The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 678

Chapter 678

Xander was far too powerful–so formidable that Arthur lay awake night after night in dread.

Night after night, he would jolt awake in a cold sweat from recurring nightmares–visions of Xander leading his elite cavalry to storm Pidence City and behead him.

In his nightmare, Xander sat upon the throne, clad in imperial robes. Even just recalling that nightmare sent a chill down Arthur’s spine.

Arthur thought to himself, ‘Xander must never be allowed to remain in Pidence City. If it weren’t absolutely necessary, I wouldn’t even let Xander live.‘

Cold sweat drenched Thanatus as he murmured a low yes and began backing away.

Arthur called him back. “Let’s go to Phoenix Hall.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Thanatus replied respectfully. He hastily ordered a royal attendant to deliver a message to the Queen’s palace.

Upon hearing the news, the Queen’s face showed no trace of joy–only surprise.

The Queen applied her makeup before the mirror, visibly impatient. She muttered, “His Majesty hasn’t visited my chambers in a whole year. What’s gotten into him today, that he’s actually remembered I even exist?”

The young palace maid, applying makeup for the Queen with an ingratiating smile, fawned, “His Majesty must be deeply moved by Your Majesty’s tireless devotion. That is why he has made this special visit.”

The Queen merely smiled dismissively. “I highly doubt that.”

The Queen thought to herself, ‘We have long been an old married couple–what affection could possibly remain between them? Nothing remained but mutual interests and leverage.‘

‘If it weren’t for Fermin’s claim to the Crown Prince title, I wouldn’t even bother with this power struggle, the Queen thought to herself.

With her makeup complete, the Queen, accompanied by her attendants, proceeded to the palace entrance to receive the King.

Before long, Arthur’s imperial procession arrived at Phoenix Hall.

The Queen curtsied deeply, her demeanor respectful. “Welcome, Your Majesty.”

Arthur surveyed the resplendent palace and gave a slight nod. “I heard you caught a cold, so I made a special trip to see you.”

With a dismissive wave, Arthur said, “No need for such formalities, my Queen. You may rise.”

The King’s tone carried not a shred of genuine concern–a familiar indifference the Queen had long since grown numb to.

But in front of Arthur, she still had to keep up the charade.

The Queen put on a practiced smile of delight, took Arthur by the arm, and helped him to his seat. “Thank you for Your Majesty’s concern. Your humble consort’s health has much improved.”

A palace maid served coffee, and the Queen personally poured a cup for Arthur. Testing the waters, she inquired, “Your Majesty, please try this coffee–it’s this year’s new one. The brew is crystal clear and leaves an exquisite aftertaste.”

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1133 Thủ, 31 Jul

Chapter 678

Arthur, playing along, took a sip and nodded approvingly. “Not bad,” he remarked.

He looked at the Queen and said, “Our princes have all come of marriageable age. We trust you’ll see to arranging suitable matches

for them.”

The Queen smirked coldly to herself. ‘I knew Arthur wouldn’t visit my palace without an ulterior motive,‘ she thought. ‘He only ever bothers to pretend he cares when he has a use for me.’

Suppressing her annoyance, the Queen followed Arthur’s lead and replied, “Even if Your Majesty hadn’t mentioned it, your humble consort has always kept the princes‘ marriages close to heart.

“It’s just that this year has been turbulent, so I had to delay arranging them. But I’ve been keeping a close eye on suitable matches, simply awaiting Your Majesty’s decree to bestow the marriages.”

Arthur gave a satisfied nod, understanding the Queen’s veiled reference to Lizzie.

With a cold sneer, Arthur said, “For a disgraced princess like Lizzie, granting her a decent funeral is already an act of imperial mercy. How could we possibly delay the princes‘ marriages because of her?

“Make haste with the arrangements, my Queen. Select suitable matches for the princes and present them for my review. Once approved, we’ll finalize these marriages soon, for my princes are no longer in their youth.”

The Queen’s smile faltered, a prickle of unease rising in her chest.

The Queen couldn’t help wondering, ‘Why is Arthur so eager to arrange marriages for the princes? Could it be he’s preparing to name the Crown Prince?‘

The Queen fretted, “Pamela still shows no signs of pregnancy–this is driving me to distraction.”

Arthur suddenly asked, “Is Pamela still not with child?”