Said No to the Prince and Yes to the King novel Chapter 17

Chapter 17 The Scales Fall

Frushed

Margaret paid no attention to their affectionate exchange. Seizing the moment they were distracted, she tried to slip quietly back to her courtyard.

But she’d barely taken two steps when Christopher’s icy voice rang out, “Stop right there.”

Margaret quickened her pace, pretending not to hear.

Christopher roared, “Margaret! Get over here!”

Now she couldn’t pretend….

Somewhat exasperated. Margaret turned to find Christopher storming toward her, his left arm wrapped in white bandages.

“Running away? Finally figured out you should be scared?”

Margaret smiled–thin, sharp. “Got nothing to be scared of. Just didn’t want to interrupt the lovebirds.”

Mostly I just can’t stand looking at either of you.

도

But Christopher grabbed her arm. “Spare me your glib tongue. Get over there and apologize to Stella!”

Margaret wrenched free. “How strange, Your Highness. I’ve done nothing–why should I apologize?”

“Nothing? I specifically instructed you not to spread the truth about what happened. And what did you do?”

Christopher’s voice shook with anger. “Stella fainted just from hearing you threatened to jump, and you actually told her you went through with it! Do you have any idea how guilty she feels? And your brother- he’s worried sick about you two sisters. Why must you antagonize him too? After all this, you still claim you’ve done nothing? Have you no conscience?”

Margaret raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Who told you I antagonized my brother?”

“Isn’t it obvious? Every servant in your courtyard says so!”

Christopher fumed. “Your brother treats you so well–you should show some gratitude! Instead, you have to tell them everything, just to make everyone worry about you, is that it?”

Margaret laughed coldly–because she’d heard footsteps. Jasper had finally returned.

“Since His Highness is here to confirm it,” she said lightly, “maybe now my dear brother will finally believe

I actually jumped off that cliff. They say what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. But honestly? Surviving that fall just feels like more punishment.”

Christopher’s eyes blazed. “Are you ignoring me?”

“Wouldn’t dare. Just stating facts.”

Margaret met his gaze fearlessly, enunciating each word. “In this house, I’ve always been the unwanted one. Father, brother, servants–no one’s ever respected me. No one’s ever been kind. So I’m curious–

8:35 pm

Chapter 17 The Scales Fall

where exactly did you hear that everyone loves‘ me so much?”

Finished

Christopher opened his mouth to retort, but Margaret pressed on immediately, “You keep saying my brother ‘worries‘ about me. Did your sources also mention that every time you leave this estate, my ‘caring‘ brother forces me to be grounded?”

Christopher’s expression flickered. “You’re despicable! Your brother treats you sincerely, yet you-”

“Am I not speaking the truth? Isn’t everyone here perfectly clear on that?”

Margaret stood her ground, unflinching!

Nearby, Jasper stared blankly at the scene, utterly at a loss.

Sensing something amiss. Stella rushed out. “Margaret, don’t say that! Jasper admitted today that he’s neglected you–you’re the sister he treasures most! And His Highness has always held you in his heart. Everyone loves you dearly. How can you speak this way? It’s so heartbreaking…”

“Shut up. When the Crown Prince was berating me, you stayed hidden. The moment I speak, you come running out–afraid I might reveal the truth, aren’t you?”

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