Chapter 201

The next day, Athena rose early. It was Christmas.

For the first time, she genuinely experienced the festive spirit of the holiday.

The courtyard buzzed with laughter and cheerful chatter as servants bustled between the kitchen and the yard.

Spotting Athena, they all paused to greet her warmly, “Merry Christmas, Miss Monson!”

For Christmas, Athena gave each staff member an extra month’s pay.

The servants were overjoyed, and seeing their happiness, Athena couldn’t help but feel pleased herself.

The courtyard was spotless, with lanterns and ribbons hanging from the trees lining the bluestone path.

In addition to the servants, house guards were also present.

The entire estate radiated serenity, exactly the atmosphere Athena desired.

“Miss Monson, I heard there’s going to be fireworks tonight! If we finish dinner early, we can watch it,” Trina said excitedly. “They say this year’s fireworks will be extra special! There’ll be all kinds of shapes and colors!”

Every year, Arthur would host a party at the palace, inviting ministers and their families to show imperial favor.

Athena had attended such gatherings before, but she was always tucked away in a corner, barely noticed.

Eloise would bring Willow along to mingle with the noble ladies and their daughters.

For Athena, these parties were far from fond memories.

What lingered was only awkwardness and cold neglect.

Athena responded with lackluster interest, “Just a bunch of pretentious people feasting and drinking. Nothing really entertaining about it.”

Noticing Athena’s lack of interest, Trina wisely dropped the subject.

Trina took out two new outfits from the wardrobe and asked, “Miss Monson, which one do you like better?”

Wearing new clothes was a tradition. It symbolized a fresh start.

There were two outfits: one in aqua blue, the other in soft yellow.

Athena glanced at her plain dress and thought, I’m actually tempted to change.

Pointing to the yellow one, Athena said, “Let’s go with this one.”

Winter’s muted palette makes warm tones like this soft yellow feel extra cozy! she thought.

Trina pouted, looking disappointed. “Miss Monson, try the aqua blue set; it really brings out your complexion.”

“Why dress so fancy when we’re just staying in?” Athena said as she took the pale yellow dress and slipped behind the screen to try it on.

Just then, Marquita burst in, her face flushed with alarm. “Miss Monson, Prince Xander has arrived!”

Athena’s eyes widened in shock. “What brings Prince Xander here?”

A cool, sensing voice came from outside the door. “Not happy to see me?”

Athena looked up to see Xander standing in the courtyard, wrapped in a pale blue crane-feather cloak.

The cold wind swept by, lifting the hem of his garment and revealing subtle silver-threaded pine branch embroidery that glinted with a frosty light.

The black fox fur collar framed his chiseled jaw, and though his brows were usually frost-kissed with severity, at this moment, they softened with warmth, as if thawed by a spring breeze.

As if sensing someone’s gaze, Xander tilted his head slightly and met Athena’s eyes through the window.

Chapter 201

Athena froze like a startled rabbit, ready to dart away, but before she could move, Xander’s playful voice drifted in from outside. “It’s freezing out here. Are you really going to leave me standing at the door?”

Xander’s unexpectedly playful tone startled Athena.

Always the picture of composure, Athena found herself uncharacteristically flustered. She called out, “Please show Prince Xander in immediately!”

Marquita, visibly flustered but still mindful of propriety, rushed to the doorway and lifted the curtain aside for Xander. “Please come in, Prince Xander,” she said with a respectful bow.

It made sense that Athena and Marquita were so flustered. They had not expected Xander to show up in their home.

Athena was stunned. She’d never imagined Xander would come looking for her.

Trina was so flustered that she stumbled awkwardly as she served the drink, then quickly slipped out of the room.

Once outside, she let out a long breath, pressing a hand to her chest. That was way too close, she thought.

Inside, the room was steeped in the soothing aroma of coffee.

Seated across from Xander, Athena asked politely, “Your Highness, what brings you here today?”

Xander surveyed the room instead of answering, then asked her, “Are you settling in well here?”

“I feel quite comfortable here,” Athena replied.

As long as those people stopped bothering her, Athena felt hopeful about the days ahead.

The only regret was not being able to celebrate Christmas with Margaret.

Xander gazed into Athena’s luminous eyes and chuckled, “Tonight, you’ll accompany me to the imperial party.”

“Me?” Athena asked, bewildered.

“As my future wife, you’ll accompany me to the imperial party,” Xander stated.

The imperial party was always crowded with countless noble ladies and daughters, many of whom would vie for Xander’s attention.

Xander found their persistence tiresome, but with Athena by his side, the nuisance would lessen considerably.

Athena suddenly realized and thought, So Prince Xander is just using me as his human shield.

“One doesn’t come empty-handed when asking for a favor,” Xander chuckled. With a casual wave, his attendant entered, carrying a box and setting it on the table.

A delicate, barely perceptible scent drifted from the unopened box.

“What is this?” Athena asked, her curiosity piqued.

Xander personally opened the box. To Athena’s amazement, inside was a gorgeously crafted ensemble that took her breath away.

The outfit consisted of a sapphire-blue silk cloak, adorned with medallions in a front-opening style, a black-and-gold jacket with cloud-patterned shoulder panels and full-length sleeves luxuriously lined with black fox fur, and ornate gilded clasps fastening the front.

Athena stared at the outfit, her breath catching in her throat.

This is way too extravagant, she thought, stunned.

It was clearly custom-made for royalty.

The message was obvious: Xander wanted her to wear it to the party, making his intentions crystal clear.

“Is there something wrong with it?” Xander asked, noticing the surprise on Athena’s face and assuming she didn’t like it.

Athena shook her head, looking flattered yet a bit uneasy. “It’s just too extravagant… and way too showy for me.”

Xander chuckled lightly. “At those court gatherings, it’s all about status and prestige. You’re representing me. Even if you wanted to keep a low profile, I wouldn’t allow it.”

Chapter 201

Athena was still hesitant, but Xander reassured her, “Don’t worry about causing trouble, and don’t be afraid of anyone daring to pick on you, unless they’re tired of living.”

Anyone who dared to cross Xander’s wife must be tired of life.

His demeanor, as if he could shoulder the weight of the heavens, gave Athena immense courage.

If she refused again, she’d just end up making a fool of herself before Xander.

“Since you have put it that way, what do I have to be afraid of?” Athena said, readily agreeing with a cheerful smile.

Athena looked at Xander, her gaze full of mixed emotions. After a brief hesitation, she asked, “Your Highness, do you still recall our agreement?”

Xander nodded gently. “I remember. Rest assured, I would never force you into anything, certainly not marriage.”

“Since you’re well aware of this, Your Highness, aren’t you actually giving me an advantage?” Accompanying Xander as his future wife, Athena was bound to attract countless people eager to curry favor.

A lone wolf struggled to survive. If she wanted to secure her place among the noble ladies, connections would be her stepping stones. By doing this, isn’t Prince Xander afraid I’ll grow my wings and fly away from him sooner than he expects? Athena thought.

Xander saw the doubt in Athena’s eyes as clearly as if it were written across her face.

He gave Athena a faint smile. “I can afford to bet, and I have the patience to wait.”

His confident gaze made Athena feel ashamed. How petty of me, she admitted to herself.

He said, “Then I shall count on you tonight, Miss Monson.”

“Glad to be of service, Prince Xander.”

Athena and Xander raised their cups, lightly clinking them together before draining them in unison.

The imperial party was scheduled for the evening, but protocol required early arrival at the palace.

After dressing to perfection, Athena seemed like a completely different person.

Her gaze was sharp, carrying an unmistakable air of authority.

The luxurious gown only heightened her unapproachable aura.

Standing beside Xander, they looked every bit the perfect pair.