The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 61

hapter 61

Once he put it on, he was surprised by how well it fit. The silk was smooth and breathable, draping comfortably across his frame and subtly accentuating his tall, well–built figure.

Brigitte couldn’t stop marveling. “Lady Athena’s hands are truly gifted. Just look at the cloud patterns embroidered in silver on the cuffs and collar- even the finest embroiderers couldn’t produce such delicate work.”

“You’re awfully talkative today,” Matthew said sharply.

Startled, Brigitte immediately fell silent, wondering if she’d said something wrong.

But she had only spoken after reading Matthew’s expression–he had clearly looked pleased.

Athena walked toward Snowdrop Wing, accompanied by Ray.

Neither of them spoke along the way.

Eventually, Athena broke the silence. “Thank you, Your Highness, for stepping in earlier.”

“Your Highness?” Ray raised an eyebrow, a faintly amused smile tugging at his lips. But there was a hint of displeasure in his eyes as he looked at her. “That’s not what you used to. call me.”

He hadn’t been quiet for lack of words–he’d just been lost in thought. Thinking about her.

The girl who used to run after him, calling him “Ray,” had changed so much she was almost unrecognizable. She was too quiet now. So quiet it unsettled him.

He used to love her cheerful, spirited nature. Being around her felt easy, like all his worries disappeared.

But today, seeing her like this, left him with doubts. She had changed–grown distant, and silent.

He had wanted to talk to her. More accurately, he had been waiting for her to talk to him. But after all this time, all she gave him was a formal “Your Highness.”

Athena looked up at him and caught the confusion in his eyes–those famously expressive, fox–like eyes of his. She frowned slightly, and even the tiny mole at the corner of her eye seemed to darken with melancholy.

Ray’s features were striking–so finely carved they could put most women to shame.

Perhaps it was the air of authority that came with his status, but his gaze always seemed to carry a quiet intensity, a kind of pressure that made people instinctively straighten up.

Athena couldn’t help but reflect–how the once beautiful young boy she knew had become a powerful nobleman. And with status, his world had changed. She thought, ‘How could I still call him ‘Ray‘ like before?‘

She offered him a faint smile. “I was just a child back then, didn’t know any better. Now that I’ve grown up, I can’t act like that anymore.”

Ray sighed quietly, a hint of regret in his voice. “I rather liked it when you didn’t know better.”

His words were soft, but Athena heard them clearly.

She played dumb. “What do you mean, Your Highness?”

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“Nothing,” he replied. “Come on.”

He didn’t walk ahead. Instead, he matched her pace, staying right beside her.

Though questions swirled in Athena’s mind, she had no idea how to begin.

Luckily, they soon arrived at her courtyard. At the gate, she curtsied politely. “Thank you for walking me back, Your Highness.”

But Ray didn’t leave. Instead, he looked at her and said, “Get ready. I’m taking you somewhere.”

“Where?” Athena blinked, surprised. Her wide eyes were filled with confusion.

She thought, ‘We aren’t close enough for something like this…. are we?‘

His tone was calm, but firm. “You’ll see.”

There was no room to argue. She had no choice but to go inside and change.

When she entered her room, Trina was already waiting, her face full of worry. “My lady, this is all my fault.”

As her maid, it was Trina’s duty to protect her. Letting Athena get hurt was a failure she couldn’t forgive herself for.

She moved to bow in apology, but Athena quickly stopped her. “This wasn’t your fault. Now hurry and find me something to wear–I have to go out.”

Trina didn’t dare delay. In no time, she brought out a pale blue gown.

After changing, Athena stepped outside.

And there, just outside the gate, Ray was still waiting.

The moment he saw her, he visibly froze.

Chapter 62