The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 443

Chapter 443

“You are now the Marchioness of Somers, the head of the inner court. If you can’t compose yourself, how will others view our family?” Kelsey ached for her son and didn’t want to make things harder for Willow, but she truly couldn’t stand her way of doing things.

‘Crying at the slightest trouble. Is this how a noble lady should conduct herself?‘ Kelsey thought with disapproval.

She had known that the Monson family pampered Willow, but she hadn’t expected them to spoil her into uselessness.

The Osborne family didn’t want a crybaby. They needed a capable matron to manage the household.

Willow bit her lip in grievance and nodded. “I understand.”

Holding back tears, she limped over to the bedside.

When she saw the wounds on Michael’s back, she gasped in shock. “Does it hurt badly? The King was far too harsh. Didn’t the Queen plead on your behalf?”

As soon as those words left her mouth, the whole room went still in shock.

Even Michael, who had been resting with eyes closed, opened them sharply.

Every eye in the room turned toward Willow.

She looked around, confused, and saw that Kelsey was glaring at her with wide eyes, filled with fear.

Even the servants in the room had dropped to their knees, trembling, not daring to make a sound.

Michael’s gaze turned fearful as well. He ground out through gritted teeth, “Do you know what you’re saying? Rain and thunder are all blessings from the King. How dare you speak with such disrespect?”

Only then did Willow realize how serious her slip was.

In ancient times, imperial authority was absolute. Any comment that implied discontent with the King could lead to

execution.

She turned pale, tears streaming down her face.

She only meant to express concern for her husband. She never intended any disrespect toward His Majesty.

“Honey, I… I didn’t mean anything by it!” Willow stammered.

Kelsey’s harsh voice cut through the tension. “If a single word of this gets out, I’ll have all your lives.”

The servants all trembled in fear. “Yes, my Lady.”

“Everyone out,” Kelsey commanded.

Once the room was cleared, Kelsey turned to Willow furiously. “Are you trying to get us all killed? You say such things without even thinking?”

If not for Willow being a newlywed, Kelsey would have slapped her on the spot.

Terrified, Willow dropped to her knees and begged, “Please, it was just a slip of the tongue. I beg your mercy.”

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Chapter 443

Still seething with anger, Kelsey commanded, ‘Go kneel in the Memorial Hall!*

If Willow were clever, she would have obeyed immediately. But instead, she looked toward Michael for help. She believed he would protect her.

She had just married in. If she were punished like this, wouldn’t it be a huge embarrassment?

Michael wanted to protect her. But at this moment, there was something foreign in his gaze. He had once thought her innocent and sweet, worth defending at all costs. But now, it seemed that her “innocence” might bring ruin to the Osborne family.

He thought he must have been drugged to protect her so blindly. Even hurting Athena and severing ties with her in the

process.

Michael deeply regretted everything.

“If Mother wants you to kneel, she must have her reasons. He had a rare moment of clarity. If he continued shielding Willow, the Osborne family would be doomed.

Willow stared at him in disbelief, while Kelsey finally let out a breath of relief.

Thank goodness her son still had some sense left.

Willow got to her feet with difficulty, tears falling again as she hobbled out of the room.

As soon as she crossed the threshold, Kelsey muttered, “Was she always this much of a crybaby?”

Though the families had arranged the marriage, Willow hadn’t been raised in front of her. Everything she knew about the girl’s character came from what Eloise had said.

And every time she had met Willow, the girl had been all smiles and sweetness.

But now that she had entered the household, the difference was staggering.

Michael turned his head away irritably. “Mother, I’m tired. I want to rest.”

Seeing that he didn’t want to talk anymore, Kelsey dropped the subject.

But in her heart, she had made up her mind. She was going to start disciplining Willow properly. She would not allow her to embarrass the Osborne family again.