Chapter 380
In the Xander Manor, Xander raced his steed through the streets, pulling up abruptly at the entrance of the Xander Manor. He swung off his steed and rushed toward the inner courtyard.
Xander turned to Nelson, his voice urgent. “Where’s Athena?”
Nelson’s face was etched with anxiety as he trotted anxiously behind Xander and replied, “My lord, Her Highness was summoned to Alexandra’s chambers over an hour ago, and she hasn’t emerged since.”
Xander’s expression darkened instantly. Two hours–more than enough time for Alexandra to scheme all sorts of mischief.
Even though she wouldn’t dare harm Athena’s life, Xander knew all too well the underhanded schemes that thrived in the inner quarters. The thought of Athena getting hurt stabbed at Xander’s heart like a blade.
Xander flew like the wind, reaching Alexandra’s courtyard in the blink of an eye. The maid shrank back as he stormed in, too terrified to utter a word. Xander stormed into the chamber. The maid barely had time to announce his arrival when he snarled, “Out.”
The door burst open with a forceful kick, Xander’s icy voice cutting through the air. “Mother–”
But his words caught in his throat–Xander froze, utterly stunned.
Inside the chamber, Athena and Alexandra weren’t exactly getting along like housemates, but they were clearly on good terms. At the very least, there was no sight of Athena begging pitifully while being scolded by Alexandra–none of the drama Xander had feared was unfolding.
Seeing Athena perfectly composed, her hair ornaments untouched, the tension instantly drained from Xander’s shoulders. He let out a long breath, relief washing over him as if a mountain had been lifted from his chest.
The thunderous crash startled Alexandra, and she almost dropped the coffee in her hand. Upon seeing her son storming in, it immediately dawned on Alexandra–he had rushed back just to protect his wife.
Alexandra’s face darkened, poised to speak.
Athena’s voice chimed in just then. She called out to Xander, “Darling, you’re just in time. Her Grace has just gifted me quite a few treasures–come help me carry them, will you?”
Several ornate boxes lay on the table. Inside lay an exquisite jewelry set, unmistakably a gift from Alexandra.
Xander shot a surprised glance at Alexandra, whose face darkened with displeasure. Athena quickly shot Xander a meaningful glance, silently urging him to sweet-talk Alexandra.
Xander stepped forward and slightly bowed to Alexandra. “Thank you, Mother.”
“Alexandra, did you rush back so anxiously because you’re afraid I would mistreat your wife?” Alexandra’s voice dripped with sarcasm. After all, she still harbored resentment over how Xander had once confined her to her quarters for Athena’s sake.
Bitterness welled up in Alexandra as she thought of it. For years, she had schemed relentlessly, determined to see Xander ascend the throne.
But despite Xander’s extraordinary talents, he had absolutely no interest in the throne–a fact that drove Alexandra mad.
Xander, long accustomed to Alexandra’s sarcastic tone, gave her a slight bow and replied plainly, “Precisely.” His blunt reply nearly made her snap.
Athena looked utterly helpless and shot Xander a desperate glance, but he acted as if he hadn’t noticed and continued, “I have never been estranged from you, Mother. Though I rushed back in such haste, it was only to mend our rift. In my heart, you remain most important.”
Xander had never uttered such heartfelt words to Alexandra before.
Tears welled up in Alexandra’s eyes as she looked at Xander in surprise. Suddenly, she remembered—even as a child, he had always been so protective of her.
At that moment, Alexandra felt bittersweet, overjoyed that from then on, her son would be there to stand up for her. What pained her most was how she and Xander, a vulnerable mother and son, were constantly constrained by others.
Fortunately, Xander rose to the occasion, excelling in both civil and martial arts, and amazed both the court and the populace. He became the most revered nobleman in the Petanion.
Alexandra thought her hardships were finally over. But ever since Xander met Athena, everything changed.
These days, he spent all his time doting on Athena as if he had already forgotten he even had a mother.
Today, upon hearing his words, Alexandra suddenly felt a weight lift from her heart. Xander had never changed.
Alexandra thought to herself, ‘It was my fault–I simply wanted too much.’
A whirlwind of emotions surged through Alexandra’s heart. She, too, longed to say some heartfelt words to Xander. But her pride wouldn’t let her say it.
With feigned annoyance, Alexandra turned away pointedly and scoffed, “I’m fatigued. You may take your leave now.”
After Xander and Athena bowed in farewell and took their leave, Alexandra gazed longingly at their retreating figures, unable to hide her lingering reluctance.
Her eyes reddening, Alexandra turned to the maid beside her and asked in a hoarse whisper, “Have I been wrong all these years?”
With a gentle smile, the maid replied, “Your Grace, you’ve always had His Highness’s best interests at heart. What mother and son could hold a lasting grudge? Now that both the Prince and Princess are so devoted to you, your best days are yet to come.”
The maid’s words put a broad smile on Alexandra’s face.
Alexandra nodded with a gentle smile and said, “Indeed, the best is yet to come.”
Back in their private chambers, Xander immediately took Athena’s hand, his voice full of concern. “Athena, did Mom make things difficult for you? You’re not hurt, are you?”
Athena set aside her scroll and pulled Xander onto the daybed beside her. Her fingertips played with the gold pendant at his waist as she teased, “Look how worried you are, darling. Do I look like your mother gave me any trouble?”
Xander slowly shook his head, but uncertainty lingered in his voice. “It doesn’t seem like it,” he admitted.
No wonder he was on edge–Alexandra had always seen Athena as a thorn in her side.
Xander thought to himself, ‘How could old grievances just melt away like that?
‘I’ve heard countless stories about mothers-in-law tormenting their daughters-in-law–some women suffered so much, they were driven to take their own lives. Just thinking about it sent shivers down my spine.‘
Athena put away her playful smile, her expression turning serious. She said, “Your mother isn’t as fearsome as you imagine. She’s a bit high-strung, always accustomed to being adored and catered to.”
“When someone suddenly came along and made me feel like I had to compete for your affection, of course, Alexandra felt jealous. You have only had each other all these years–she sees you as her whole world, with all her love and hopes wrapped up in you.”
“All she needs is someone to care for and remember her. With a little more patience, she’s easily won over.”
Upon hearing Athena’s words, a pang of guilt washed over Xander’s eyes. He reflected, “I’ve been too thoughtless and careless, neglecting Mother’s feelings. I won’t make that mistake again.”
Athena gently suggested, “Make time to visit Mrs. Cavendish more often.”
“Yes, my lady. Your wish is my command.” Xander gave Athena a mock salute, reverting to his usual playful self.
Athena’s playful look faded as she said seriously, “By the way, I’d like to visit the Perkins Manor tomorrow. Grandfather Kurtis and my three uncles have just moved into their new house–we should go congratulate them.”
Xander nodded without hesitation. “Sure,” he said. “I’ll have someone get the gifts ready right away.”
Just then, Trina entered and presented Athena with a formal invitation. Bowing slightly, she said, “My lady, this is a formal invitation from Isaac’s residence.”
“For me?” Athena asked, a hint of surprise in her voice.
Athena took the invitation and scanned its contents. To her surprise, it was for Isaac’s birthday party, requesting the presence of both her and Xander.
Athena figured that since she had received an invitation, Alexandra must have gotten one as well.
Xander furrowed his brow and offered, “If you’d rather not go, I can decline it for you.”
‘If we decline this time, what about the next one? And the one after that?‘ she wondered.
Athena tucked away the invitation and said, “If I don’t go, you know how people love to gossip–they’ll say I’m putting on airs and looking down on others.
“Besides, Isaac is your uncle, and as newlyweds, it’s only proper for us to pay our respects.”
Besides, Athena would like to see what Isaac’s household is really up to.
Athena thought to herself, ‘There’s no avoiding this. I’ll just have to play it by ear.‘