The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 662

Northcold was a prosperous land, untouched by war, enjoyed a mild climate, perfect for selling down. Athena had already thought out a clear path for

the future.

Fiona clutched the money, at a loss for words. She pulled Cedric down with her, and together they bowed to Athena. “Your immense kindness is something my son and I will never forget, we will be forever indebted.

“If we ever have the chance, we will repay you in any way we can even Lit means working ourselves to the bone”

Athena quickly helped Fiona up, offering a gentle smile. “Time’s running out–po–now”

With gratitude in her eyes, Fiona look Cedric’s hand and boarded the canlage. With a quick wave to Athena and Xander, they hurried away.

Once Fiona had left, Ansel–without waiting for Xander’s order–pushed Nicolas’s carriage off the cliff.

News of the Xander Manor’s distinguished service reached Pidence City, leaving Arthur visibly astonished

Imperial rewards poured into the Xander Manor in an unending stream, while well–wishers arrived in droves to offer their congratulations.

After several days of entertaining a steady stream of guests, Athena finally closed her doors to all callers.

When things finally quieted down, Athena finally had time to bring up what happened that day with Xander.

“Darling, you had this planned all along–why didn’t you let me in on it?” Athena was rather cross about the matter. Before Athena could finish, her voice caught in her throat, choked with emotion

It wasn’t his decisiveness that upset her what truly bore at Athena’s heart was the way he insisted on shouldering all the risks alone.

Xander, knowing his place, promptly poured A Athena a cup of coffee as a peace offering, flashing her a conciliatory smile.

Bending before her, Kander gently brushed his thumb over the faint shadows beneath Athena’s eyes, his voice thick with remorse. “When Michael sent word that Nicolas had bribed the tomb guards to set an ambush, the timing seemed too suspicious.

“I couldn’t risk alerting them, but even more, I couldn’t bear the thought of you being implicated if the intel turned out to be false.”

He paused, then looked up into her tear filled eyes. “When I requested the Royal Guards from His Majesty, I made a military pledge to the King–If any of this proved false, I would be stripped of my title and status. I couldn’t bear to see you implicated because of me.”

At this. Athena angrily shoved him away.

tear finally rolled down Athena’s cheek. “Do you have any idea how treacherous the terrain around the Cavendish Family Cemetery is? If Nicolas really set a trap there, how could your men possibly have made it out unscathed!

“You had every contingency planned out for me, but you completely overlooked yourself, didn’t you?”

Recalling the harrowing events of that day, Athena let her heart clench.

Xander took a blade to protect her. Though the wound wasn’t deep, the blood had soaked right through his clothes, making it look absolutely terrifying

Xander quietly adjusted the slipping shawl around her shoulders. The moment his fingertips brushed her cool skin, he realized trembling all over with anger.

a start that she was

Xander sighed softly, enveloping Athena’s cool hand in his warm palms “I don’t put myself in the equation, who else will protect you?“.

His knuckles gently traced the delicate texture of the back of Athena’s hand, his voice softening even further. “I’ve already stationed men all around us.

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10:31 Wed, 30 Jul & GIT

Chapter 662

“Every move was carefully calculated. After all we’ve been through to tie together, do you really think I’d let anything happen to me? And belide

Xander pressed his face against Athena’s hand and flashed her a casing smile. “We still haven’t had a child together yet

Athena, furious, raised her hand to strike him.

But Xander, with a shameless grin, thrust his face forward and said, “My dear, if you’re going to slap me, don’t just go for one check–hit both, dit ook symmetrical”

Athena was stunned. Was this really coming from the dignified Xander?‘ she wondered. “He is utterly shameless:

With most of her anger gone, Athena’s tears turned into laughter. Only then did Xander finally breathe a sigh of relief

Nelson walked in, bowed respectfully to Athena and Xander, and announced, “Your Highness, Mr. Osborne has regained conscios