Cin hanging near.

She completely forgot about her studies at the Kander Manor. Would the old lobby Kander personally come to fetch me?!

That same old dread washed over her, the kind she used to get whenever her mentor caught her... Some Mars, she thought. Turning behind her back, she signaled for Trina to head back first.

His face was set in a dark, unreadable expression; eyes fixed straight ahead. His back was rammed straight, like a statue of a warrior.

Because of his overwhelming presence, the spacious carriage suddenly felt cramped and suffocating. Athena shrank into the corner, doing her best to avoid any contact with Kander. A tickling sensation crept across her back.

Though Kander said nothing, she could feel his anger, so real it was like invisible needles stabbing at her. Unable to bear the suffocating tension any longer, she finally broke the silence and pleaded, "Forgive me, Prince Kander. I promise it won't happen again."

The delicate aroma of coffee lingered in the carriage, curling above the small tea table. Kander's fingers lifted the white emerald cup, calmly savoring the fragrance of the coffee.

Seeing his calm expression, she let out a quiet sigh of relief. Maybe he's not angry, she thought.

But Kander's long voice cut through the silence. "You are. There must be consequences."

Athena thought to herself, her lone docinava.

Chapter 161

She never would have dreamed that Xander would punish her by making her cook. He hadn’t even bothered to say what she should make, just told her to figure it out herself.

"Seriously? Of all punishments," Athena thought, racking her brain, but she couldn't come up with a single dish she was actually good at.

The only thing she vaguely remembered making well was oatmeal, the kind of starvation food she used to throw together as a kid when she was hungry. But that was just something to fill an empty stomach back then. Would someone as high and mighty as Xander even touch something so plain?

With a spiteful determination, Athena decided to make the oatmeal anyway.

Starting the fire was a real pain in the neck. The flames kept dying out, no matter what she did, like they were determined to defy her. If the fire was just out to make her life difficult.

Nelson Bates watched nervously from the side, thinking, "Is this little troublemaker trying to burn the whole kitchen down? Who just shoves all kinds of wood, wet or dry, into the stove like that? No wonder the damn thing wouldn't catch."

Actually, Athena couldn’t be blamed. Before she turned five, she was just gathering firewood. After she was brought back to the Monson family, she had even less exposure to things like this. During her three years in the military camp, all she did was menial labor.

Athena thought wryly. 'Delicate work like cooking was never my lot in life, never even an option for someone like me!'

"Miss Monson, let me help you," Nelson said as he stepped through the smoke, sharing his secret to starting a fire. "First, use dry wood to get the flames going, then gradually add more."

Nelson hovered over her like a doting grandmother, and Athena’s face lit up with sudden understanding. She tried again, and this time, the fire finally caught.

She broke into a delighted smile. "Thanks a lot, Nelson!"

Nelson smiled knowingly, thinking to himself, 'His Highness has been waiting for this meal.'

For the past two weeks, Xander had personally crafted a special gift for Athena. Today, it was finally finished. However, no one expected that Athena would completely forget about this matter. That was why Xander was upset.

Soon enough, the meal was ready.

Athena lifted the lid, scooped a spoonful, and sniffed. Her face twisted in disgust. "Same as always, tastes like death," she thought.

Athena cautiously glanced at Xander, who was sitting at the table waiting for dinner. After a moment’s thought, she drizzled a few drops of sesame oil over the oatmeal. Only then did she signal the maid to serve it.

Though Xander had asked Athena to cook, as royalty, he couldn’t possibly dine on just one dish.

The table was already set with several exquisite side dishes, making Athena’s oatmeal pale in comparison, not even worthy of being called an accompaniment.

Nelson stared at the mushy, gluey oatmeal, his brow furrowing deeply in distaste. "I can’t imagine this could taste good," he thought. "Miss Manson, what exactly is this?" Nelson asked, taking the initiative.

Athena felt secretly delighted, but kept her face composed as she replied smoothly, "Emerald Wilderness Elixir."

Nelson stifled a gasp and thought, 'Seriously, she just makes things up!' He was sure Athena was doing this on purpose.

Xander remained expressionless, as detached as a deity to whom nothing in this world mattered.

He said to Athena.

Athena didn’t stand on ceremony and took her seat. Athena snuck a glance at Xander and saw his brows furrowed as he stared at the bowl of oatmeal. He seemed to be hesitating, clearly debating whether to even try a bite of that unappetizing looking mush.

Nelson couldn’t bear it any longer and gently suggested, "Your Highness, perhaps I should have the kitchen send over some more food?"

Xander raised his hand and gave a slight wave of his fingers. Nelson immediately took the hint and fell silent.

This was Athena’s first time cooking for Xander.

Then Athena saw Xander lift the spoon, take a delicate scoop, and bring it to his lips.

Those exquisitely shaped hands, together with his heaven-blessed features, somehow transformed that humble bowl of oatmeal into something extraordinary.

Athena thought to herself, I never imagined that just watching someone eat could be such a pleasure to behold. Who would have thought that someone with such a handsome face could kill without even blinking? No wonder the neighboring kingdoms tremble at the mere mention of Xander’s name, as if they were staring Death himself in the face!

Against all odds, he had eaten that barely edible oatmeal as if savoring a gourmet delicacy.

Athena couldn’t help but admire Xander.

"If he's not faking it, then he's one hardcore bastard," she thought.

"Not bad for your first attempt," Xander remarked, the corner of his lips curling into an amused smile as he observed the subtle shifts in Athena’s expression. "Here’s your reward."

With a wave of his hand, Xander signaled an attendant, who stepped forward holding an ornamental box to Athena.

Athena blinked in surprise. "Is this for me?"

Xander gave a faint hum. "Open it and see for yourself."

Feeling both flattered and a little overwhelmed, Athena carefully lifted the lid. Inside, she found an exquisitely crafted hairpin that took her breath away.

Athena looked at Xander in confusion. "Prince Xander, why would you give me a hair ornament?"

Xander took the hairpin from Athena’s hand, pressed a small bead on it, and the hairpin split cleanly into two.

With a flick of his wrist, he sent one half flying. It struck a tree outside, snapping a branch as thick as a man’s arm clean off. The sheer force defied imagination.

"This is forged from frostiron, tough enough to cut through metal. Disguised as a hairpin, it’s easy to conceal. In danger, it could save your life," Xander’s deep voice rumbled in Athena’s ear.

Athena stared at the severed tree branch, her face a picture of shock. If that thing hit someone, it would probably shatter their bones, she thought.

Athena’s eyes sparkled with excitement, and Xander’s lips curled in satisfaction. He knew all too well that beneath Athena’s docile facade lay an unruly spirit.

Nelson retrieved the hairpin and handed it back to Athena. Athena held it in her hand, still thrilled.

She thought, 'I don’t deserve such a precious gift. If I’d known Xander put so much thought into this, I never would’ve played that prank on him.'

A flicker of confusion crossed Athena’s face, though she thanked him sincerely, "Thank you, Prince Xander. But why would you give me such a precious gift?"