"Oh one more thing," Athena remembered before she left, "Sent out news that I am unwell. I will be confined to Hemlock Mansion until my birthday ball."
First, she wanted her enemies to think their plan worked. Second, they gave her the perfect scenario. Now she didn't have to worry as much that someone would come looking for her while she was at the tourney grounds.
The next day, Athena was well-rested and excited for the day to come. As usual, she snuck out of the castle with her armor and headed to the tourney grounds.
"Knight of Roses!" One of the guards greeted her.
She had gotten into the habit of greeting them, so they've begun to reciprocate the greeting.
"What's going on here, sir?" She asked as she entered.
