Chapter 18

Athena’s Snowdrop Wing was quite a distance from Margaret’s quarters. She had to cross a long covered walkway, pass by a pond, and go through an archway before finally reaching the Starling House, where Margaret was.

As she neared the pond, she noticed Willow’s courtyard in the distance, bustling with activity.

Maidservants and young attendants were coming and going, some carrying snacks, others with medicinal herbs. What caught Athena’s attention the most, however, were the fresh fruits.

She didn’t think much of it at first, but Aliza, gazing longingly in that direction, said, “Lord Nicolas really spoils Lady Willow. He even brought her some precious fruits.”

Athena stopped in her tracks and turned around, her gaze icy as she looked at Aliza. “If you want to go to the Ivory Grove, just say so. I won’t stop you. But as long as you’re in the Snowdrop Wing, you’ll follow my rules.”

Aliza paled in fear and immediately bowed. “I didn’t mean to! I was wrong.”

Though she was speaking in fear, her heart seethed with resentment.

She was a born servant, her father the household butler, and she had worked here since the old Duke’s time. With her looks and status, she believed she could eventually be taken as a concubine.

But just because of a careless remark, Athena had scolded her so harshly. How could she accept that?

Athena cast her a cold, deliberate look. Aliza felt an icy shiver run down her spine, even with her bowing. She lowered her head even further.

Though Athena allowed her to rise, she had already made up her mind. A disloyal servant was a constant risk.

When they reached the entrance of Starling House, Gwen Denison saw Athena and hurried over to greet her.

She gave a slight bow and addressed Athena respectfully. “Lady Athena.”

“How is Grandmother?” Athena asked, her voice softening.

The mention of Margaret brought a smile to Gwen's face without her realizing it.

Gwen noticed it but felt a pang in her heart. Even though Athena was smiling, there was a lingering bitterness in her eyes. Being locked away in the military camp for three years–it was the same as being slowly torn apart.

“Lady Margaret’s feeling much better today,” Gwen replied with a note of relief. “She ate most of a bowl of cereal this morning and even had some bread.”

A few days ago, Margaret couldn’t even manage half a bowl of cereal. But since Athena’s remedy, her health had been improving day by day. Today, she even managed to take a short walk outside.

When she entered the room, she saw Margaret sitting on a couch, holding a small box. Upon seeing Athena, Margaret smiled warmly and waved. "Athena, you’re here."

Athena felt a wave of happiness wash over her, and her spirits grew lighter.

Athena walked over, offered her respects, and sat beside her. “Mother, how are you feeling?”

Margaret studied Athena closely, noticing her pale face. Despite the makeup, her exhaustion was still visible.

“What happened? You’ve lost even more weight since I last saw you. Are the people here not taking care of you?”

“No, it’s just that my body is weak,” Athena replied with a smile.

Margaret sighed deeply. “You’ve suffered.”

She handed the small box to Athena. “You’ve just returned to the estate, and there’s still so much you need to get. But since I’ve been unwell, I don’t know what you might be lacking. Take this money and use it as you see fit.”

She looked at Athena as though she could never be satisfied.

Athena quickly pulled her hand back. “Grandmother, I don’t need anything.”

“Everyone needs food and clothing,” Margaret insisted. “Even though your mother has been taking care of everything for you, I still worry. If you don’t accept this, it’ll leave me uneasy.”

Margaret gently patted the back of Athena’s hand. “In this world, no one can be fully relied upon. But money and power–if you have those in your grasp, no one can ever humiliate you.”

Athena felt a lump form in her throat, her eyes growing warm.

Margaret looked at her with a deep, affectionate gaze, her voice trembling with emotion.

“My dear child, I’ve been wanting to ask you for a long time, but I couldn’t bring myself to. Do you still blame me for what happened back then?”

Athena froze.

“Back then, when your grandfather had just fallen from grace, Willow falsely accused you. The timing was perfect. I knew exactly what was going on, but even though your parents respected me on the surface, they went behind my back and never listened to my advice.”

There was a deep weariness beneath her aging features.

“But even if it cost me my own health, I didn’t want you to suffer. When I first went to the palace to petition the queen, I was punished and confined in the estate for three years. I’ve only just been released from confinement…”

Athena’s heart ached. Margaret had endured so much.

Margaret spoke these words with difficulty, and fatigue once again settled on her face. Athena couldn’t bear to see her like this and urged her to rest.

“Grandmother, please rest. I’ll come to visit again soon.”

“Alright, go on.” Margaret gave Athena a soft, warm smile.

As Athena was being escorted out by Gwen, Gwen couldn’t help but speak.

“I’ve seen how good Lady Margaret has been to you. When you were sent to that place, Lady Margaret didn’t know until later. She had a huge argument with Lord Henry, and it made her ill. She even went to the palace to plead for you, though the outcome was…”

Tears began to fall as she spoke, “Even when she could barely take care of herself, Lady Margaret kept worrying about you. Every so often, she’d send someone with money for you…”

At the mention of money, Athena’s eyes widened. “Money?”

She had never received any.

Gwen looked at Athena in confusion. “Haven't you received it?"

Athena smiled bitterly. Even if money had been sent, it had never reached her hands.

Gwen understood now, but Athena quickly said, “Don’t let Grandmother know about this.”

“Understood, I won’t say a word.”

Athena walked back toward her courtyard, still thinking about the money. As she passed by the rock garden, she heard a low murmur from nearby.

“Lady Athena is really heartless, forcing Lady Willow to run away from home. You should have seen how pitiful Lady Willow was. Once a young lady, now reduced to nothing. Since Lady Athena’s return, Lady Willow has been walking on eggshells, yet she still targets her…”