The Rise Of The Unwanted Girl (Athena) novel Chapter 42

Chapter 42

Athena was caught off guard. She had never even met Kinder. She wondered, “Why would he want to see me?

Hay looked just as purrled, and even Michael turned to the steward Nelson Bates in surprise.

But the steward ignored them both, standing respectfully and waiting patiently for Athena.

Realizing she had no choice, Athena stood up and said politely, “Nelson, please lead the way”

She remembered hearing others call the stoward “Nelson” when they entered the residence, From his composed demeanor and precise manner, it was clear he was someone Xander trusted deeply. That alone earned her quiet respect.

Managing a place as grand as this was no small task there had to be something exceptional about him,

And just as she’d guessed, the staff at Xander’s residence didn’t seem rattled by his illness. Everything ran smoothly, calm and orderly.

Nelson led the way at a steady, measured pace. His posture was straight, his steps firm he carried himself with the bearing of a soldier. If even Nelson was this formidable, it was no wonder people feared ander

Before long. Nelson stopped and burned, offering a polite smile. “Please wait here, Lady Athena. announce your arrival.”

Athena nodded. He lifted the curtain and stepped inside.

Even from the doorway, the pungent scent of medicinal herbs hit her. She thought, Kander must be gravely ill!

As she stood there, her mind wandered. Then Nelson returned. “Lady Athena, please come in.”

nk you,” she replied softly, nerves tightening in her chest, She still had no idea why Xander wanted to see her.

“Thanky

“Lady Athena, this way,” Nelson said, gently ushering her deeper into the room.

A chill hit her as soci

as soon as she stepped inside, and she instinctively pulled her sleeves tighter around her hands

A soft sound came from the corner. She turned toward it and met a pair of piercing, ice–cold eyes.

In that instant, her breath caught. His gaze was sharp and unyielding, like a blade pressed to her throat. She felt frozen, like prey caught in the sights of a hunter. Even through the silence, the weight of that look felt lethal.

Startled, Athena took a step back and quickly bowed. “Your Highness”

No response came for a long moment.

Then Nelson stepped forward and gently motioned for her to rise. “No need for such formalities, Lady Athena.”

Athena straightened, her heart pounding in her chest. This wasn’t what she’d expected. Xander numored to be on his deathbed was still handling affairs himself

official

A few strands of hair had come loose around his face, only making his pale features stand out more starkly. His brows and unreadable–like a night sky hiding countless decrets.

sharp and defined, yes deep

His high–bridged nose and thin, unsmiling lips only added to the cold intensity he exuded.

A low, muffled cough broke the silence. A faint trace of blood appeared on his lips.

Nelson’s expression changed instantly. “My lord, you should rest”

“Enough,” Xander said coldly, dabbing the blood with a handkerchief. He didn’t seem to care in the slightest.

1/4.

AV

Chapter 42

He didn’t even look at Nelson, Instead, he tapped a finger lightly on the table. Beside his hand sat a small, lacopered box

Nelson understood at once. He stepped forward, picked up the box, and brought it to Athena. “Tady Athena, His Highness asked me to give this to you

“For me?” Athena blinked, clearly taken aback. She hesitated, unsure whether to accept it. She and Xander had never even met. She wondered. V would he be giving me anything?

Nelson smiled gently, speaking on the prince’s behalf. “There’s no need to worry, Lady Athena an elderly woman some years ago!”

Athena paused. “You mean…?”

This is simply a gesture of gratitude. Do you recall helping

“That woman was the Dowager Princess of the Royal Household,” Nelson explained. “She tried to find you afterward, but you had already left Pidence City. She later traveled with His Highness to another city. Now that they’ve returned, she asked Prince Xander to repay that debt on her behalf.”

Athena thought for a moment. Yes–she vaguely remembered something like that.

Still, the fact that the Dowager Princess had remembered all these years later. It spoke volumes. She was clearly someone who repaid kindness with

“Please accept if, Lady Athena,” Nelson said warmly. His voice was gentle, his expression kind–but the sorrow in his eyes ran deep and unspoken.

She glanced toward the desk where Xander sat. All of this–his suffering–was for the sake of the people of the country.

If not for him leading troops through countless battles, the common people wouldn’t have ever known peace. A man like him–a national hero shouldn’t be left to waste away from illness. She had to try to save him.

He thought, “If she says something that upset Prince Xander, it wouldn’t be a light matter.

“Please don’t worry,” she said quickly, “I won’t take long. As she spoke, her gaze burned toward Xander, full of quiet resolve

Athena stepped past the screen and slowly approached. Xander had already set aside his documents and was watching her in silence, his eyes sharp and penetrating.

Despite his obvious frailty, the force of his presence hadn’t diminished in the slightest. His face–striking enough to make heaven take notice was pale, almost translucent.

Beneath his straight nose, his lips were colorless and tightly pressed, carved into a cold, austere line, His black robe, embroidered with subtle dark patterns, hung open just enough to reveal the sculpted lines of his collarbone.

Athena’s gas held a quiet reverence. She dropped into a graceful curtsy “Your Highness”

“Speak,” Xander said–just one word and then closed his eyes again.

Athena knew exactly what that meant: if what she said held no value, she would be dismissed without hesitation,

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