Said No to the Prince and Yes to the King novel Chapter 196

Chapter 196 Give You an Official Title

Theodore let out a low hum, followed by the soft rustle of him getting dressed.

Margaret was utterly stunned.

Finished

It hadn’t been Cyan wanting to invite her to dine all along–it had been Theodore’s own wish from the

start.

She thought…

“Norma’s birthday banquet is tomorrow,” Theodore said. “Remember to come to the palace with me.”

Margaret nodded absently.

“Your clothes no longer fit well,” he added. “I shall have several new outfits tailored for you.”

Margaret was about to refuse when Cyan stepped in and invited her out of the chamber.

A group of maids soon arrived and took her measurements in no time.

As the maids withdrew, Winter hurried over, looking delighted. “Ms. Campbell, Prince Theodore is so kind to you. He’s asked you to stay for a meal.”

Margaret shot Cyan a glance.

That man moves far too quickly–he’s already fetched Winter here.

Cyan smiled, “Ms. Campbell, please…”

“Wasn’t it said that Prince Theodore was busy today? It’s still a long time until mealtime, and besides, I’ve just had breakfast,” Margaret said at once. “I’ll take my leave.”

She pulled Winter along and turned to go.

Winter stared at her, confused. “Why would you refuse Prince Theodore’s kindness? This is such a precious opportunity,”

“There’s no such thing as a free meal,” Margaret replied. “He’s already been more than generous to us. I cannot keep asking for more.”

“But he invited you of his own will…”

“He wants me to move into the Ducal Palace,” Margaret said helplessly.

Winter’s face lit up with joy. “Really? Does Prince Theodore have feelings for you and mean to marry you?”

Margaret shot her an exasperated glance. “Do you truly think that’s the case?”

Winter blinked. “You mean he wants you to move in without any formal betrothal or title?”

“Yes.”

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Chapter 196 Give You an Official Title

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Winter grew flustered at once. “That won’t do at all. Even though Crown Prince Christopher broke off your engagement, you are still an innocent young lady of noble birth. You cannot move into a man’s residence without proper standing–not even Prince Theodore. He ought to at least grant you the title of Royal Consort. That way, you would not be left with no status at all.”

Margaret stared at her, lost for words. “Am I only worthy of being a Royal Consort in your eyes?”

“Oh, no, I misspoke!” Winter panicked. “You deserve to be his official Princess, not just a consort…”

She hurried to correct herself. “What I mean is, Prince Theodore shows you no respect by asking you to move in without a clear title. I thought he meant to formally propose.

“Any proper man would know a young lady’s reputation is her most precious treasure. You visiting here daily already stirs whispers. To live there without acknowledgment would look fine on the surface, but you would only suffer in silence. If you had to move back later, the whole of Breston would mock you—the Prime Minister’s eldest daughter cast out with no title to her name. It would be humiliating. You didn’t agree, did you?”

“What do you think?” Margaret said dryly, walking quickly and leading her out of the palace gates soon after.

Winter let out a long sigh of relief. “Thank goodness you refused. Your reputation was already tarnished when Crown Prince Christopher broke off your engagement. If word spread of you staying unwed in his palace…”

“I was the one who broke off the engagement,” Margaret corrected flatly.

Winter clapped a hand over her mouth. “Forgive my careless words…”

She paused, then asked cautiously, “Did you ask Prince Theodore to give you an official title?”

“Are you out of your wits?” Margaret said, more than a little exasperated. “We share nothing beyond doctor and patient. Why would I demand a title from him for no reason?”

“But he treats you far too specially,” Winter insisted.

“He treats everyone the same,” Margaret said, “Let’s not talk about him any longer. I’ll take you to eat something nice.”

Winter asked, “Aren’t we heading back to the estate?”

“Why rush back? To join in their petty gossip?” Margaret sneered faintly. “Stella should have received the little surprise I left for her last night, We’ll head back later today.”

Winter looked utterly confused but nodded obediently.

***

Back inside the Ducal Palace, when Theodore walked out of his chambers, he found Margaret had left yet again.

An unspoken irritation stirred in his heart for no clear reason.

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Chapter 196 Give You an Official Title

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Cyan walked timidly at his side. “Prince Theodore, Ms. Campbell is truly ungrateful. You have invited her time and again, yet she keeps refusing.”

Theodore narrowed his eyes. “Where is Baxter?”

No sooner had he spoken than Baxter dropped to one knee respectfully before him. “I am here, Prince Theodore.”

“Has Ms. Campbell been treating Crown Prince Christopher these past few days?” Cyan cut in hastily before Theodore could speak.

Theodore’s expression darkened, yet he did not stop him.

“She has not,” Baxter replied firmly.

Cyan frowned, “We saw her enter Life Preserve Pavilion with our own eyes that day.”

“Ms. Campbell went there because Mr. Kingston suffered a sudden heart attack and fell unconscious,” Baxter explained. “The people from the pavilion came to fetch her to save him. She only met Crown Prince Christopher by pure chance.”

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