Chapter 365

Before long, a servant entered the room and cleared away the dishes and wine from the table, replacing them with a fresh spread.

Trina, ever cautious, took out a silver needle to test the food for poison. She and Marquita tasted every dish again before finally allowing Athena to eat.

Athena was so hungry she felt faint and could only manage a few bites at first.

Marquita reminded her that the guests would likely continue celebrating until well into the night, possibly until dawn, before allowing the Duke back.

If Athena didn’t eat something, her body wouldn’t hold up.

After all, she would need to rise early the next morning to offer formal greetings to Alexandra, and then accompany Xander to the palace to pay respects to the King and Queen.

It was a demanding schedule that required a strong body.

After getting some food in her, Athena began to regain strength. And just as Marquita predicted, Xander never returned that night.

The hall outside was still lively with guests drinking and celebrating. Xander was undoubtedly tied up with social obligations.

Athena, as the bride, could not leave the bridal chamber. All she could do was wait.

But the front estate was far from calm.

Ansel cross-referenced the guest registry and movement logs, quickly identifying a suspicious maid.

When he arrived with guards, the girl panicked and tried to run. Ansel swiftly kicked her to the ground, dislocated her jaw to prevent suicide by tongue-biting, and knocked her out cold.

Guards threw a sack over her and quietly carried her away to the secret chamber.

Despite the crowds moving about, two footmen carrying a sack didn’t draw attention.

Ansel returned to the main hall and exchanged a subtle signal with Xander. Xander gave a faint nod. He knew the situation was under control.

As the night deepened, some guests began to take their leave.

Nelson stood by the gates, seeing guests off while secretly counting heads. Anyone who entered had been logged; anyone who left without their full party was held back.

To all appearances, he was the gracious host. In truth, he was hunting the saboteur.

At one table, Lizzie kept glancing around, her anxiety growing.

Her operative hadn’t acted. That was odd.

She loathed Athena. Naturally, she had no intention of letting that wedding go smoothly.

The plan was simple. They would slip a sedative into her food to prevent the consummation of the marriage.

She would then whisper a few well-placed words into Alexandra’s ear, and from that day forward, Athena would have no place in Xander Manor.

It was supposed to be foolproof. Yet two hours had passed, and her agent had not returned.

Only then did Lizzie realize something had gone wrong.

Feigning calm, she rose from her seat. Other noble ladies at her table followed suit.

“Your Highness, leaving so soon? Won’t you have another drink?” someone asked.

Lizzie gave a charmingly dazed smile. “I’m afraid I’ve had more than enough. Please, continue enjoying the evening. I’m retiring.”

“Escort the princess,” the crowd chimed politely.

Lizzie placed her hand on her maid’s wrist and turned to leave.

Moments ago, she had been arrogant. Now, she was panicked, barely keeping it together. She wished she could vanish into thin air.

But just as she reached the estate’s front gate, Nelson stepped forward with a courteous smile. “Your Highness, please wait. Prince Xander would like you to remain a little longer.”

At the mention of Xander, Lizzie’s heart dropped. She hadn’t seen her agent again since sending her off, and the longer she thought about it, the more it made sense. Xander must’ve caught her in the act. That idiot had ruined everything. Still, Lizzie told herself, ‘Deny everything. What could Xander do? Kill me?’

She straightened her spine. She looked at Nelson angrily. “I’m tired and wish to return. Thank your master for me.”

She tried to walk away, but at Nelson’s subtle gesture, guards stepped in and blocked her path.

Their swords glinted coldly in the torchlight. Lizzie’s knees nearly buckled.

“Her Highness has clearly had too much to drink,” Nelson said with forced cheer. “Please escort her to the back to rest.”

The princess’s retinue was no match for Xander Manor’s household guards. Within moments, she was dragged off.

Soon, Lizzie was forcibly escorted away.

To keep her from shouting, a hand was clamped over her mouth.

Lizzie stumbled all the way to the hidden chamber, the door slamming shut behind her.

She ran to it, pounding and shrieking, “Let me out! I’m a princess! You’ll pay for this! Xander won’t get away with it!”

No one answered. The hallway outside was pitch black.

Exhausted from screaming, Lizzie finally took stock of her surroundings.

The chamber was damp and dark. Lizzie took two tentative steps forward. Suddenly, a squeaking sound broke the silence. It was a rat.

She screamed and curled into a corner, shaking.

A lone candle burned on the wall. When it burned out, she’d be left in darkness.

Terrified beyond measure, Lizzie burst into uncontrollable sobs.

For the first time, she truly regretted ever crossing Xander. He was ruthless. And he would make her pay.

By the time the last guest had left, Xander returned to the bridal chamber, the scent of wine lingering on him.

At the door, he took a moment to tidy his clothes and check his breath before entering.

It was already well past midnight.

Inside, Athena was nodding off on the edge of the bed. Her head kept dipping forward.

At the slightest sound, Trina and Marquita instantly snapped awake, their eyes sharp with wary vigilance.

Seeing it was Xander, they breathed a sigh of relief, bowed, and quietly slipped out.

Athena, hovering between sleep and wakefulness, felt someone gently cradle her head.

A warm hand brushed her cheek, rousing her.

She opened her eyes and found herself staring into Xander’s handsome face.

“You’re back,” she murmured, her voice hoarse from sleep.

She was so tired she couldn’t even sit up.

In the next instant, Xander scooped her up and placed her gently on a cushioned chair.

Her drowsiness began to fade. Xander brought over the ceremonial wedding wine. “Honey, let’s drink our wedding toast before you sleep.”

He placed the goblet in her hand and guided her arm, bringing the rim to her lips.

Blushing, Athena drank it. Her eyes shimmered with emotion as she looked up at him.

The wine burned slightly, but left a warm afterglow in her chest.

“Athena,” Xander murmured, his voice as soft as a gentle caress.

Xander’s gentle call made Athena’s heart skip a beat. Her cheeks flushed crimson, and she dared not meet his eyes.

Xander gently tilted Athena’s chin upward, forcing her to meet his gaze. The moment their eyes locked, a jolt of electricity shot through her.

Xander’s eyes brimmed with tenderness and affection, leaving Athena a little at a loss.

“Lord Xander…” Athena murmured softly.

Xander cut her off, his voice low and commanding. “Call me honey.”

“Honey,” Athena whispered, her face flushed crimson.

Suddenly, Athena felt weightless. In one swift motion, Xander scooped her up into his arms.

Athena naturally rested her head on Xander’s shoulder, her mind spinning as if she were floating on air.

Athena felt a sudden coolness on her lips. Xander claimed them in a fierce, possessive kiss.

The candle’s flame flickered and died. The night deepened, leaving only the soft whisper of lovers in the dark.