The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 686

Chapter 686

Athena said, “Why don’t we turn their scheme to our advantage by petitioning His Majesty to have the imperial court host a matchmaking party for all eligible noble maidens?”

A spark ignited in Kurtis’s eyes at Athena’s words.

Kurtis couldn’t help but slap his thigh and exclaimed, “Exactly. Why didn’t I think of that? Every few years, the court holds a so- called flower–viewing party–under the guise of admiring flowers, but in reality, it’s a matchmaking event for young ladies of noble birth.

“If we can get His Majesty to host the party first, the Queen’s entire scheme will be completely thwarted.”

Xander nodded in agreement. “An excellent strategy. There’s no time to lose–I’ll head to the palace at once.”

Kurtis waved his hand dismissively. “This isn’t for you to handle–it has to be me. His Majesty has always felt indebted to the Perkins family. If I go and leverage that connection, we’ll achieve twice the result with half the effort.”

Athena and Xander exchanged a glance and nodded in agreement.

“There’s no time to lose, Grandfather. You should head to the palace tonight,” Athena urged.

Kurtis nodded and rose to his feet. “I’ll head to the palace at once.”

Athena and Xander both exhaled in quiet relief–fortunately, the Queen hadn’t yet had the chance to bring this matter before His Majesty.

Xander thought to himself, ‘Otherwise, things would have gotten much more complicated.‘

*****

The night watch drums sounded in steady succession.

In the Hall, the censer exhaled wisps of aromatherapy. Arthur, in his brocade robe, sat poring over official memorials.

In the flickering candlelight, Arthur’s face betrayed unmistakable weariness.

With a weary yawn, he set his brush back on the stand.

At once, palace maids stepped forward to knead his shoulders and give him a soothing massage.

Arthur half–closed his eyes in contentment.

Just then, Thanatus’s voice sounded respectfully in his ear. “Your Majesty, Kurtis requests an audience.”

“What does he want at this hour?” Arthur wearily opened his eyes. His first instinct was to refuse the audience, but thoughts of the

debt he owed Kurtis made him relent. “Show him in,” he commanded.

Before long, Kurtis was ushered into Arthur’s presence by Thanatus.

Kurtis was in a deep bow, his voice reverent. “Your humble servant pays homage to Your Majesty.”

Arthur gestured hastily. “Kurtis, please dispense with the formalities.”

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TT:30 Inu 31.

Chapter 686

Thanatus helped Kurtis to his feet and then to a seat, bringing him a cup of coffee before respectfully stepping aside.

The candlelight flickered across Arthur’s face, deepening the weary lines etched into his features. Kurtis couldn’t help but notice with quiet surprise. His Majesty’s complexion looked dull and sallow, far less healthy than his ruddy countenance, even at his advanced age.

Being King was no easy burden.

“Kurtis,” Arthur asked, a gentle smile playing on his lips, “what brings you here at such an hour?”

An apologetic expression appeared on Kurtis’s face as he offered Arthur a slight smile. “Your Majesty, when your humble servant returned to the capital, you once graciously inquired what compensation I desired.

“At that time, I truly sought nothing. But now, there is one matter for which your humble servant must trouble Your Majesty to intervene on my behalf.”

“Oh? And what matter brings you here?” Arthur inquired, well aware that Kurtis had always lived an austere, principled life, scorning material wealth.

Arthur truly couldn’t fathom what Kurtis could possibly be asking for.

Kurtis gave an embarrassed smile and respectfully replied, “I have three sons; my eldest is already married. However, his daughter remains unwed to this day, largely due to our family’s past misfortunes.

“I was hoping to seek Your Majesty’s gracious favor in helping her find a suitable match.”

“Ah, so that’s it.” Arthur burst out laughing. “I thought you were coming to me with some grave affair, but it’s nothing more than a trivial matter. Which young man has caught your eye?”

Kurtis said with a humble smile, “Your Majesty, you misunderstand. How could I presume to choose anyone in particular? I have no specific candidate in mind. It would be improper to trouble Your Majesty to such lengths for my granddaughter alone.

“Instead, why not host a grand matchmaking party, inviting all eligible noble ladies and gentlemen to attend and let them choose for themselves?”

Kurtis looked expectantly at Arthur. “What does Your Majesty think?”

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