The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 453

Chapter 453

Athena felt a bit flustered when facing Xander.

‘If I still can’t get it after such obvious hints, I must be hopeless, Athena thought.

Xander pressed the herbs into Athena’s hand with a slight smile. “What, scared?”

His gaze was open and direct, yet the searing intensity in his eyes threatened to melt Athena.

Athena shook her head with a smile. “Not at all. I’m just… surprised.”

Athena held up the herbs to Xander, raising a teasing eyebrow.

Xander caught her meaning and chuckled. “I may hold a lofty status, but I’m only human. Don’t put me on a pedestal.”

These words came straight from Xander’s heart. He truly wished to get closer to Athena.

However, the habits instilled in him since childhood made it hard for him to be as at ease as ordinary people.

Xander was determined to change for her.

As Xander and Athena were talking, Fiona spoke up from aside, “We’re truly grateful for your help today, Prince Xander. But the mask incident has caused quite a stir. Patients would rather believe the masks have miraculous effects than come for treatment. It’s heartbreaking.”

Between the lines, Fiona’s words overflowed with sympathy for Athena.

Athena worked tirelessly, only to be blamed instead of thanked.

Xander nodded and said, “Since this whole matter began with the Marquis of Somers, naturally, he should be the one to resolve it. There’s no need for you to trouble yourself, Athena.”

Xander was openly standing up for Athena, and Fiona, witnessing it, felt her heart swell with joy.

‘Athena has endured so much hardship, Fiona thought. ‘If only she could marry Prince Xander, he would surely keep her safe and cherished.’

Just then, Raegan Duvall approached and whispered to Fiona, “My Lady, it’s time to return to the manor.”

Fiona had been out for too long and knew she shouldn’t linger any longer, so she bid Athena farewell. “I’ll come visit you again when time permits.”

Just as Fiona was about to leave, Athena suddenly remembered to thank her. “Thank goodness you were here today. I wouldn’t have known how to handle that mess without you. Thank you,” Athena said sincerely.

“You saved Cedric, and I once promised I’d repay you. This is the least I could do,” Fiona said warmly.

Fiona always repaid kindness. She would never break her word.

Athena then inquired about Cedric’s condition. “How is Cedric doing?” she asked.

“I dare not leave his side for long now. I have to watch over him constantly. But thanks to your herbal decoction, he’s improved greatly.”

Ever since that incident, Fiona hadn’t left Cedric’s side for even a moment.

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Chapter 453

Even her hurried outing today was only possible after she had meticulously settled everything in Cedric’s quarters, and only then did Fiona dare to step away for a brief moment.

Athena knew Cedric needed constant care, so she didn’t try to keep Fiona any longer. Then, Fiona rushed off.

Surveying the courtyard’s mess, Athena’s brows knitted slightly. Turning to her students, she instructed, “Let’s clean this up and head back to the apothecary.”

Now that the townspeople no longer needed her, Athena saw no reason to stay here any longer.

Xander stayed close by Athena’s side, his voice low and thoughtful as he said, “There’s something off about this whole thing. Even if that woman wanted to undermine you, it shouldn’t have escalated this quickly. It’s only been a day, and it’s already spiraled to such an extent.”

Athena looked at Xander, puzzled. “Prince Xander, are you saying someone is pulling the strings behind the scenes?”

“Though Willow wants to seize this opportunity to climb the social ladder, she’s not stupid enough to shoot herself in the foot. There’s definitely someone fanning the flames behind the scenes.

“This has escalated far beyond what even the Osborne family could have anticipated.”

Xander kept the rest to himself. The higher Willow climbed now, the harder she would fall when things inevitably spiraled out of control.

Xander gazed into the distance, a knowing smile playing at his lips.

‘Could it be him?’ Xander wondered.

‘He’s been secretly helping Athena,’ Xander thought.

It was Ferris Mcgee!

Athena also fell silent, lost in thought after hearing Xander’s words.

Athena thought, ‘Willow has always been one to keep strictly to her chambers.

‘Who would even have a grudge against her? This is clearly a setup. Someone’s building her up just to watch her fall’

A familiar face flashed across Athena’s mind, her eyes widening in sudden realization.