Said No to the Prince and Yes to the King novel Chapter 119

Chapter 119 Sent Jasper Away on Purpose

Finished

He paused briefly before going on, “I’d meant to talk this over with her. No noble lord will ask for her hand now that Crown Prince Christopher ended their betrothal. Her only viable path is to become his Royal Consort. The two of you may live together at the Crown Prince’s Estate. I care not which of you holds the Crown Princess title and which serves as Royal Consort. All I wish is for you sisters to get along and stand by one another.”

Stella hung her head in perfect obedience. “I understand your kindness and good intentions, Father.”

“One thing troubles me,” Timothy said. “Why was I never told Margaret saved Prince Theodore’s life?”

Jasper’s eyes twitched with unease. “Your days are filled with heavy official duties. I tend to all small household matters, so you need not be bothered.”

He added quickly, “Margaret would never agree to be Crown Prince Christopher’s Royal Consort after the way he cast her aside. Even so, Prince Theodore values her greatly now. He made it clear that she answers only to him and serves his needs alone. She has a bright future ahead of her.”

Timothy nodded in clear approval, his earlier displeasure fading away.

Stella seethed inwardly.

What is wrong with Jasper today? Why does he keep standing up for Margaret? He never spoke a kind word about her before.

She clenched her fists tight, yet kept every trace of anger hidden.

I cannot let Father see any worth in Margaret.

I am the only valuable daughter in this house.

I alone deserve all attention and favor.

Stella spoke in a soft, thoughtful tone to break the silence. “Jasper, your clothes are torn and stained beyond repair. You ought to change into fresh robes. I will stay here and keep Father company in your place.”

Jasper glanced down at his disheveled clothes and nodded slowly. “You are right, Stella. Father, I will take my leave for now.”

Timothy waved a hand dismissively. “Join us for dinner this evening, and bring Margaret with you.”

“I shall,” Jasper replied, then stepped back and left with proper respect.

Timothy turned a sharp, knowing gaze toward Stella. “Say what you wish to say.”

He knew she sent Jasper away on purpose.

Stella sobbed, her voice thick with sorrow, “Father, you must give me justice. We were not attacked by Jasper’s old foes today. The one behind this harm is Margaret…”

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Chapter 119 Sent Jasper Away on Purpose

Timothy’s expression darkened sharply. “Why would she hurt you? And what proof do you have?”

Finished

Tears welled in Stella’s eyes as she shook her head weakly. “There is no proof, which is why I have no choice but to beg you for help. She only acted out of revenge–we misunderstood her before, and she sought to make us suffer.”

She drew in a shaky breath and continued, “Margaret does not linger in bed from exhaustion. She lies there because Crown Prince Christopher had her beaten.”

Timothy’s face went rigid with shock. “Crown Prince Christopher struck her?”

“He did,” Stella confirmed. “He falsely believed Margaret meant to harm him and ordered twenty harsh lashes as punishment. That is why she cannot rise from her bed. He has since learned the truth of the misunderstanding, yet he refuses to offer a single apology. It is plain to see he holds nothing but dislike for Margaret now.”

Stella watched Timothy’s expression closely as she spoke.

Disappointment flickered clearly across his features. “I’ve warned her countless times to watch her figure and move more. She refused to listen. It is no wonder Crown Prince Christopher grew disillusioned with her. She will never even be fit to serve as a minor consort. From now on, the family’s honor and standing will depend entirely on you, Stella.”

Stella shook her head in false humility. “I could never take such great glory upon myself. Crown Prince Christopher and I simply share true affection for one another.”

Timothy said flatly, “I understand all you’ve told me. Still, her new standing with Prince Theodore gives her a small measure of worth.”

Stella stated without hesitation, “That favor may not last. You know full well Margaret never studied healing arts growing up. She knows nothing of medicine at all. I fear she tricked Prince Theodore with shallow, false skills. If he uncovers the truth one day, our entire family will suffer the consequences of her

lies.”

Her words struck a clear chord with Timothy.

“You have a point,” he said gravely. “You may leave me for now. I will speak plainly with Margaret over dinner tonight.”

Stella nodded meekly and withdrew with a sorrowful look on her face,

The moment she stepped outside the hall, her tears dried instantly, and her gentle mask fell away.

Margaret may have gained a small new skill, but Father knows nothing of it.

I will never let her become more valuable than me.

A shallow grasp of healing means nothing.

She will always live beneath me.

I will never let her climb above my place.

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