The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 495

Athena knew she couldn’t afford to be careless when it came to Alexandra’s birthday party.

She had prepared the birthday gift for Alexandra well in advance. Even if Alexandra didn’t like her, she was determined not to give anyone the dis

On the big day, the Kander Manor’s carlage arrived bright and early to fetch Athent

Athena wore a sapphire blue satin short jacket adorned with floral patterns, its culls embroidered with gold threaded passionflower vinat Around far waist, an apricot–yellow silk sash was fastened with a gem inlaid wooden clasp, from which hang hem waist pendants that chimed softly the shards of crystal with every step.

Draped over her shoulders was a sky blue silk kesi cloak, subtly patterned with cranes and interwoven with percock feather threads and gold, shimmering like moonlight scattered across a frozen lake when it caught the light.

This elaborate yet refined attire honored her status without drawing undue attention.

Yet it was this understated luxury that made Athens seem like a different person altogether.

Gone was the innocence of youth, replaced by a calm confidence that marked her as a natural leader.

Only when Athena stood before him did Xander finally snap out of his daze

“Prince Kander,” Athena called

out softly.

Xander blinked, his bright eyes fixed on Athena, filled with both astonishment and admiration

He had never seen Athena look so utterly radiant before,

She was like a pearl, once hidden beneath dust, now finally revealed and shining with newfound brilliance.

From the carriage, a pair of hands with well–defined knuckles reached out. His fingers were long and balanced, bearing the faint calluses of years spent gripping weapons.

The veins at his wrists stood out, a quiet testament to his strength and control.

Athena’s eyes paused on Xander’s hands, then slowly moved up to meet his face.

That breathtakingly handsome face now wore an unexpected tenderness, sending a jolt through her heart.

It was hard to believe that the notoriously cold and ruthless Prince Xander could ever appear so gentle.

“Get in!” Xander’s deep voice snapped Athena out of her reverie.

She placed her hand in his palm, her fingers gently enveloped by his firm grasp as she leaned into his support and stepped up into the camage.

The beaded curtain swayed with the carriage, its delicate beads tinkling crisply through the air.

Athena sat in the carriage, restless with discomfor

The carriage was large, but with only Xander beside her, it felt much smaller, His presence surrounded her completely

The faint scent of sandalwood dried in, causing her breathing to instinctively slow

There was a raw intensity about Kander that could easily overpower anyone in close quarters. Athena was no exception.

But one thing was certain to her this wasn’t fear, it was respect.

1/2

Chapter 495

If not for Xander safeguarding Petanion, the neighboring kingdoms would have long since launched constant Invasions,

Athena remained silent, her mind conjuring vivid images of Xander leading his troops into battle, his commanding figure toting through an with effortless grace.

Noticing Athena’s silence, Xander thought she might be worried about meeting his mother. So, he gently reassured her, “With me here, you don’t nee be nervous. My mother is kind, she won’t give you any trouble.”

Such heartwarming words deeply moved Athena

She gave Xander a gentle smile. “Prince Xander, you’re always looking out for me in every way. I truly don’t know how I could ever repay you.

“You don’t need to. Being good to you is my own choice, Xander said, his gaze locked on Athena. The fire in his eyes flared, threatening to consume her completely.

A delicate pink flush spread across her cheeks as she turned her gaze toward the window.

Just then, the carriage jolted to a halt.

Three crisp taps sounded at the window. Xander parted the carriage curtain slightly, and a guard leaned in, whispering urgently to him

Athena Caught a flicker of coldness before his expression returned to calm neutrality. With a brief nod, he dismissed the guard.

AD