The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 498

Chapter 498

it enraged her. Ferris, blind to her beauty and status, had fallen for Athena of all people. A woman disgraced and cast aside.

Lizzie couldn’t understand what that shameless woman possessed that she lacked.

Ferris was clearly infatuated with Athens, and even Michael couldn’t seem to get her out of his mind.

Worst of all, even Xander seemned drawn to Athena. He had nearly taken a stand against Lizzie just to shield that

While Lizzie was still seething, Ferts spoke with deliberate mockery. “So, I’m supposed to like you, not her, huh?”

His voice dripped with biting sarcasm.

Ever since his engagement to Lizzie was finalized, Ferris had abandoned all pretense of respectful deference toward her

No matter how much Lizzie went out of her way to please

se him, she was

was only

y’ met with scathing remarks in return.

Every time Ferris opened his mouth, Lizzie was lot seething, her rage so sharp it felt like her chest might split open More than once, she nearly marched to her brother to demand he dissolve the engagement.

But then she remembered, letting Ferris go would be far too easy

He was too perfect a prize to forfeit. That face, that arrogance, that willful defiance, breaking him would be far more satisfying than bending to wiling men to her will

The more he recoiled, the deeper her fascination grew.

“You may loathe me now,” she said smoothly, “but once we’re married, you’ll never be rid of me. I’ll give you heirs, and you’ll belong to me until your last breath

Her expression twisted with manic delight. Nothing pleased her more than imagining Ferris chained by duty, glowering as he yielded to her control.

Watching his fury and helplessness would be her sweetest victory

“Whatever Ferris muttered, barely looking at her.

His indifference set her off again. She gripped his arm, her voice dropping to a hiss. “If you don’t want Prince Xander to hear of this little rift, I suggest you start acting the part.”

At that moment, Ferris stopped resisting. Every trace of defiance seemed to vanish.

With a smug smile, Lizzie linked her arm through Farris’s and strode up to Athena.

“Prince Kander,” Lizzie greeted him with a practiced sweetness, as if she had forgotten everything he had ever done to her,

But Kander saw through the act immediately. That sugary charm was wasted on him.

His voice turned cold in an instant as he cut her off Strange. I don’t recall my mother inviting you to her birthday celebration.”

Unfazed, Lizzie replied, “Her Majesty was kind enough to invite me. I also wished to present a token of respect as a younger member of court. Mare importantly, I come on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen to offer her congratulations.”

With Lizzie invoking the Queen’s authority, Kander had no choice but to hold his tongue

Still, his warning was unmistakable. “You’d best behave yourself”

Princess Lizzie shot a provocative smirk, “Naturally”

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Chapter 498

Turning to Athena, she softened her tone with falso chility. “Viscountess, your engagement to my brothers remained pending for quite some time There’s been no news at all. Perhaps the situation has changed?

The venom laced in her bone was unmistakable. And yet, because she was Lizzie, no one dared to speak not

Not wanting to put Athena on the spot, Ferris stepped in, his tone cold and steady. “Manage arrangements are His Majesty’s concern. Or have you taken it upon yourself to speak in the King’s place, Princess”

His blunt retort wiped the smile off Lizzie’s face. Her expression twisted with fury. Throwing decorum aside, she snapped, “Who do you think you are, speaking to a princess like that? Get on your knees and apologize now!”

Ferris responded with a quiet scoff, “Watch yourself, Princess.

His unwavering defiance shattered what little composure she had left,

With trembling hands, she drew the soft whip from her waist and struck it against the floor with a sharp crack “I’ll punish whom I please. Even if beat you to death here and now, my brother wouldn’t dare object,”

Then, she swung the whip down hard, aiming directly at Ferris

But before it could strike, a hand seized her wrist in an unrelenting grip.

Ө