos.

By the time the city guards realized what was happening, it was already too late.

The crowd was massive. Everyone was desperate to grab the copper coins, pushing and shoving frantically in a chaotic scramble.

The front rows suffered the worst. Left empty–handed, some had their hands crushed underfoot, while others had their legs broken in the stampede.

Some even had their ribs crushed in the stampede.

With the situation rapidly spiraling out of control, the city guards frantically shouted, “Hurry, send word to the Pidence Guards. Have them dispatch a unit immediately!”

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Michael urged his horse through the streets at breakneck speed. The wedding procession behind him was struggling to keep

their breath coming in ragged gasps.

up,

If not for his groom’s attire, the townsfolk would have thought Michael was charging into battle.

By the time they finally reached the gates of the duke’s estate, they were already late.

Eloise had the main gates shut already. Come hell or high water, she was determined not to let Willow be married off like this today.

Inside her room, Willow dissolved into tears upon hearing what had happened.

Tears streamed down Willow’s face as she pleaded, “Mother, please, I’m begging you. Let me go through with the wedding. If Michael sees the gates shut, he’ll be heartbroken.”

Eloise looked at Willow with a pained expression and tried to explain the situation to her, “Willow, my darling, come to your senses. If you go through with the wedding now, you’ll only bring suffering upon yourself.

“A wedding day fraught with problems is a terrible omen. Are you going to marry into the Osborne family with such a stain on your name?”

Big tears rolled down Willow’s cheeks, but her eyes were full of determination as she said, “I’m willing, Mother. As long as I can marry Michael, I’ll gladly endure any hardship.”

“You!” Eloise was so furious her vision swam. For a moment, she wanted nothing more than to shake Willow until Willow

saw reason.

But Willow was the child she had raised with such doting care. She couldn’t bring herself to do so.

As a mother, Eloise couldn’t bear to see Willow suffer.

As Eloise and Willow remained at an impasse, the butler entered and respectfully reported, “Lady Eloise, Lord Osborne said that arriving late was entirely his fault. He would return another day to beg for your forgiveness.”

It sounded like Michael intended to call off the wedding and leave. Willow’s eyes widened in horror.