The Scarred Queen's Rise (Athena) novel Chapter 769

**TITLE: Fake Girl 769**

Nova felt her heart race, a cold wave of terror washing over her as the furious shout echoed through the air. With a thud, she collapsed to the ground, her body trembling, and she barely dared to draw a breath, lest it draw further ire.

Ray’s expression shifted abruptly; his eyes turned icy as they fixed upon the royal attendant, who stood frozen in fear. “Get out,” he commanded, his voice a low growl that sent chills down the spine of anyone who heard it.

The royal attendant’s legs buckled beneath him, and he crumpled to the ground, his forehead hitting the floor with a resounding thud. “Your Majesty, please spare me! I swear I will never do it again!” he pleaded, his voice breaking as he repeatedly bowed his head in supplication.

Ray, however, was unmoved. He didn’t spare the man another glance. Instead, he bent down and gently lifted Nova, who remained kneeling on the cold floor, cradling her in his arms.

She felt so light, almost weightless, like a delicate feather caught in a gentle breeze, trembling in his embrace.

Without a word, Ray strode purposefully toward the palace that loomed in the distance, his grip on her firm yet protective.

Three days later, a shocking announcement reverberated from the Ramberg Imperial Palace: Ray had declared a mute woman named Nova to be Consort Nova.

The moment the imperial decree was issued, chaos erupted within the court. Ministers rushed to submit memorials, their voices raised in protest. “Your Majesty, this is unprecedented! Since the dawn of time, no mute has ever been granted the title of consort. Please, reconsider your decree!”

“Indeed, Your Majesty, she is disabled! How can she fulfill the duties of a consort?”

Yet Ray remained resolute, ignoring the cacophony of dissent. He dismissed all the memorials with a wave of his hand, and instead, he ordered the construction of a beautiful garden for Nova within the palace grounds.

The furnishings he chose mirrored those of Athena’s residence in Petanion, a nostalgic echo of the past, and even the flowers adorning the windowsill were handpicked by him, each petal a reminder of a cherished memory.

Since Nova’s arrival, Ray had turned his back on all court meetings and military matters, choosing instead to spend every waking moment with her in the Crabapple Palace.

Recognizing her inability to speak, he sought out the finest painter in the land to teach her how to convey her emotions through art, a language that transcended words.

Understanding Nova’s love for embroidery, he had artisans gather the most exquisite silk threads from across the realm, filling the embroidery room until it overflowed with vibrant colors and textures.

Maisie, clad in a striking red palace dress that billowed around her, stormed into the Crabapple Palace, flanked by a group of royal attendants. Her eyes blazed with fury, a tempest ready to unleash.

Nova’s heart raced, panic flooding her senses as she watched the scene unfold.

Maisie’s gaze fell upon Nova, and with a piercing shriek, she spat, “You wicked concubine! How dare you ensnare the King in your web! Drag her out and beat her to death with sticks!”

The royal attendants hesitated, their feet rooted to the ground, but they were quickly halted by the presence of the old nanny, who had been sent by Ray to care for Nova.

Though she was over fifty, her eyes held a fire that could rival the fiercest of storms. “Consort Nova is an imperial concubine appointed by His Majesty himself. You have no authority to lay a hand on her!” she declared, her voice steady and unwavering.

Nova, feeling a rush of fear, instinctively sought refuge behind the old nanny, her eyes wide with trepidation.

Maisie, undeterred, scoffed and kicked over the embroidery frame, sending the delicate brocade tumbling to the ground, its beauty marred beyond recognition. “A mute has no say in this palace! My brother is a renowned general of Virelda; who dares to stand in my way?”