The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 56

Chapter 56

Matthew might not have liked Athena, but she was still his sister. And seeing a member of the Monson family being laughed at in public–it was a slap to his own pride.

On reflex, he stepped forward to help her up, but Joseph grabbed his arm and held him back.

“Well, well, Athena,” he sneered, “you’re not a child anymore, yet you still can’t stay on your feet? Look at you–what a pathetic sight.”

There was no hiding the excitement in his voice.

Athena lifted her gaze toward Michael, only to find him standing there, expression unreadable, cold. But his fists were clenched tightly.

He was hesitating. If she had just said something–asked for help, shown even a hint of softness–he wouldn’t have left her like this. He would’ve stepped in.

But she didn’t. She gave him the barest glance, then looked away, as if even sparing him a second of attention was beneath her. As if looking at him too long might dirty her eyes.

Michael felt the sting of humiliation. He stood frozen, fists clenched, but did nothing.

“Athena, why are you still sitting there? Hurry and get up,” Willow said, her voice all sweetness and concern–though her feet didn’t move an inch.

Instead, she looked at Michael with pleading eyes. “Michael, can you help her up? There are so many people around… she must be so embarrassed…”

Michael’s tone was distant, flat. “Lady Athena is always quite capable. I’m sure she doesn’t need my help to stand on her own. Isn’t that right?”

If she hadn’t insulted him earlier, maybe he wouldn’t be acting like this. But she had called him cheap.

Michael had never imagined she saw him that way. He thought, ‘If that’s how little I mean to her–then fine. I won’t lift a finger for her again.

Willow bit her lip, eyes growing red. “But… she’s still—”

Michael didn’t even look at her. “What’s it got to do with me?”

The very words Athena had once flung at him–now thrown right back in her face.

Of course Athena caught the implication. But his words didn’t hurt. Not anymore. In the three years she’d spent away, she’d heard worse–things that cut deeper than this ever could.

She stood up from the mud, composed and unflinching. Her voice rang out clear, “You’re right–it has nothing to do with you. Because whatever was between us is long over. I sincerely wish you and Willow a happy life together. May you grow old in wedded bliss.”

She thought, ‘A trashy man and a shameless woman–what a perfect match. At least they won’t ruin anyone else.

She didn’t bother hiding how bedraggled she looked. She stood tall, letting everyone see,

But Michael’s face darkened instantly.

1/2

STELYREIS

Chapter 56

It was summer, and her soaked, clinging dress outlined her figure far too clearly. He noticed the lingering stares from the men around them–full of lewd curiosity.

He barked, “Anyone who wants to lose an eye–keep looking.”

Most of the men present were sons of noble families, but few held higher status than Michael. The moment he spoke, they all turned away in a hurry.

His show of protectiveness made Willow’s eyes well up with tears. She looked at him, bewildered, waiting for some kind of explanation.

But Michael didn’t even glance at her. Instead, he pulled off his outer robe and forcefully draped it over Athena’s shoulders.

That was exactly the kind of gesture Athena hated most–false, performative, and full of empty meaning. They had nothing to do with each other anymore, yet he insisted on playing the part of the caring lover. It made her stomach turn.

She ripped the robe off and shoved it back into his hands. Her voice was cool and sharp. “Lord Osborne, please have some self–respect.”

“You- Michael’s composure cracked. “This isn’t the time to be acting stubborn. Do you want to throw your reputation away completely?”

“My reputation?” Athena shot back with a cold smile. “Didn’t that get ruined the moment I stepped into the military camp?”

2/2