The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 8

Chapter 8

The sarcasm in Athena’s eyes sharpened. Willow’s reputation was spotless, while hers was already ruined.

She was already considered “tainted“-what did it matter if she got dragged through the mud a little more? And Eloise’s promise of compensation? That was the funniest part of all.

“Oh?” Athena said coolly. “And what exactly are you offering in return?”

Eloise froze, caught off guard, as if she hadn’t quite processed what Athena meant.

Athena stood and walked over to a potted plant. She plucked a leaf from its branch, her tone light but piercing. “Didn’t your say you’d make it up to me? Then tell me–what’s your idea of ‘compensation‘?”

Realization dawned on Eloise’s face, and she stared at Athena in disbelief, as though she couldn’t believe what she was hearing. She thought, ‘Isn’t the engagement switch already for Athena’s sake?‘

But Athena’s expression turned cold and sharp. “How about this–bring my grandfather’s family back. Let’s start there.”

“You… You know they were exiled for embezzlement,” Eloise stammered, panic rising in her voice. “It was His Majesty’s own judgment–I… I couldn’t do anything…”

“Nothing you could do?” Athena repeated, her voice trembling with rage. The moment she mentioned her grandfather Kurtis Perkins, her composure nearly cracked. “You could’ve helped. You just stood by and watched him be condemned.”

Eloise clutched at her chest, struggling for breath, her voice tight with panic. “I–I truly couldn’t. When the king passes judgment, what power do I have? I’m just a woman. There was nothing I could do…”

Athena’s voice was raw now. “He loved you more than anything. And you–you just let it happen? You didn’t even try?”

The pain welled up in her chest, sharp and familiar.

Kurtis had nearly emptied his savings to provide Eloise with a generous wedding gift, just so she could enter the duke’s estate with dignity. And yet, when disaster struck, Eloise didn’t even show her face.

Athena didn’t believe for a second that, with the duke’s estate’s power, they couldn’t have spoken up for justice. The real betrayal hadn’t come from strangers–it had come from Eloise.

Tears slid down Eloise’s face as she sobbed softly, her voice choked. “Please, Athena… stop. Every word is like a knife to my heart.”

Athena didn’t flinch. Her voice remained cold. “Save your tears. Don’t tell me that, as a titled lady of the court, you couldn’t fight for even a sliver of justice.

“The truth is, you cared more about your status and comfort than you ever did about him.”

Eloise shrank back, her guilt nearly unbearable. It was shameful–laughable, even. She knew she’d been selfish. But back then, she had no other choice.

If she’d tried to intervene, she would’ve risked dragging the duke’s estate down with her–and they were barely surviving as

it was.

Athena stared at her, eyes calm, almost emotionless. And that calm cut deeper than any accusation.

The longer she stayed silent, the worse Eloise felt. In the end, Eloise couldn’t bear it anymore. She turned away and left, her face pale with shame.

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Chapter 8

Athena sat there, still and quiet. A moment later, Siena approached cautiously. “My lady…”

Athena stirred, slowly coming back to herself. She glanced at the maid. “You can go.”

But Siena didn’t move. Her face was conflicted, as if she had something to say but wasn’t sure how.

Athena looked up again. “What is it?”

Siena hesitated, then pointed outside. “Lord Osborne… he’s still out there.”

Athena looked through the window–and sure enough, Michael’s tall figure was still standing in the courtyard. He hadn’t left.

She knew his temperament. He wouldn’t go until he got the answer he came for.

She was tired of protecting the pretense of this household. So she raised her voice and said clearly, “I only just found out about the engagement switch. If you want answers, don’t come to me. Ask your dear mother–or my good little sister.”

Michael met her icy gaze, and a chill crept down his spine.

He thought, ‘What is she trying to say? Stirring up trouble? Is she really this desperate to win favor?‘

His expression darkened. “There’s no need to try and sow discord. Willow isn’t the kind of person you’re making her out to

be.”

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