The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 577

Chapter 577

News of Margaret’s passing still made its way to the duke’s estate.

Henry gasped, his face paling. “Mother has passed away! When did this happen?”

The servant replied cautiously. “It was this afternoon, Your Grace”

Nicolas sat to the side, his face etched with sorrow, “Grandmother was in perfect health just yesterday. How could she pass away so suddenly?”

“The Viscountess’s residence is heavily guarded by troops from the Xander Manor, denying access to anyone from the duke’s estate,” the servant replied hesitantly, “I know no further details.”

Henry and Nicolas exchanged glances, each seeing utter disbelief mirrored in the other’s eyes.

After a long pause, Nicolas let out a controlled breath, “The fact that they concealed Grandmother’s passing is bad enough, but forbidding anyone from the duke’s estate to attend the funeral is utterly outrageous!”

Henry said, “Who knows what kind of spell Athena has cast on Prince Xander to make him go to such lengths to protect her?”

Both were seething with resentment, yet they had no choice but to grit their teeth and endure it.

Henry paused, then motioned to Nicolas, “is everything squared away at the prison?”

Eloise

e knew too many of his secrets. He had no choice but to get her out first. Then he’d decide what to do next.

Nicolas gave a subtle nod, “Rest assured. Father, Everything is under control. With Matthew and Joseph in our custody, Mother won’t dare say anything

Upon hearing this, Henry cast a glance at Nicolas with a hint of fear, then lowered his eyelids, voting the emotions in his eyes.

Surprisingly, there was a trace of helplessness and regret in his eyes.

Noticing Henry’s silence, Nicolas warned in a low, firm voice, “Father, you mustn’t back down now, or you’ll jeopardize our grand scheme.”

Henry exhaled slowly and nodded. “The dio is cast. Having come this far, there’s no retreat for me now.”

He clenched his fists in secret, his voice hardening with a dangerous edge. “They forced my hand. Had they not turned a blind eye to me all those years ago, I wouldn’t have ended up like this. I’m not the one at fault. They are!”

“Good that you understand, Father,” Nicolas said with a knowing smile, “I’ll go make the preparations then.”

Henry nodded wearily. “Go”

He said wearily, “No matter what, she was still my mother. As her son, I have to pay my last respects, even if it’s just for appearances sake. Everyone must know the duke’s estate did not abandon my Mother. It’s the Viscountess who wants to keep us from approaching.

Nicolas said, “The bigger a scene we make, the smoother things will go for me at the prison.”

Henry gave a stiff nod, then rose and returned to his quarters to change into mourning robes.

Nicolas joined him, both clad in identical mourning robes.

Even Fiona and Cedric were forced into mourning robes and made to follow along

Fiona looked utterly impatient, but when Nicolas scooped up Cedric, she had no choice but to tag along

Margaret was widely revered. As news of her passing spread, mourners came in an endless stream to pay their respects.

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10:08 Mon, 28 Jul; WGO

Chapter 577

The moment people from the duke’s estate contingent appeared, they drew the sharp attention of the guards.

The guards barred their way at the entrance, their voices icy and unyielding. “By order of the Viscountess and Prince Xander, none from the dula’s stee shall pass.”

Henry’s face was twisted with grief, his voice thick with sobs as he cried out, “is there no justice left in this world? My mother has passed, yet i am bac from even entering to see her one last time.

“What possible reason could there be to keep us out? Could it be that there was foul play in my mother’s death?”

Nicolas sobbed while collapsing to his knees and dissolving into a weeping mess, “Grandmother, your grandson is here to bid you farewell!”

AD