The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 644

Chapter 644

Before long, a servant entered the room and cleared away the dishes and wine from the table, replacing them with a fresh spread.

Trina, ever cautious, took out a silver needle to test the food for poison. She and Marquita tasted every dish again before finally allowing Athard fast.

Athena was so hungry she felt faint and could only manage a few bites at first.

Marquita reminded her that the guests would key continue celebrating until well into the night, possibly until dawn, before allowing the Duke back

If Athena didn’t eat something, her body wouldn’t hold up..

After all, she would need to rise early the next morning to offer formal greetings to Alexandra, and then accompany Xander to the palace to pay respects

to the King and Queen.

It was a demanding schedule that required a strong body.

After puttin

getting some food in her, Athena began to regain strength. And just as Marquita predicted, Kander never returned that

The hall outside was still lively with

y with guests drinking and celebrating. Xander was undoubtedly tied up with social obligations.

Athena, as the bride, could not leave the bridal chamber. All she could do was wait.

But the front estate was far from calm,

Ansel cross–referenced the guest registry and movement logs, quickly identifying a suspicious maid

i he arrived with guards, the girl panicked and tried to run. Ansel swiftly kicked her to the ground, dislocated her jaw to prevent suicide by tongue- biting, and knocked her out cold.

Guards throw a sack over her and quietly carried her away to the secret chamber.

Despite the crowds moving about, two footmen carrying a sack didn’t draw attention.

Ansel returned to the main hall and exchanged a subtle signal with Xander. Xander gave a faint nod. He knew the situation was under controll

As the right deepened, some guests began to take their leave

Nelson stood by the gates, seeing guests off while secretly counting heads. Anyone who entered had been logged; anyone who left without their full party was held back.

To all appearances, he was the gracious host. In truth, he was hunting the saboteur.

At one table, Lizzie kept glancing around, her anxiety growing

Her operative hadn’t acted. That was odd.

She loathed Athena. Naturally, she had no intention of letting that wedding go smoothly.

The plan was simple. They would slip a sedative into her food to prevent the consummation of the manage

She would then whisper a few well–placed words into Alexandra’s ear, and from that day forward, Athena would have no place in Xander Manor

I was supposed to be foolproof Yet two hours had passed, and her agent had not returned.

Only then did Lite realize something had gone wrong

Feigning calm, she rose from her seat. Other noble ladies at her table fullowed suit.

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Chapter 644

“Your Highness, leaving so soon! Won’t you have another drink?” someone asked.

Lizzie gave a charmingly dazed smile. “I’m afraid I’ve had more than enough Please, continue enjoying the evening. I’m retiring”

“Escort the princess,” the crowd chimed politely.

Lizzie placed her hand

her maid’s wrist and turned to leave.

Moments ago, she had been arrogant. Now, she was panicked, barely keeping it together. She wished she could vanish into thin air

But just as she reached the estate’s front gate, Nelson stepped forward with a courteous smile. “Your Highness, please wait. Prince Xander would like you to remain a little longer.”

At the mention of Xander, Lizzie’s heart dropped. She hadn’t seen her agent again since sending her off, and the longer she thought about it, the more it made sense. Xander must’ve caught her in the act. That idiot had ruined everything. Still, Lizzie told herself. Deny everything. What could Xander dot kill me?

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