Chapter 347
The next day, Athena rose early. It was Christmas.
For the first time, she genuinely experienced the festive spirit of the holiday.
The courtyard buzzed with laughter and cheerful chatter as servants bustled between the kitchen and the yard.
Spotting Athena, they all paused to greet her warmly, “Merry Christmas, Miss Monson p>
For Christmas, Athena gave each staff member an extra month’s pay.
The servants were overjoyed, and seeing their happiness, Athena couldn’t help but feel pleased herself.
The courtyard was spotless, with lanterns and ribbons hanging from the trees lining the bluestone path.
In addition to the servants, house guards were also present.
The entire estate radiated serenity, exactly the atmosphere Athena desired.
“Miss Monson, I heard there’s going to be fireworks tonight! If we finish dinner early, we can watch it,” Trina said excitedly, “They say this year’s fireworks will be extra special. There’ll be all kinds of shapes and colors p>
Every year, Arthur would host a party at the palace, inviting ministers and their families to show imperial favor.
Athena had attended such gatherings before, but she was always tucked away in a corner, barely noticed.
Eloise would bring Willow along to mingle with the noble ladies and their daughters.
For Athena, these parties were far from fond memories.
What lingered was only awkwardness and cold neglect.
Athena responded with lackluster interest, “Just a bunch of pretentious people feasting and drinking. Nothing really entertaining about it p>
Noticing Athena’s lack of interest, Trina wisely dropped the subject.
Trina took out two new outfits from the wardrobe and asked, “Miss Monson, which one do you like better p>
Wearing new clothes was a tradition. It symbolized a fresh start.
There were two outfits. one in aqua blue, the other in soft yellow.
Athena glanced at her plain dress and thought, ‘I’m actually tempted to change.
Pointing to the yellow one, Athena said, “Let’s go with this one p>
She thought, ‘Winter’s muted palette makes warm tones like this soft yellow feel extra cozy!
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Trina pouted, looking disappointed. “Miss Monson, try the aqua blue set, it really brings out your complexion p>
“Why dress so fancy when we’re just staying in?” Athena said as she took the pale yellow dress and slipped behind the screen to try it on.
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Chapter 34/
Just then, Marquita burst in, her face flushed with alarm. “Miss Monson, Prince Xander has arrived p>
Athena’s eyes widened in shock. “What brings Prince Xander here p>
A cool, teasing voice came from outside the door. “Not happy to see me p>
Athena looked up to see Xander standing in the courtyard, wrapped in a pale blue crane–feather cloak.
The cold wind swept by, lifting the hem of his garment and revealing subtle silver–threaded pine branch embroidery that glinted with a frosty light.
The black fox fur collar framed his chiseled jaw, and though his brows were usually frost–kissed with severity, at this moment they softened with a warmth, as if thawed by a spring breeze.
As if sensing someone’s gaze, Xander tilted his head slightly and met Athena’s eyes through the window.
Athena froze like a startled rabbit, ready to dart away, but before she could move, Xander’s playful voice drifted in from outside. “It’s freezing out here. Are you really going to leave me standing at the door p>
Xander’s unexpectedly playful tone startled Athena.
Always the picture of composure, Athena found herself uncharacteristically flustered. She called out, “Please show Prince Xander in immediately p>
Marquita, visibly flustered but still mindful of propriety, rushed to the doorway and lifted the curtain aside for Xander. “Please come in, Prince Xander,” she said with a respectful bow.
It made sense that Athena and Marquita were so flustered. They had not expected Xander to show up in their home.
Athena was stunned. She’d never imagined Xander would come looking for her.
Trina was so flustered that she stumbled awkwardly as she served the drink, then quickly slipped out of the room.
Once outside, she let out a long breath, pressing a hand to her chest. ‘That was way too close, she thought.
Inside, the room was steeped in the soothing aroma of coffee.
Seated across from Xander, Athena asked politely, “Your Highness, what brings you here today p>
Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.