Though Alexandra had long known about it, she still put on a show of complete ignorance. She feigned surprise as she looked at Xander and asked, “What maiden could possibly move you to such lengths that you’d even petition His Majesty?”

Given Xander’s noble status, the fact that he would personally petition the Emperor for an imperial decree speaks volumes about how important Athena is to him.

Xander gazed at Athena, his eyes full of unspoken meaning, yet he remained silent. Athena met his gaze but quickly averted her eyes.

Alexandra, fearing she might reveal too much if she continued, wisely dropped the subject. After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Alexandra dismissed Athena and Xander.

Once the two had left, a look of worry clouded Alexandra’s eyes. “Xander has never been this anxious before. This Athena is rather remarkable indeed,” she murmured.

“Shall we give Athena another warning, Your Highness?” Jane inquired softly.

Alexandra shook her head wearily. “Didn’t you see how agitated Xander was just now? If I make any further moves, I’m afraid it will only strain the bond between mother and son.”

As they were talking, Jane handed Alexandra a cup of coffee. Alexandra took a sip of coffee. Then, as if suddenly remembering something, she asked Jane, “Any word from the Porter family?”

“They say Miss Porter will return after the New Year. Should the Porter family form a marriage alliance with the Xander Manor, it would truly be a double blessing for both families,” Jane replied.

Grand Tutor Porter, Alexandra’s cousin, had a daughter named Kendra Porter, who was exceptionally well-mannered and obedient. Three years ago, after her birth mother passed away, Kendra accompanied the coffin to Athkar to observe a three-year mourning period for her mother, and stayed there for three years.

Had it not been for this unforeseen circumstance, Alexandra would have long ago arranged the marriage between Kendra and Xander. Alexandra sighed in relief at the news. “Poor child, losing her mother at such a tender age. I’ve watched Kendra grow up, so naturally I’m quite fond of her. When she returns to the capital, we must have her stay at the Xander Manor for a few days?”

Jane knew exactly what Alexandra meant. With Kendra having lost her birth mother’s protection, Alexandra feared she would be mistreated within the family. This was Alexandra’s way of backing her up.

On the other hand, Alexandra was hoping that by letting Kendra spend more time with Xander, he might have a change of heart. Jane nodded respectfully. “Your Highness always considers everything.”

Meanwhile, Athena and Xander had left the Western Courtyard and were strolling slowly toward the manor gates. Xander grew uneasy when Athena remained silent.

Finally, he broke the silence, his voice gentle and tinged with concern. “My mother didn’t say anything to upset you, did she?”

Athena shook her head and replied softly, “Her Highness was perfectly amiable. She didn’t say anything out of line.”

Chapter 232

“Really?” Xander arched an eyebrow, fixing Athena with a probing gaze.

Xander knew his mother better than anyone. She would not have summoned Athena for no good reason. If it were because of kindness, she would have done it a long time ago. There was no reason for her to do it now. Even the jewelry box Alexandra had given Athena before had been delivered through Xander. Xander could not understand why Athena would try to cover for Alexandra.

“What’s with that look, Prince Xander? Are you suggesting I’m lying?” Athena retorted, unnerved by Xander’s piercing gaze that seemed to see right through her. She feigned annoyance, bristling like a little kitten.

Xander’s heart skipped a beat. He didn’t dare press her any further, his gaze softening slightly.

Xander shook his head, his voice softening. “That’s not what I meant. I was just concerned Mother might have said anything out of line that upset you.”

Athena was taken aback as she looked at him. She had never expected Xander to care so much about her feelings.

“So what if he cares?” Athena thought to herself, a hint of bitterness in her heart. It was a fact that the two of them were never meant to be together.

All Athena wanted was one true love that would last a lifetime. With his power and status, Xander would not be able to give her that simple and lasting love she longed for. Besides, her heart was already taken.

Ferris was like a lingering splinter in Athena’s heart. Every time Athena thought of Ferris, a sharp pang of heartache would shoot through her chest.

“You’re overthinking it, Prince Xander. Her Highness merely engaged me in casual conversation, nothing more. And honestly, I quite enjoy her company,” Athena assured.

With Alexandra’s high position, any scheme would be effortless for her. Yet, she didn’t wield her considerable influence. Instead, she chose to be completely upfront and honest with Athena. For that very reason, Athena truly admired her.

She was much better than those backstabbers from the duke’s estate, for example, Athena thought to herself in disdain.

Xander seemed to accept Athena’s words with a slight nod. “That’s good to hear,” he said gently.

Xander escorted Athena to the manor gates. After bidding him farewell, she turned and stepped into the waiting carriage.

Once her carriage was out of sight, Xander’s expression darkened. He turned on his heel and strode toward the Western Courtyard.

There were certain matters Xander needed to set straight with Alexandra before it was too late.

I’ve already let Athena slip through my fingers too many times. This time, I won’t let anything or anyone come between us ever again, Xander thought resolutely.

Xander returned abruptly, radiating a stormy intensity that sent a jolt through Alexandra.

Yet, masking her true feelings behind a perfectly amiable expression, she gently asked, “My dear son, is there something on your mind?”

“Mother, I must ask that you not interfere excessively in my marital affairs,” Xander stated.

Xander’s voice remained flat, but his formidable presence completely overshadowed Alexandra. “Athena has been my deepest desire for years. Only she is worthy of being Mrs. Cavendish. Mother, I hope you will see my sincerity and grant us your blessing.”

Alexandra was deeply shaken by his attitude. She could not believe that her own son was pressuring her, all for the sake of a woman.

But I’m his mother! Alexandra thought bitterly.

On the other hand, what truly shocked Alexandra was Xander’s resolute attitude toward Athena. It was clear he would accept no one but Athena as his bride.

Chapter 232

Within her sleeve, Alexandra’s fingers clenched tightly.

If a woman like Athena were to marry into the Xander Manor, Alexandra was sure they would become the laughingstock of the entire kingdom.

But Xander stood firm. Alexandra knew that it would only backfire if she tried to force his hand.

Though Alexandra was extremely reluctant, she softened her tone as she spoke to Xander, “Your marriage has always been my deepest concern as your mother. All I ever hoped for is that you could start a family of your own soon. Since Athena is the one who holds your heart, how could I possibly interfere any further?”

Xander didn’t believe a single word of what she said, but since she was his mother, he kept up appearances and showed her due respect.

“As long as Mother understands. I was a bit out of line just now. I hope Mother won’t hold it against me,” Xander said.

Alexandra offered a light chuckle. “As if I ever would.”

With that, Xander gave Alexandra a slight nod, then turned and strode away.

The moment Xander left, Alexandra’s face instantly darkened. It was bad news to Alexandra that Xander was already this protective when Athena was not officially family.

Alexandra thought, Won’t Athena just leverage Xander’s power to control me if she is married into the Xander Manor?

Livid with rage, Alexandra pressed a weary hand to her forehead and groaned, “How utterly useless is that Ferris! He can’t even protect the woman he claims to love, and now my own son has snatched her away right from under his nose!”

“Your Highness, please calm yourself. With Prince Xander’s noble standing, who would dare oppose him?” Jane’s words managed to ease much of Alexandra’s anger.

Xander was her pride and joy. With his formidable standing, she could hold her head high even in the presence of the Queen Mother.

I must devise a plan to give Ferris a hand, Alexandra thought. Only by having Athena marry him can I finally put an end to my son’s infatuation?

“That sounds like a great idea, Your Highness,” Jane affirmed.

Alexandra’s mood brightened, and she chuckled, “After all, I’ve seen more of life than they have. All they care about is love. Still so naive... In the end, nothing matters more than power…”