The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 54

Chapter 54

Eloise, ever adept at reading the room, immediately picked up on Gale’s displeasure toward Athena.

She quickly stepped in to smooth things over. “Your Highness, it’s truly an honor that you’ve made time in your busy schedule to visit. I’m overwhelmed. For Athena to have caught your attention–it’s a blessing for our family.”

As she spoke, she gave Athena’s sleeve a subtle tug. Athena lowered her head and replied quietly, “Your Highness, I’m deeply

humbled.”

Gale’s gaze lingered on Athena’s respectful posture. Something seemed to stir in her expression–perhaps a memory or a thought–and a trace of resignation flickered across her face.

She lifted her hand slightly. “You may both rise.”

When Athena lifted her head, the coldness in Gale’s eyes had vanished. There was a faint smile on her lips now, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes.

Still, Gale played the part well. She even beckoned Athena closer, took her hand warmly, looked her over from head to toe, and offered generous praise. “You really are a lovely young woman.”

Athena smiled, polite but distant. Her expression was perfectly composed—pleasant, yet emotionally detached.

At least, on the surface, everything looked picture–perfect. To an outsider, the meeting seemed warm and amicable.

“You and Ray have known each other since childhood, haven’t you? I’m sure you’ll get along well. He’s two years older, but boys can be thoughtless and rough around the edges.

“He’ll need your patience–your guidance,” Gale said, her words carefully chosen. “But with how well Eloise has raised you, I’m sure you’re more than capable.”

Athena caught the subtext instantly.

This wasn’t a friendly reminder–it was a thinly veiled directive: Look after my son. Indulge his flaws. Be a proper wife. Handle the household. Mind your place–and know when to keep quiet.

Athena lowered her gaze and offered a quiet acknowledgment. She had long since stopped believing in romantic fantasies, and certainly wasn’t about to place her hopes on Ray. Gale’s so–called advice was unnecessary–nothing she hadn’t heard before.

Still, her modest demeanor seemed to please Gale, who looked at her with faint approval.

With Eloise playing the warm, supportive mother–in–law, the whole scene radiated a surprising sense of harmony–as if Athena were already the future lady of the Mcgee family and both sides were thrilled with the arrangement.

But Athena knew better. This was all just a performance.

After a bit more polite conversation, Gale finally said, “Before you go, take this handkerchief to Ray. He’s caught a chill recently–he mustn’t be out in the wind.”

Athena’s heart skipped. ‘Ray is here too?‘ she wondered.

She instinctively turned to Eloise. Eloise smiled faintly, but her eyes shifted away–guilty, evasive.

Today was supposed to be Willow’s birthday party. And yet somehow, everything had revolved around Athena. One moment she was dealing with Kelsey, the next she was summoned by Gale.

1/2

r

Chapter 54

Yes, Eloise clearly wanted her married off. But Athena thought, ‘Isn’t this all a bit too rushed?‘

And Gale—someone as shrewd and well–connected as her–there was no way she didn’t know the full story.

She had to be aware that Athena’s previous engagement hadn’t been properly resolved. Yet she still moved forward with a proposal.

Athena wondered, ‘What are they all in such a hurry for?‘

Athena made her way toward the garden to find Ray–but before she could even get there, trouble found her first.

Matthew and Joseph–her two older brothers–stepped into her path, both wearing expressions of thunderous disapproval, as if she’d committed some unforgivable crime.

Athena had never felt more exhausted.

Sometimes she seriously wondered if Eloise had eaten something strange while pregnant with them. She thought, ‘How else could she have given birth to two men so completely devoid of common sense?‘

Now, here they were, blocking her path, launching into yet another round of scolding before she could even open her mouth.