Chapter 364

Xander guided Athena beneath the arch of white roses into the manor’s oak-paneled ballroom. All the guests erupted in cheers, their congratulatory shouts filling the air. At the front, the chaplain pronounced the blessing, and the couple exchanged vows. When it came time to honor their elders, Alexandra sat rigid in a tall carved chair, forcing a wan smile that deepened only when her son’s cool gaze flicked her way. Afterward, Athena was escorted back to the bridal chamber. Tall beeswax tapers wavered, casting a honeyed glow over embroidered draperies.

Athena, in a satin gown and pearl-spangled veil, sat at the edge of the canopied bed. Her back was straight, yet her gloved fingertips trembled on her lap. She drew a steady breath or two to quiet her racing heart.

Trina, her maid, noticed the tension and whispered with a cheerful smile. “Don’t worry, my lady. Marquita and I are just here, nothing to distress you.”

Hearing Trina’s gentle voice, Athena finally felt her tension ease a little.

“Have some water, Your Highness.” Trina poured a cup of water for Athena. Athena took it, drank a few sips, then handed it back to Trina. She’d been up and busy since dawn, not a single bite or sip passing her lips. Still, Athena didn’t dare drink much. “What if I need to use the restroom later? People would laugh at me!” she worried.

Trina leaned in close and whispered, “His Highness just instructed that if Your Highness is hungry or thirsty, don’t worry about the formalities. Just let me know. There’s a chamber pot right behind this room, so please eat and drink freely.”

“Can I really?” Athena was still shy about it.

‘Even though Xander is so thoughtful, it’s still my wedding day, with so many eyes on me,’ Athena thought anxiously.

So many eyes had followed her all day. Besides, Alexandra disapproved of her. If Alexandra seized on the slightest misstep, another lecture would follow. Athena shook her head. “I’m not hungry yet. You and Marquita should eat. You haven’t had a bite either.”

“But His Highness insisted. Don’t worry. No one will disturb us.” Trina, clearly worried, still tried to persuade her. Athena insisted on waiting for Xander, so Trina and Marquita gave up. The two stayed by Athena’s side, neither of them touching the food on the table. When the food began to cool, servants came in to clear it away and replaced it with freshly prepared dishes, fruits, and wine. In short, everything in the bridal chamber remained fresh. Xander’s attentiveness pleased both Trina and Marquita greatly. The removed food was taken to the kitchen to be shared among the servants. It was obvious the food hadn’t been touched. The servants divvied it up and chatted happily about Athena being graceful and generous.

Just then, a maid eating the leftovers suddenly clutched her head. Her eyelids began to droop as she murmured, “I… I feel so dizzy…” Before she finished her sentence, she collapsed.

The cook, terrified, didn’t dare make a sound, but knowing the seriousness of the situation, quickly said to the others, “Stop eating! Someone drugged the food!” Fortunately, only three or four maids had eaten. The steward locked the courtyard and didn’t let anyone in or out. Then she slipped away to find Nelson in the front hall.

Nelson was busy entertaining the guests when he saw the kitchen steward approach with a serious expression. He immediately went over to meet her. Lowering his voice, Nelson asked, “What happened?” The steward whispered a few words into his ear, and Nelson nodded without panic. He waved his hand to dismiss her. Nelson then called over Ansel and said to him, “Someone sneaked into the manor and drugged Lady Athena’s food. Go investigate immediately.”

Ansel’s eyes widened in shock, but before he could speak, Nelson added, “It’s a joyful occasion. Don’t cause a stir. Investigate with a smile, make sure no one suspects anything.” Everyone who came today was a person of status, all registered by name. Even the servants they brought were recorded. Meticulous records were kept of each person’s movements, like when and where they went at any given time. The guests, of course, knew nothing of this. Nelson was a seasoned butler. He had made these preparations just in case something went wrong today. And sure enough, something had. Ansel pretended to be drunk and quietly left with a few men.

Of course, Xander noticed this movement. When he got the chance, he went over to Nelson, who quickly filled him in. Xander’s face turned grim. “Find the culprit and dislocate their jaw to prevent suicide by tongue-biting. We’ll interrogate them after the guests leave.” Nelson nodded and left.

“Your Highness, don’t tell me you’re running away! Had a bit too much to drink?” Xander laughed along good-naturedly. “Don’t worry. I’ll keep you all company tonight. But first, let me visit the privy.” Everyone at the banquet burst into laughter. Xander didn’t mind. Using the excuse, he slipped away to the bridal chamber.

His sudden return startled Trina and Marquita. He waved at them, indicating they didn’t need to leave. He quickly strode over to Athena and lifted her veil. Even though he had prepared himself, he was still stunned by the sight of her. In the candlelight, Athena’s elegant face came into view, her bridal makeup making her more beautiful than any flower. She had bright eyes and flawless skin. The expression in her eyes, shy and silent, made his throat tighten.

“Your Highness,” Athena softly called, snapping him out of it.

He blinked and said, “The food was drugged. Did you eat anything?”

Athena’s heart skipped a beat, and she shook her head. Xander let out a sigh of relief and apologized, “I’m sorry. It was my oversight. Fortunately, it wasn’t poison, just something to cause unconsciousness.” He said, “Whoever did this didn’t want to hurt you. They meant to take you away.”

Who it was, he still couldn’t guess. Even though Ferris wanted to take Athena away, he wouldn’t use such despicable methods. So, someone else was behind it.

Athena grew tense. “There’s a traitor in the manor.”

Xander nodded slightly, comforting her, “Don’t be afraid. I’ll take care of it. Ansel’s already investigating.”

Then, unable to resist, he touched her cheek gently. “Don’t alert anyone yet. I’ll go back to entertain the guests. I’ll have some fresh, tested food sent to you.” Athena nodded blankly. Xander flashed her a smile and turned to leave.

As he walked out, Trina sighed dreamily, “Prince Xander’s smile is so gentle, isn’t it, Marquita?”

Marquita rolled her eyes. “What nonsense are you saying? Looks like you’re of marrying age yourself. We should find you a husband soon. Let’s see if that cures your fangirling.”

“You’re just teasing me, Marquita,” Trina said, blushing. “I don’t want to get married. I want to serve the Princess for life.” Trina was straightforward and still young. Athena had always been lenient with her. But Marquita’s words reminded her. Trina had come of age. It might be time to arrange a match for her and let her leave the household. In a while, she’d start looking for a suitable husband for Trina. If Trina didn’t object, Athena would marry her off.