Chapter 367

Xander pulled Athena out of Xander Manor. She couldn’t help but say, “My lord, by humiliating your mother like this and making her angry, she will despise me even more.”

Xander replied casually, “You’ll understand once you spend time with my mother. She’s the type who bullies the weak and fears the strong; she is proud and temperamental. If I don’t keep her in check, she might make irreparable mistakes in the future.”

He added, “I can respect and honor her, but I won’t let her have her way unchecked. If I’m not around, I’ll have to trouble you to help keep an eye on her.”

Athena gave a bitter smile. “She’s the mother-in-law, and I’m the daughter-in-law. How could I possibly keep her in check? That would be unfilial.”

Xander placed his hand gently over hers, looking at her seriously. “Letting her run wild is what’s truly unfilial. In the future, we’ll have children. If there’s a troublesome grandmother, it won’t just be us who suffer.”

Athena was silent for a moment, then nodded. “I’ll keep an eye on her. My way is different from yours. Women like being coaxed. I’ll try to sweet-talk her more.”

Because of Xander’s tolerance, Athena also tried to be more tolerant toward Alexandra.

Hearing her words, Xander couldn’t help but pull Athena into his arms. “It’ll be hard on you.”

Athena wrapped her arms around his waist and leaned her face against his chest. “With you here, it’s not hard at all.”

The carriage stopped at the gates of the palace, and the two made their way to the Queen Mother’s palace.

An old matron was already waiting at the door to guide them inside.

The Queen Mother, Winona, sat upright on a chair made of fragrant sandalwood, surrounded by an aura of opulence.

A pearl-studded tiara sat atop her silver hair, with a gem the size of a dove’s egg glowing warmly in the candlelight.

Her face was dusted with fine powder, her brows delicately arched and drawn in, though no amount of artistry could fully conceal the marks of age, especially those eyes. When they swept across the room, they sent chills down one’s spine.

The roaring fireplace cast a golden glow across the room, but Athena felt a chill trickle down her neck.

She and Xander bowed deeply. “Your Grace, I am Athena. It is an honor.”

Winona lifted her gloved hand gracefully. “Rise. I’ve heard you are well-bred and gracious. Indeed, you are quite becoming.”

“Thank you for the compliment, Your Grace,” Athena replied softly.

Winona smiled, then, shockingly, reached up and removed the large pearl from her tiara.

She turned to Athena. “You’ve charmed me at first sight. I have little of real worth to offer you, but take this pearl as a token of favor.”

The maid received it reverently and presented it to Athena.

Athena was stunned. She hadn’t expected such generosity. This pearl was known to be the only one of its size in the royal collection.

Though it seemed a great honor, Athena couldn’t shake a sense of unease.

Everyone knew Winona and Alexandra detested each other, and the royal court had long been wary of the Duke’s household.

Yet Winona’s words carried no hint of hostility.

Chapter 367

Athena was puzzled, but Xander understood immediately.

The day before, he had sent someone to inform Winona of what Lizzie had done.

Her sudden warmth was her way of attempting to smooth things over, hoping the matter could be dismissed.

Sure enough, Winona looked at Xander and smiled warmly. “The late King had but few children. Now that you are married, I daresay he would be at peace.”

She was subtly reminding Xander that the late King hated nothing more than discord among siblings.

If Xander exposed what Lizzie had done, punishment would be severe, perhaps even public disgrace or worse.

However, a pearl was not enough to solve this.

Xander gave a thin smile and nodded. “Her Grace is right. Father loathed infighting. If he knew how cruel Lizzie had become, he would be heartbroken. As her elder brother, I must discipline her before she crosses an irreversible line.”

He made his stance clear. Winona’s smile faded, and she grew tense. “It was childish mischief. Why must you dwell on it?”

Her tone now carried clear displeasure.

Although Xander hadn’t told Athena everything yet, from their exchange, she could guess the gist: That sleeping potion had been Lizzie's doing.

“Do not worry, Your Grace,” Xander said with a flash of teeth. “I will be measured.” Then he added, “If there’s nothing more, my wife and I will take our leave.”

Winona’s expression darkened. She realized he would not let Lizzie off lightly. She left him with a warning. “Lizzie is dear to me. If she is harmed, I will not stand idly by.”

Xander merely inclined his head and led Athena away. If he feared Winona, he would not be Xander.

He had dared to imprison Lizzie. He didn’t care who he offended. This time, she needed to learn a lesson.

She needed to understand who could and could not be provoked.

Since the palace wasn’t the place for such matters, Athena didn’t ask further.

Later, they paid respects to the King. He rewarded Athena with generous gifts and sent them on their way.

Next was the Queen’s chambers. As a man, Xander could not enter the Queen’s quarters, so he turned to Athena. “I’ll be right here. She won’t dare trouble you. Go on.”

With him nearby, Athena felt secure.

Seeing his wary expression, Athena couldn’t help but smile. “The Queen isn’t a lioness. Do you really think she’ll eat me?”

Xander raised a proud brow. “Even if she tries, she’ll find I’m not so easily crossed.”

Athena let out a soft chuckle before parting from him, then followed the attending maid into the Queen’s chambers.

Inside, the room was filled with sweet fragrance.

The Queen sat in full regalia, her gown stitched with golden threads, a crown of sapphires on her head, radiating royal grace.

She wore a smile full of warmth, looking every bit the noble matriarch.

Chapter 367

Athena curtsied. The Queen immediately beckoned her to rise and offered her a seat.

She said, “No need for formality between us. We’re family now. I’ve taken quite a liking to you.”

Had Athena not already seen the Queen’s true nature, she might have been fooled by her gracious air.

She took a respectful step back and replied, “I wouldn’t dare presume to be your equal, Your Majesty. As Queen, you command utmost respect.”

The Queen gave a soft laugh. “You’re certainly well-mannered.”

Then she waved her hand.

A maid stepped forward carrying a velvet box, presenting it before Athena.

The Queen said, “These are coral prayer beads from the Kingdom of Veyra. His Majesty only gave me two strands. They’ve been soaked in over a hundred herbs, excellent for calming the mind and clearing the senses. You know a bit of apothecary, I believe. You’ll understand.”

As she spoke, the Queen carefully studied Athena’s expression.

When the box was opened, a rich herbal aroma drifted forth.

But Athena’s expression faltered.

Though meant to calm the mind and eyes, there was a cloying sweetness beneath the scent. It was musk, and in excessive amounts. Prolonged use would disrupt blood and essence, potentially leading to infertility.

The Queen was plainly trying to ensure she bore no children.

But she claimed it was a gift from the King. Even if Athena knew the truth, she couldn’t say a word.

Accusing the King was considered high treason and was punishable by death.