Chapter 366

On their wedding night, the housekeeper had once privately spoken to Athena about what to expect between a man and a woman. She said, "The first time might hurt a little. Just bear with it, my lady…"

Athena had entered the bridal suite with a nervous heart, bracing herself for a night of hardship. But to her surprise, Xander was gentle, exceptionally so. He was attentive, careful, and considerate of her every reaction.

The next morning, Athena awoke to find herself still cradled in Xander’s arms. There was none of the soreness the housekeeper had warned her about. Instead, her heart was brimming with joy.

Athena tilted her head up to gaze at Xander, taking in his chiseled jawline and peacefully closed eyes. His features were almost too perfect, like something carved by the gods. The more she looked, the more she adored him.

Unable to resist, she reached out to touch his face, only for her hand to be caught in his warm, calloused palm.

“Starting your mischief this early?” Xander’s lashes fluttered, sleep still lingering in his eyes, yet he couldn’t suppress the smile spreading across his face.

Xander gently pulled Athena into his arms, nuzzling her flushed earlobe. He chuckled softly and teased, “Did I tire you out last night? Why aren’t you sleeping in a bit longer?”

Athena’s limbs went weak under the warmth of his breath. Remembering how he had cupped his hand over her eyes last night, huskily coaxing her, “Don’t look,” her cheeks instantly flamed crimson.

She unconsciously ran her fingers along the roughness of his palm and whispered like a purring kitten, “The housekeeper… lied.”

Xander chuckled, his chest vibrating against her back. “I’ll have to ask her why she misled my wife so terribly.”

With that, he suddenly rolled over and trapped her beneath him. Morning light spilled through the canopy curtains, casting warm hues across his chiseled features. Xander said, “But if my lady feels wronged, I suppose I’ll have to spend the rest of my life making it up to her.”

He leaned in again, and Athena panicked, pushing at his chest. “We can’t. We still need to present ourselves to your mother. And we have to go to the palace to greet Queen Mother, the King, and the Queen…” She started listing everything off on her fingers. Xander couldn’t help but laugh aloud.

Athena climbed out of bed, and Xander followed. As he lifted the blanket, his eyes paused. Against the white sheets, there was a deep crimson stain.

Xander gazed at Athena, his eyes brimming with both astonishment and delight. He hadn’t expected Athena to still be untouched, and now his heart ached for everything she must have gone through to protect herself.

Xander walked behind her and studied her reflection in the mirror. In the mirror, Athena looked back at him, her expression puzzled.

Xander took the comb from her hand with practiced ease and began to gently comb her hair, stroke by stroke. Every movement was practiced and careful.

Athena couldn’t help teasing him, “You seem quite skilled. I suppose you’ve done this for other women before?”

Xander nodded without hesitation. “Plenty.”

Her face fell instantly. “Who?”

He smirked at her reflection. “Guess.”

Annoyed, she yanked the brush from his hand. “I’ll do it myself.”

Xander said casually, “I used to brush my mother’s hair. Are you still mad?”

His triumphant grin in the mirror revealed the trick. He had done it on purpose.

Athena pretended to scowl and raised her hand to swat him, but he leaned in, offering his cheek. “Don’t just hit one side, my lady. Make it even, or I’ll look ridiculous in public,” he said shamelessly.

Xander’s cheeky demeanor made Athena burst into laughter. Athena gently stroked his cheek, teasing with a playful smile, “How could I ever bring myself to hit such a dashing husband?”

Then she tossed the brush back at him and warned, “If you mess up my hairstyle, I won’t forgive you.”

Xander caught the brush and bowed dramatically. “I won’t let you down. You have my word.”

Their laughter echoed through the room, making the maids and matrons outside blush. Clearly, Xander and Athena were having quite the morning.

Once her hair was done, Xander admired his work in the mirror and nodded with satisfaction. “My wife grows more beautiful by the day.”

Athena flushed and rolled her eyes at him. “Flatterer.”

Once properly dressed, Xander and Athena walked hand in hand to Alexandra’s courtyard. As they entered the room, Alexandra was regally seated in the seat of honor, deliberately fiddling with her bracelet. As the couple entered, she barely looked up, her demeanor that of a strict mother–in–law ready to test her new daughter.

Athena felt her heart clench. Clearly, she was about to be put through a trial.

The housekeeper leaned in to whisper something into Alexandra’s ear. At this, Alexandra’s gaze snapped to Athena, her eyes wide with disbelief.

The housekeeper subtly showed her something. Only then did Alexandra’s expression soften. Yet, her expression remained unmistakably displeased.

Athena smoothed out the folds of her skirt and gracefully curtsied. “Greetings, Lady Alexandra.”

A maid promptly handed her a steaming cup of coffee. Athena lifted it above her head and spoke clearly, “I offer you this coffee as a token of my respect.”

Alexandra didn’t respond. She continued playing with her bracelet. The cup remained suspended in the air as the silence grew awkward.

Xander’s brows furrowed. He coughed softly and shot his mother a sharp and commanding look. After a tense pause, Alexandra finally gave in and took the cup, sipping it with visible reluctance. She set it down and pulled out a small ornate box from her sleeve.

Inside lay an emerald jade bracelet, flawless and glowing with soft luster. She handed it to Athena. “This is your welcome gift.”

Athena curtsied deeply. “Thank you. I am honored.”

Alexandra snorted quietly, her face sour. Had it not been for Xander’s silent pressure, she wouldn’t have gone this easily. She would’ve made sure her new daughter–in–law knew how hard it was to truly become part of Xander Manor.

Just then, the housekeeper reminded her, “The prince and duchess still need to go to the palace and pay their respects to Their Majesties.”

Alexandra sighed and added with a frown, “Be on your best behavior. Don’t do anything that might embarrass the family. And remember…”

But Xander cut her off, his tone cool but unwavering. “Athena knows how to conduct herself. She won’t make mistakes. And even if she does, she has me. Let anyone try to wrong her. Rest well, Mother. We’ll be on our way.”

He took Athena’s hand, offered Alexandra a perfunctory bow, then led her out with an air of unshakable confidence.

Alexandra’s face turned livid with rage, her finger trembling as she pointed at the pair and ranted, “Ungrateful brat! After he gets a wife, he forgets his own mother!”

The housekeeper to her side pursed her lips, thinking, ‘He never gave you face even before the wedding!’

‘Duchess Athena is so wonderful! She and Prince Xander make such a perfect pair,’ the maid thought to herself.

Alexandra was never content, always trying to stir up trouble. Without Xander’s protection, she would surely be living in utter misery.