The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 65

Chapter 65

Still, the fact that the Dowager Princess had remembered all these years later… it spoke volumes. She was clearly someone who repaid kindness with sincerity.

“Please accept it, Lady Athena,” Nelson said warmly. His voice was gentle, his expression kind–but the sorrow in his eyes ran deep and unspoken.

Though he tried to hide it, Athena could still feel the heaviness in the air.

She glanced toward the desk where Xander sat. All of this–his suffering–was for the sake of the people of the country.

If not for him leading troops through countless battles, the common people wouldn’t have ever known peace. A man like him–a national hero–shouldn’t be left to waste away from illness. She had to try to save him.

Athena took the box from Nelson and gave him a soft smile. “Nelson, may I speak with His Highness in private for a moment?”

Nelson hesitated. “This…”

He thought, ‘If she says something that upset Prince Xander, it wouldn’t be a light matter.’

“Please don’t worry,” she said quickly. “I won’t take long.” As she spoke, her gaze turned toward Xander, full of quiet resolve.

After a moment of silence, a calm voice sounded from behind the desk. “Granted.”

Nelson gave Athena a respectful gesture, which she returned with a nod. He then took a few steps back and quietly exited the

room.

Athena stepped past the screen and slowly approached. Xander had already set aside his documents and was watching her in silence, his eyes sharp and penetrating.

Despite his obvious frailty, the force of his presence hadn’t diminished in the slightest. His face–striking enough to make heaven take notice–was pale, almost translucent.

Beneath his straight nose, his lips were colorless and tightly pressed, carved into a cold, austere line. His black robe, embroidered with subtle dark patterns, hung open just enough to reveal the sculpted lines of his collarbone.

Athena’s gaze held a quiet reverence. She dropped into a graceful curtsy. “Your Highness.”

“Speak,” Xander said—just one word—and then closed his eyes again.

Athena knew exactly what that meant: if what she said held no value, she would be dismissed without hesitation.

“I can cure you,” she said without hesitation.

As expected, Xander opened his eyes, a glint of suspicion flickering in them.

Athena knew he didn’t believe her, so she pressed on, speaking quickly, firmly, “You’ve been experiencing sharp, stabbing pain three inches beneath your ribs–accompanied by dizziness, ringing in your ears, and blurred vision. It started with fatigue, and over time, your mobility has gradually declined.”

Seeing no response, she continued, “By now, you’re likely bedridden. Your senses are beginning to fail. If I’m not mistaken… your vision has already started to fade, hasn’t it?”

Xander’s heart stirred–because everything she said was completely accurate.

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Chapter 65

He looked at her again, more closely this time. His vision now only extended about two meters. Anything beyond that was already a blur.

The imperial physicians had told him he’d be completely blind within a month. And after that he would lose all five senses. A slow, inevitable death by poison.

Athena took a step forward and waved her hand in front of his face. In an instant, a strong hand clamped tightly around her

wrist.

“Bold,” he said. His voice was quiet, but filled with cold authority.

The pain in her wrist made Athena wince.

He really was like a tiger–dangerous even at the edge of death.

Sweat beaded on her forehead, but she kept her voice steady. “I meant no offense, Your Highness. I only wish to help. I respect you deeply–not just because you’re a prince, but because you are a general who fought to protect this nation.”

The room fell into utter silence. So quiet she could hear the pounding of her own heart. The pain in her wrist grew sharper, her features tightening in discomfort.

Slowly, she reached her free hand up and gently placed it over his–trying to ease his grip. But the pressure didn’t let up.

The pain radiated up her arm, deep into the bone. It felt like her wrist might shatter at any moment.

Through gritted teeth, Athena managed a bitter smile. “Your Highness, if you don’t let go soon, I’m afraid my hand will break. And if that happens…. there may be no one left who can treat your fire poison.”

Her words were truthful, but they earned her only a chilling glance.

“You’re threatening me?” His voice was like ice–calm, but deadly.

Athena could feel the killing intent in the air like a blade pressed to her throat.

“I wouldn’t dare,” she said quickly, her brow furrowed in pain. Her voice softened into a quiet plea. “Your Highness… could you please let go of my hand?”