The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 70

Chapter 70

Athena turned around to see Nelson hurrying out from the residence.

He came up to her and said respectfully, “His Highness has instructed me to escort you back to the manor.”

Athena’s eyes widened slightly. “His Highness?”

“His Highness said that from now on, the Xander’s estate will be responsible for your transport,” Nelson replied with a warm smile, his gaze gentle and kind.

Athena couldn’t help but picture Xander’s cold, imposing face in her mind. She was surprised–she hadn’t expected someone so aloof to be so thoughtful.

A young servant brought the carriage over. Nelson gestured politely. “Lady Athena, please.”

Athena gave a small nod of thanks and stepped onto the stool to climb into the carriage.

Without so much as a backward glance, she left–leaving Nicolas and Michael standing there, exchanging glances.

Nicolas, however, looked rather pleased. After all, Athena had rejected Michael too.

“What are you smiling at?” Michael’s temper flared instantly. The sight of that smirk on Nicolas’s face set him off.

Nicolas glanced at him, amused. “I was just thinking how the tables have turned. She used to follow you around like a shadow–now look who’s trailing after her.”

There was no mistaking the sarcasm in his tone.

Michael shot him a cold look. “Don’t act smug. She’s ignoring you too.”

Neither of them had much to boast about.

But Nicolas just shook his head. “That’s different. No matter how much we argue, Athena is still my sister. Blood is blood. But you? She’s cut you off completely.”

His earlier irritation vanished, and a smile tugged at his lips.

With Athena and Michael truly finished, he no longer had to worry about old feelings being rekindled.

Michael’s face turned thunderous, his jaw clenched. Without another word, he turned and stalked off.

When Athena returned to the duke’s estate, she went straight to Margaret’s courtyard.

Margaret had just finished her afternoon coffee, and Gwen was massaging her shoulders when Athena walked in.

“Athena, you’re back,” Margaret said with a warm smile, clearly already aware that she had been out.

Athena returned the smile and walked over, sitting beside her. “Grandmother.”

Margaret’s eyes crinkled with joy. “Come, tell Grandmother–how is Ray treating you?”

“You’ve met him before?” Athena asked, slightly surprised.

Margaret let out a soft sigh. “I’ve barely left the house all year–how could I have seen him? But I met him a few times when

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Chapter 70

he was young. He was a polite, well–mannered boy. When your mother brought up the match, I asked around just to be sure. Still, I wasn’t comfortable agreeing outright, so I said you should take your time and get to know him first.”

Athena felt a wave of relief wash over her. She thought, ‘So it is true–Grandmother hasn’t agreed to the marriage lightly. She genuinely has my best interests at heart.‘

But then Margaret’s gaze fell on the golden hairpin in Athena’s hair, and she paused. “So…. you’ve accepted the proposal?”

Athena stilled. “Why do you say that?”

“The other day, your mother came by with a set of hair ornaments. She said they were a gift from Gale–a token for your first meeting. It was such a significant gesture that I didn’t dare accept it on your behalf. I told her she should ask you directly.”

Margaret’s brow furrowed, her tone growing serious. “Marriage is no trivial matter, Athena. You must think carefully.”

Athena’s heart sank like a stone. She thought, ‘So that’s what this is.

She slowly pulled the hairpin from her hair, her gaze turning cold.

She had assumed the jewelry was a gift from Margaret. In reality, Eloise had used Margaret’s name to deceive her.

No wonder Michael had reacted the way he did when he saw the hairpin–now it all made sense.

An unshakable disappointment settled in Athena’s chest. She fought to keep it hidden, determined not to let the old matriarch see through her.

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