The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 60

Chapter 60

Xander Cavendish was second only to the king–commanding power and respect above all others. Even the king himself had to show him deference.

Three years ago, he led troops into battle. When he returned, he was gravely poisoned and slipped into a coma from which he never awoke.

Despite the best efforts of countless imperial physicians, no cure could be found. Now, his condition had worsened–he was teetering on the edge of death.

As soon as Nicolas received the news, he immediately dismissed the remaining guests from the estate.

As a court official, it was his duty to pay a visit.

But Xander was known for his aloof, cold nature. He disliked company and preferred to keep people at arm’s length. Anyone who had ever met him seemed to share the same impression–cold as ice.

There had once been a time when crime in Pidence City ran rampant. Theft was everywhere, and the city guards couldn’t keep up.

Pidence Guards tried everything but still failed to capture the culprits. Xander, furious, issued a deadly ultimatum: if the thieves weren’t caught within three days, the guards would pay with their heads.

Pidence Guards went three days and nights without sleep before finally catching the thieves.

That incident had left a lasting impression on Matthew. Ever since, just hearing Xander’s name was enough to make him

uneasy.

Eloise, meanwhile, wore a puzzled expression. She had heard that Xander was gravely ill–but she wondered, ‘How has it escalated to critical in just a few short days?‘

There was no time to dwell on it. She quickly turned to Nicolas and said, “Go now–and make sure to bring proper gifts. The duke’s estate cannot afford to lose face.”

Nicolas nodded. “Understood, Mother.”

Then his eyes landed on Matthew, who was still standing there. His expression turned stern. “Why are you still standing around? Go change your clothes.”

Matthew had always favored bright, eye–catching colors. Combined with his striking looks, his style only enhanced his charm. But visiting someone on their deathbed called for something more subdued.

Snapped out of his daze by Nicolas’s glare, he turned and hurried back to his courtyard.

As soon as he stepped through the door, he called out to his maid, Brigitte Walters. “Quick, find me a plain robe. Something appropriate.”

“Yes, Lord Matthew,” Brigitte responded, rushing to open the wardrobe.

Inside were rows of brightly colored robes in rich patterns–plenty of flash, but very little subtlety.

After searching for a moment, she finally pulled out a simple, understated robe. “Wear this one.”

It was made from high–quality silk, expertly stitched with refined craftsmanship.

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Brigitte looked genuinely confused. “This robe was a gift from Lady Athena. You’ve never worn it -it’s been sitting in the back of the wardrobe. Is there something wrong with it?”

Of course there was.

Matthew frowned. That robe had been a gift from Athena, given to him on the day he received his first official appointment. He had dismissed it immediately for being too plain, and it had stayed in the back of the closet ever since.

At the time, he had even mocked her, saying, “This fabric is so cheap, the stitching so crude–how could you think this suits me? Even a beggar would turn it down.”

Athena had flushed with embarrassment, but still offered a gentle smile and said, “Sorry, Matthew. I’m not very skilled yet. Please don’t be angry–I’ll do better next time.”

He’d scoffed, tossed the robe aside, and never looked at it again.

Now, ironically, it was the only suitable option.

Brigitte was still waiting for instructions. Matthew hesitated, then clenched his jaw and said, “Fine. I’ll wear it.”

The other plain robes were either poorly made or didn’t fit. This one, though simple, was clearly tailored and made with care. Understated, yes–but tasteful and dignified.

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