Athena had initially considered asking the gatekeeper to deliver the pastries to Kinder, but thought better of it and carried them into the Lander Manor herell
Athena was so preoccupied with how to talk to Minister Beren about her grandfather that she failed to notice that someone was watching her intently from not far ahead.
From a comer of the long comidor, a regal, elegantly dressed woman feed her gaze intently on Athena and marmured, “is that Athena?”
The maidservant at her side replied respectfully, “Indeed, Your Highness, that is she.”
This noble lady was none other than Alexandra Cavendish, the Dowager Princess, who had freshly returned from her retreat.
Pidence City was bitterly cold and plagued by frequent sandstorms. As she was sensitive to the cold, Alexandra deliberately went on the retreat Had Xander not sought an imperial marriage decree for himself and Athena, Alexandra would not have returned to the Xander Manor so prematurely.
A flicker of surprise crossed Alexandra’s face. Remembering the kindness Athena had shown her, the fierce glint in her eyes softened considerably.
She instructed the maidservant at her side, “Invite Lady Athena to my quarters and tell her have matters to discuss with her.
“Yes, Your Highness, the maidservant said before she turned and left.
The maidservant intercepted Athena at the next comer gate. “Lady Athens,” she said respectfully.
Athena looked at the maidservant before her with surprise. Though she had visited the xander Manor several times, she did not recognize this particular
servant at all.
Athena stood her ground, eyeing the maidservant warity.
“Lady Athena, I am a servant serving Her Highness, the Dowager Princess. Her Highness wishes to speak with you and has specially asked me to extend her invitation” Jane Brown spoke with measured composure, every gesture impeccably proper
Athena set aside her doubts. Since the Dowager Princess herself had summoned her, there was no way she could refuse.
“But…” Athena hesitated as she locked anxiously at the pastry box in her hands, feeling a bit unsure.
Jane caught on quickly and asked, “Are the things in this box meant for Prince Xander?”
Athena nodded.
“Lady Athena, you may entrust the pastry box to me. I shall deliver it to His Highness on your behalf, Jane assured.
Athena suddenly realized that the Dowager Princess must have sent someone to intercept her to prevent her from getting too close to Xander.
She handed over the pastry box, a faint smile playing on her lips. “Many thanks,” she said.
Jane tilted her head slightly and gave another maidservant a meaningful glance. The maidservant promptly took the pastry box from Athena’s ha and retreated to the side.
Athena followed Jane and soon arrived at the West Wing-
Alexandra’s residence stood in stark contrast to Xander’s. While his exuded understated elegance, hers was flamboyant. The interior layout was virtually identical to that of the royal palace
The moment Athena stepped inside, she was enveloped by a comforting warmth that stood in sharp contrast to the chill outside.
She looked toward the seat of honor, where Alexandra satin lavish, resplendent robes upon a plush armchair, watching her with a subtle, knowing umik
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Chapter 231
Her face, which bore a distinct resemblance to Xander’s, though showing the gentle marks of time, was still stunningly beautiful
She was pushing fifty, but could easily pass for someone in her early forties.
“Your Highness,” Athena greeted as the curtsied with impeccable precision,
Alexandra might appear approachable, yet there were not i
t many people who hold such an exalted position who are easy to deal with.
Athena kept her head bowed, her demeanor so reverent that it was beyond reproach.
Alexandra let out a soft chuckle and said, “Take a
With a word of gratitude, Athena took her seat,
“Lady Athena, you’ve grown even more radiant since we last met,” Alexandra remarked amiably, her gaze upon Athena deceptively warm, yet somehow, she remained strangely unapproachable
Athena knew Alexandra wasn’t here for idle chatter. With a faint smile, she replied, “Your Highness flatters me.”
Sure enough, Alexandra sighed and said, “Alas, what a pity that such beauty is so often cursed with misfortune. Were it otherwise, you might have married well and lived in comfort.”
Alexandra was insinuating that Athena, after three years of military service, was no longer pure in the eyes of society. She was also subtly warning Athena not to entertain any illusions about Xander, as Athena was far beneath his standing in Alexandra’s eyes.
The very issue Athena had long dreaded finally surfaced. Yet, to her own surprise, she felt no trace of nervousness, only a profound sense of relief. She knew she wasn’t worthy of Xander and never dared to entertain such presumptuous thoughts
So, when Alexandra subtly made her point, Athena remained unfazed. “Your Highness speaks true,” she responded calmly. “I’m well aware of my humble circumstances and harbor no grand ambitions. In this life, if I can simply find a considerate man to share my days with, that would be more than
enough.”
Alexandra was a little taken aback. As she met Athena’s gaze, she was struck by the clarity and sincerity in those eyes. They were so open and unclouded, not a trace of deceit or ambition to be found. It was like Athena had said, she had no grand ambitions.
“You are a sensible woman who knows her place, and I have no wish to make things difficult for you,” Alexandra said.” summoned you here today to lay all cards on the table. Xander’s wife must be a lady of impeccable background and unsullied reputation. Though I am grateful for your kindness, when it comes to my son’s marriage, I will not take such matters lightly”
Upon hearing Alexandra’s words, Athena offered a faint smile. “Your Highness,” she replied, “I know my place and would never presume to cause you any trouble.”
Alexandra exhaled in relief, “Excellent. It would be best if our conversation today remained strictly between us. My son need not know of this. I trust you understand, Lady Athena?”
Though Xander was her son, his immense power and lofty status had transformed their relationship. It was no longer the simple bond between a mother and child like it once had been.
Alexandra owed her present glory to Xander, Simply put, her entire life now depended on Xander.
For his prospects, Alexandra would never allow Xander to marry a woman with a tainted reputation. The woman Xander marries must be a noblewoman of impeccable virtue and unblemished Image.
Athena nodded obediently understand, Your Highness.”
“it’s such a relief to talk to someone so perceptive. At last, Alexandra finally let a genuine smile grace her features.
Alexandra gracefully gestured toward Athens and said with a gentle smile, “This coffee is simply delightful. Lady Athena, do have a taste”
Chapter 231
After thanking Alexandra, Athena had just lifted the cup to her lips when faried footsteps sounded from beyond the door
“Mother.” Kander’s voice tang out before he es
even appeared.
A towering silhouette strode in backlit by the sunlight. His cool, distinct scent preceded him as his anxious gaze met Athena’s
Seeing Athena sitting there safe and sound, Xander let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding
Only then did Xander turn to Alexandra, bowed respectfully, and greeted her properly, “Mother.”
Athena hurriedly rose and curtsied to Xander.
Alexandra wore a faint smile, but unease flickered in her eyes.
Xander, always the picture of composure, had clearly lost his usual restraint today, all because of Athena. That was not a good sign
Though inwardly uneasy, Alexandra remained outwardly composed.
Alexandra offered Xander a faint, knowing smile. “My son, you’re always so occupied with official duties. What brings you here today?” There was even subtle note of possessiveness in her words.
The moment Xander saw Athena, his anxiety melted away.
In response to Alexandra’s query, Xander replied with measured composure, “Upon hearing of your return to Pidence City, I made haste to come greet you.”
Xander took his seat and turned to Alexandra. “Mother, your complexion looks even more radiant after this retreat. The retreat must have done you
wonders.”
Alexandra beamed with delight at his words, her smile broadening. “Though the imperial retreat is pleasant, a mother’s heart is always with her child. How could I possibly stay away for long? Now that I’ve seen you safe and sound, I can finally feel at ease.”
She continued, “But you, my son, look noticeably thinner again. Your attendants clearly aren’t taking proper care of you, and I just can’t help but worry. If only you’d marry soon, then your mother could finally rest easy…
Before Alexandra could finish, Xander cut in firmly, “I have already asked His Majesty for an imperial marriage decree. The edict will be issued when the time is right.”
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