The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 69

Chapter 69

Outside the gates, Athena was already waiting beside the carriage. Just as she was about to board, Matthew strode over and climbed in ahead of her. Without so much as a glance her way, he ordered the coachman, “Go. Back to the manor.”

The driver hesitated, instinctively looking to Athena–Lady Athena hadn’t gotten in yet.

Matthew gave a smug smile. “Lady Athena is far too important now. No doubt she’d turn her nose up at our carriage.”

Then, flashing her a mocking grin, he added, “Right, future Princess of Ray?”

Athena almost laughed from sheer disbelief. She thought, ‘How do I never realize just how ridiculous he is?‘

The carriage rolled forward, brushing close enough to ruffle her skirts. Athena watched it disappear down the road, her expression cold and unreadable, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

She had stopped expecting anything from Matthew long ago. At this point, he could drive a knife into her chest, and she would accept it with calm indifference. He’d already done worse.

When Nicolas and Michael exited the estate a few minutes later, they saw Athena standing alone by the roadside, composed

as ever.

The carriage–and Matthew–were long gone.

Nicolas immediately understood what had happened. Matthew had taken the carriage just to put her in her place.

Feeling embarrassed on Matthew’s behalf, Nicolas approached with a hint of guilt in his expression. “That carriage wasn’t very comfortable anyway. Come ride with me.”

Michael followed a step behind, his gaze locked on Athena. There was a glimmer of hope in his eyes–as if he were waiting for her to ask for his help. If she did, he’d escort her home in a heartbeat.

But Athena didn’t want help from either of them.

“That won’t be necessary,” she said coolly. “I’ll walk.”

Nicolas frowned. Even by carriage, it took nearly 45 minutes to get from Xander’s residence back to the duke’s estate. And Nicolas thought, ‘She wants to walk?‘

“Are you trying to destroy your legs?” he snapped, glancing down at her knees. “They haven’t fully healed, have they?”

His tone softened, almost pleading now.

But Athena remained unmoved. If anything, the faint smile on her lips grew colder. She stood silently, the embodiment of quiet resistance.

That smile–so polite, yet so distant–stabbed Nicolas in the chest.

Nicolas thought, ‘Why is she so stubborn? Is she really willing to walk all the way back just to avoid riding with me? Or does she think that with Xander behind her, she no longer has to take me seriously?‘

His patience finally wore thin.

“I’m giving you one last chance,” he said, voice sharp. “If you don’t want to cripple yourself for life, get in the carriage. My patience is limited.”

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Athena gave him one cool, dispassionate glance–then turned and walked away.

Nicolas’s face went rigid, his expression darkening to an ugly shade. He stared after her retreating figure, fury simmering

beneath the surface. ‘How dare she‘

“Athena.” Michael caught up to her in three long strides, stepping in front of her and blocking her path. “Let me take you

back.”

Nicolas immediately tensed. He thought, ‘What the hell is he doing? If anyone saw them returning together, the rumors would be endless

But before he could interject, Athena had already responded.

“That wouldn’t be appropriate, Lord Osborne,” she said without hesitation.

Michael’s expression darkened further. His jaw clenched, and his voice was tight with frustration. “What’s inappropriate about it? I used to walk you home all the time.”

“Yes. When we were children,” Athena replied evenly. “We’re grown now. Some lines shouldn’t be crossed.”

She didn’t even know how to describe the feeling in her chest. There was a time when she had longed to be near Michael, had clung to every chance just to walk beside him.

But that time was over. She didn’t need him anymore. And now, ironically, he was the one chasing after her.

Michael opened his mouth to argue, but before he could speak, a calm voice rang out behind them. “Wait.” It was Nelson.