The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 64

Chapter 64

Athena was caught off guard. She had never even met Xander. She wondered, ‘Why would he want to see me?‘

Ray looked just as puzzled, and even Michael turned to the steward Nelson Bates in surprise.

But the steward ignored them both, standing respectfully and waiting patiently for Athena.

Realizing she had no choice, Athena stood up and said politely, “Nelson, please lead the way.”

She remembered hearing others call the steward “Nelson” when they entered the residence. From his composed demeanor and precise manner, it was clear he was someone Xander trusted deeply. That alone earned her quiet respect.

Managing a place as grand as this was no small task–there had to be something exceptional about him.

And just as she’d guessed, the staff at Xander’s residence didn’t seem rattled by his illness. Everything ran smoothly, calm and orderly.

Nelson led the way at a steady, measured pace. His posture was straight, his steps firm–he carried himself with the bearing of a soldier. If even Nelson was this formidable, it was no wonder people feared Xander.

Before long, Nelson stopped and turned, offering a polite smile. “Please wait here, Lady Athena. I’ll announce your arrival.”

Athena nodded. He lifted the curtain and stepped inside.

Even from the doorway, the pungent scent of medicinal herbs hit her. She thought, ‘Xander must be gravely ill.

As she stood there, her mind wandered. Then Nelson returned. “Lady Athena, please come in.”

“Thank you,” she replied softly, nerves tightening in her chest. She still had no idea why Xander wanted to see her.

“Lady Athena, this way,” Nelson said, gently ushering her deeper into the room.

A chill hit her as soon as she stepped inside, and she instinctively pulled her sleeves tighter around her hands.

A soft sound came from the corner. She turned toward it–and met a pair of piercing, ice–cold eyes.

In that instant, her breath caught. His gaze was sharp and unyielding, like a blade pressed to her throat. She felt frozen, like prey caught in the sights of a hunter. Even through the silence, the weight of that look felt lethal.

Startled, Athena took a step back and quickly bowed. “Your Highness.”

No response came for a long moment.

Then Nelson stepped forward and gently motioned for her to rise. “No need for such formalities, Lady Athena.”

Athena straightened, her heart pounding in her chest. This wasn’t what she’d expected. Xander rumored to be on his deathbed was still handling official affairs himself.

A few strands of hair had come loose around his face, only making his pale features stand out more starkly. His brows were sharp and defined, eyes deep and unreadable–like a night sky hiding countless secrets.

His high–bridged nose and thin, unsmiling lips only added to the cold intensity he exuded.

A low, muffled cough broke the silence. A faint trace of blood appeared on his lips.

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Chapter 64

Nelson’s expression changed instantly. “My lord, you should rest.”

“Enough,” Xander said coldly, dabbing the blood with a handkerchief. He didn’t seem to care in the slightest.

He didn’t even look at Nelson. Instead, he tapped a finger lightly on the table. Beside his hand sat a small, lacquered box.

Nelson understood at once. He stepped forward, picked up the box, and brought it to Athena. “Lady Athena, His Highness asked me to give this to you.”

“For me?” Athena blinked, clearly taken aback. She hesitated, unsure whether to accept it. She and Xander had never even met. She wondered, ‘Why would he be giving me anything?‘

Nelson smiled gently, speaking on the prince’s behalf. “There’s no need to worry, Lady Athena. This is simply a gesture of gratitude. Do you recall helping an elderly woman some years ago?”

Athena paused. “You mean…?”

“That woman was the Dowager Princess of the Royal Household,” Nelson explained. “She tried to find you afterward, but you had already left Pidence City. She later traveled with His Highness to another city. Now that they’ve returned, she asked Prince Xander to repay that debt on her behalf.”

Athena thought for a moment. Yes–she vaguely remembered something like that.

She had gone up the mountain with Margaret to pray. Along the way, they’d come across an injured older woman. Athena had stopped to tend her wounds, bandaged them, and quietly left. It had been a small act of kindness–she never even caught the woman’s name.

So it had been the Dowager Princess.

Athena gave a faint, slightly bitter smile. Of course the old dowager couldn’t find her–she had already gone to the military camp by then.

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