The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 62

Chapter 62

Ray’s surprise was plain on his face. Athena instinctively glanced down at herself–nothing seemed out of place.

She gave him a questioning look. He answered with a faint, unreadable smile. “Let’s go.”

Come to think of it, the color of her outfit matched his quite well.

“May I ask where we’re going?” Athena said as they walked.

Ray’s lips curved into a half–smile. “You’ll find out soon enough.”

No one stopped them as they exited the duke’s estate, not a single servant asking questions. Athena figured Ray must have already informed the household.

Outside, a carriage waited.

Standing at the gate, Athena took in the world beyond the walls with a strange sense of detachment. It had been more than a month since she returned—and today was the first time she’d set foot outside.

So this was what fresh air felt like. Even her body felt lighter, freer.

Ray glanced her way and couldn’t help but laugh. “You don’t look like someone going out for a stroll. You look like someone just released from prison.”

Athena smiled faintly. In her eyes, the duke’s estate was a prison.

Ray extended a hand from the carriage–long fingers, clean joints, elegant like polished jewel.

She hesitated a beat, then placed her hand in his. With a light pull, he helped her up into the carriage.

“With your temperament, I think you and my mother will get along just fine,” he said, folding his hands behind his head with practiced ease, his posture casual and confident.

Athena remained silent. She knew perfectly well that Gale didn’t like her.

The marriage alliance between their families hadn’t come from affection or goodwill. If anything, it seemed like the Mcgee family had been left with no better choice.

“Still… why me?” she asked after a pause. Her tone was polite, but direct. It was a bold question, maybe even presumptuous— but better that than being kept in the dark.

She looked at Ray, half–expecting him to brush her off. To her surprise, he chuckled.

“Do you want the truth,” he said, “or the pretty version?”

Athena thought for a moment. “The truth.”

She’d heard enough sugar–coated lies. Even if the truth hurt, at least it was real.

Ray looked at her for a beat–then laughed again, amused by her bluntness. “To be honest, it doesn’t really matter to me who ends up as my wife. But that doesn’t mean I’d accept just anyone.”

He paused, the light in his eyes dimming slightly. “You don’t bother me. And if it has to be someone–might as well be you.”

And just like that, Athena understood.

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Chapter 62

This was a political marriage. Ray hadn’t chosen her–he had simply accepted what was arranged.

But they weren’t the same. Ray might be going along with fate out of indifference–but she wasn’t.

For her, this marriage was a means to an end. A chance to escape the duke’s estate. If marrying into the Mcgee family could help her do that, she’d take it.

Soon, the carriage rolled to a stop.

Athena lifted the curtain and froze. They had arrived at the Xander Manor.

Ray finally spoke. “Xander’s health is failing. My mother asked me to bring you along to visit.”

Of course. Gale likely wanted to use this opportunity to formally introduce Athena, to make the engagement known.

Ray was the first to get down. When it was her turn, his hand was already there waiting.

She placed her fingers lightly in his palm. He gave a gentle tug, steadying her as she stepped down.

The moment her feet touched the ground, she felt it–that sharp, cold stare.

She looked up–and saw Michael standing there, eyes fixed on their joined hands, the chill in his gaze so intense it felt like ice creeping over her skin.

Panic flashed in her chest. She instinctively tried to pull her hand away.

But Ray didn’t let go. In fact, he held on even tighter.

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