Chapter 631
Chapter 631
Outside the door, sunlight streamed over Xander’s omate robe. Though elegant, it could not conceal the loneliness he now bone.
Athena looked at Xander. He was once a spirited and influential prince, now reduced to a title in name only. Her heart ached, eyes gradually it with
In a soft voice, she asked, “Is everything settled p>
Xander noticed her reddened eyes. A flicker of pain lashed through his heart, but he still wore a gentle mile. “More or less. The King made this punishment to give Lord has a way out. Now that I hold no power, Lord Isaac won’t press the issue any further p>
He paused, his p
s gaze drifting past the courtyard into the distance. Besides, to appease Kendra, His Majesty has granted her the title of Princess p>
As soon as he said this, Athena threw herself into his arms.
Xander froze for a moment, then embraced her tightly.
“I’m sorry… this is all because of me,” Athena said, full of guilt. If not for her, Xander wouldn’t have lost his title and authority,
“ What are you apologizing for? I’ve long since grown tired of officialdom Now, I have nothing binding me. There’s peace in that.” ander sighed softly. then added reassuringly, “Besides, this has nothing to do with you. The power of the Xander Manor was too great. It was bound to draw the King’s suspicion p>
He continued, “Don’t blame yourself. It had less to do with you, and more with has shrewdly reading His Majesty’s mind p>
Serving a ruler was like walking on thin ice. This statement was no exaggeration,
Xander considered himself fortunate just to walk away unscathed.
Even so, Athena couldn’t shake the ache in her heart. She clung to him as tightly as she could, as if only by doing so could she express the depth of her feelings
Xander felt secretly overjoyed and deliberately said, “Now I’m just a powerless prince.
“You… Athena let out a soft laugh through her tears.
Even now, he was still joking
She lightly punched his chest, but Xander caught her hand and held it.
Looking at her with a fiery gaze, he smiled. “Let’s get married. ”
Behind him, a bridal procession had silently gathered, taking up nearly the entire alloy.
Athena blushed and tugged gently at his robe, unable to hide her smile. “What are you waiting for? Bring everything inside.
At the head of the group was Nelson, dressed informal attire along with the rest of the procession.
At his call, “Delivering the gifts p>
Strong men in coordinated outfits carried bright boxes trimmed with gold, sparkling in the sunlight.
Inside were treasures from across the empire. There were jewelry from the Western regions, pearls and agate from the Southern Sea, sik and brocade from Southvale, paintings by renowned malters, rare medicinal herbs, and more
One by one, the boxes were carried into the courtyard.
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Chapter 631
Hand in hand, Xander and Athena walked in, Lance had already informed Kurtis and Athena’s uncles.
The courtyard was filled with boxes. Kurtis’s eyes gleamed with emotion,
The uncles all beamed with joy, except for Trevor, whose smile was clearly forced, it seemed that no matter how great the occasion, it couldn’t stir hér:
Xander stepped forward and bowed. “Greetings, General Kurtis and the three Lord Perkins
His voice was calm and respectful, without arrogance. Now that he had no official post, he showed a deliberate lowering of status,
Still sharp in spirit, Kurtis gave a small nod. “It’s Athena’s luck to gain Your Highness’s favor
Then he turned to Athona. “Athena, go fetch that jar of Amber Wine I’ve been saving Lot His Highness by it
It was an excuse to send her away. He wanted to speak with Xander privately.
Athena cast Xander a worried glance. He met her eyes with a composed look if it’s such fine wine, of course I must try it p>
He smiled gently at her, at ease,
Though Athena trusted his prowess on the battlefield, this was a different kind of test. She still felt uneasy, especially with her three uncles eyeing him like hawks
Richter teased her, “What, worried we’ll scare off your future husband p>
“Uncle Richter” Athena gave him a playful glare and left the room.
As soon as she was gone, Kurtis spoke to Xander. “Athena was lost to us for many years. After all she’s endured, I only wish for her to live heely and be happy for the rest of her life
He added, “Since you’ve come to propose marriage, have just one request. Protect her well. That’s all task p>
ne was sincere. He truly cared for Athena’s well–being.
Xander bowed deeply. “Rest assured, General Kurtis. My feelings for Athena are genuine. I won’t make grand promises, but I want only Athena and no other, I’ll protect her and never let her suffer p>
He added, “if fail, then i accept any punishment you see fit, without complaint”
Everyone in the room stared at Xander in surprise. Aside from his royal lineage, among men of status, only a few did not have multiple wives and
concubines.
Yet he, in front of Athena’s elders, declared his commitment to her alone. It was admirable.
Kurtis widened his eyes slightly and asked in disbelief,
“I am,” Xander answered firmly, meeting his gaze. “I mean what I say. If I cared only for appearances, I could have accepted Kendra into my household when the Porter Lamily pressured me.
Kurtis fell silent, but a warm look began to replace his caution. “You truly are a man of principle, Prince Kander. It seems I was too narrow–minded p>
awa
Xander replied. “You flatter me, General p>
Kurtis gave a nod, then asked, “One more thing I’d like to hear your opinion on the current situation at the border p>
Xander had expected this test of his strategic thinking, Calmly, he replied, “Though there are minor skirmishes at the border, our forces are strong and our generals brave p>
He continued, “I believe we should use a dual approach. We can show strength to deter enemies, and simultaneously promote trade with surrounding
Chapter 631
tribes p>
He added, “This will not only stabilize the frontier, but build muhal trust and goodwill. With both femde
our might. That will make nur neighbors more inclined to cooperate p>
Kurtis’s eyes sparkled with approval. “As expected of a seasoned warrine. With you, the realm has hope for lasting peace
“Tather, His Highness is not only capable but loves Athena deeply. We’re all in favor of this uni
“Yes, Father,” Julius said with a sly grin, tilting his chin toward the door. “Taf’s gop testing him if we wait s
anxious
At the doorway stood Mhena, clearly having overheard quite a bit.
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.