The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 63

Chapter 63

Michael looked at Athena, confused. She took a steadying breath–she and Ray were here to put on a performance. There was nothing to panic about.

Besides, she and Michael had nothing to do with each other anymore. So she wondered, ‘What is with that look in his eyes- like I owe him an explanation?‘

Athena turned to Ray with a light smile. “It’s nothing.”

He let out a casual “Okay” and continued leading her forward, still holding her hand.

As they reached the steps, Michael finally spoke, albeit begrudgingly. “Your Highness.”

But his eyes never left Athena. He was staring so hard it was impossible to ignore.

Ray noticed. He glanced at Athena, but her face was calm, completely unaffected by Michael’s presence.

Athena, on the other hand, was puzzled. With her engagement to Ray now official, Michael should’ve been glad to be rid of her. So she wondered, ‘Why that intense stare? Does he not believe I would let go so easily?‘

The thought made her pause. Then, with practiced grace, she gave Michael a polite curtsey. “Lord Osborne.”

Michael’s frown deepened. She had called him that before–when he picked her up from the military camp. But back then, he thought she was just throwing a tantrum, not truly trying to draw a line between them.

Now she stood beside another man, smiling at him, and addressed Michael with such distant formality. It felt real this time. Final.

Panic flickered in his chest.

She wasn’t just bluffing anymore. Athena was serious.

Ray caught the subtle change in Michael’s expression and couldn’t help feeling a flicker of satisfaction. Athena’s grace and poise made him quietly proud–he really hadn’t chosen wrong.

“Michael,” Ray said with a smile, “care to join us?”

Michael finally tore his eyes from Athena. His voice was weary. “Sure.”

Athena’s heart skipped. She thought, ‘Is he crazy? Why would he want to walk in with us?‘

Of course, Ray knew exactly why. This was about male pride.

Athena used to trail after Michael, completely devoted. Now, she acted like he was a stranger. That kind of reversal would be hard for any man to take.

Ray’s mood lifted, and more than once, he exchanged amused glances with Athena as they walked–little gestures full of unspoken meaning.

Their fake affection was like salt in Michael’s eyes.

Athena ignored the burning gaze behind her and turned her attention to Xander’s estate.

Elegant pavilions, winding corridors, rock gardens–every view was picture–perfect. But despite its beauty, the place felt cold and lifeless, like it lacked the warmth of real people.

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ང་

Chapter 68

“What a waste of such a beautiful garden,‘ she thought.

Soon, a steward appeared and led the three of them to a side room to rest.

Given Xander’s condition, it wasn’t possible for every guest to visit him personally. Everyone knew they were just here to show their faces and offer polite concern.

Ray and Michael both sat down, their silent rivalry on pause for the moment, quietly sipping coffee.

A few other officials were present as well.

The Xander Manor was fairly small. Xander had been in declining health for years and spent most of his time recovering at a hot spring villa.

Aside from the princess and the second and third branches of the family, only Xander himself still lived at the main estate.

The princess was too frail to receive guests, so it fell to Xander’s younger brother–Geoffrey Cavendish from the second branch–to handle the formalities.

Though also born of the princess, he was far less capable than Xander.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, he excused himself.

Once he left, the attention in the room subtly shifted. All eyes turned to Athena, Ray, and Michael.

Their expressions were filled with curiosity and suspicion. People exchanged silent glances, the tension in the room thick and strange.

Just as everyone was quietly speculating, the steward returned and walked straight up to Athena. “Lady Athena, His Highness would like to see you.”

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