Chapter 41

Ray's surprise was plain on his face. Athena instinctively glanced down at herself – nothing seemed out of place.

She gave him a questioning look. He answered with a faint, unreadable smile. "Let's go."

Come to think of it, the color of her outfit matched his quite well.

"May I ask where we're going?" Athena said as they walked.

Ray's lips curved into a small smile. "You'll find out soon enough."

No one stopped them as they exited the duke's estate, not a single servant asking questions. Athena figured Ray must have already informed the household.

Outside, a carriage waited.

Standing at the gate, Athena took in the world beyond the walls with a strange sense of detachment. It had been more than a month since she returned, and today was the first time she’d set foot outside.

So this was what fresh air felt like. Even her body felt lighter, freer.

Ray glanced her way and couldn't help but laugh. "You don't look like someone going out for a stroll. You look like someone just released from prison."

Athena smiled faintly. In her eyes, the duke's estate was a prison.

Ray extended a hand from the carriage – long fingers, clean joints, elegant like polished jewels.

She hesitated a beat, then placed her hand in his. With a light pull, he helped her up into the carriage.

"With your temperament, I think you and my mother will get along just fine," he said, folding his hands behind his head with practiced ease, his posture casual and confident.

Athena remained silent. She knew perfectly well that Gale didn't like her.

The marriage alliance between their families hadn't come from affection or goodwill. If anything, it seemed like the McGee family had been left with no better choice.

"Still… why me?" she asked after a pause. Her tone was polite, but direct. It was a bold question, maybe even presumptuous, but better that than being kept in the dark.

She looked at Ray, half expecting him to brush her off. To her surprise, he chuckled.

"Do you want the truth," he said, "or the pretty version?"

Athena thought for a moment. The truth.

She'd heard enough sugar-coated lies. Even if the truth hurt, at least it was real.

Ray looked at her for a beat, then laughed again, amused by her bluntness. "To be honest, it doesn't really matter to me, but that doesn't mean I'd accept just anyone."

He paused, the light in his eyes dimming slightly. "You don't bother me. And if it has to be someone – might as well be you."

And just like that, Athena understood.

This was a political marriage. Ray hadn't chosen her – he had simply accepted what was arranged.

But they weren't the same. Ray might be going along with fate out of indifference, but she wasn't.

For her, this marriage was a means to an end – a chance to escape the duke's estate. If marrying into the McGee family could help her do that, she'd take it.

Soon, the carriage rolled to a stop.

Athena lifted the curtain and peered out. They had arrived at the Xander Manor.

Ray finally spoke. "Xander's health is failing. My mother asked me to bring you along to visit."

Of course, Gale likely wanted to use this opportunity to formally introduce Athena, to make the engagement known.

Ray was the first to get down. When it was her turn, his hand was already there waiting.

She placed her fingers lightly in his palm. He gave a gentle tug, steadying her as she stepped down.

The moment her feet touched the ground, she felt it – that sharp, cold stare.

She looked up and saw Michael standing there, eyes fixed on their joined hands, the chill in his gaze so intense it felt like ice creeping over her skin.

Panic flashed in her chest. She instinctively tried to pull her hand away.

But Ray didn't let go. In fact, he held on even tighter.

Michael looked at Athena, confused. She took a steadying breath – she and Ray were here to put on a performance. There was nothing to panic about.

Besides, she and Michael had nothing to do with each other anymore. So she wondered, "Why that look in his eyes – does he want an explanation?!"

Athena turned to Ray with a light smile. "It's nothing."

He let out a casual "Okay" and continued leading her forward, still holding her hand.

As they reached the steps, Michael finally spoke, albeit begrudgingly. "Your Highness."

But his eyes never left Athena. He was staring so hard it was impossible to ignore.

Ray noticed. He glanced at Athena, but her face was calm, completely unaffected by Michael's presence.

Athena, on the other hand, was puzzled. With her engagement to Ray now official, Michael should’ve been glad to be rid of her. So she wondered, "Why that intense stare? Does he not believe I would let go so easily?"

The thought made her pause. Then, with practiced grace, she gave Michael a polite curtsey. "Lord Osborne."

Michael's frown deepened. She had called him that before, when he picked her up from the military camp. But back then, he thought she was just throwing a tantrum, not truly trying to draw a line between them.

Now she stood beside another man, smiling at him, and addressed Michael with such distant formality. It felt real this time. Final.

Panic flickered in his chest.

She wasn't just bluffing anymore. Athena was serious.

Ray caught the subtle change in Michael's expression and couldn't help feeling a flicker of satisfaction. Athena’s grace and poise made him quietly proud – he really hadn’t chosen wrong.

"Michael," Ray said with a smile, "care to join us?"

Michael finally tore his eyes from Athena. His voice was weary. "Sure."

Chapter 41

Athena’s heart skipped. She thought, "Is he crazy? Why would he want to walk in with us?"

Of course, Ray knew exactly why. This was about male pride.

Athena used to trail after Michael, completely devoted. Now, she acted like he was a stranger. That kind of reversal would be hard for any man.

Ray's mood lifted, and more than once, he exchanged amused glances with Athena as they walked, their fake affection like salt in Michael's eyes.

Athena ignored the burning gaze behind her and turned her attention to Xander's estate.

Elegant pavilions, winding corridors, rock gardens – every view was picture perfect. But despite its beauty, the place felt cold and lifeless, like it lacked the warmth of real people.

"What a waste of such a beautiful garden," she thought.

Soon, a steward appeared and led the three of them to a side room to rest.

Given Xander's condition, it wasn't possible for every guest to visit him personally. Everyone knew they were just here to show their faces and offer concern.

Ray and Michael both sat down, their silent rivalry on pause for the moment, quietly sipping coffee.

A few other officials were present as well.

The Xander Manor was fairly small. Xander had been in declining health for years and spent most of his time recovering at a hot spring.

Aside from the princess and the second and third branches of the family, only Xander himself still lived at the main estate.

The princess was too frail to receive guests, so it fell to Xander's younger brother – Geofrey Cavendish from the second branch – to handle the formalities.

Though also born of the princess, he was far less capable than Xander.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, he excused himself.

Once he left, the attention in the room subtly shifted. All eyes turned to Athena, Ray, and Michael.

Their expressions were filled with curiosity and suspicion. People exchanged silent glances, the tension in the room thick and strange.

Just as everyone was quietly speculating, the steward returned and walked straight up to Athena. "Lady Athena, His Highness would like to see you."