Said No to the Prince and Yes to the King novel Chapter 210

Chapter 210 Only Ever Held Your Hand

Why on earth would Theodore say such odd things all of a sudden?

Could it be… he’s grown fond of me?

Though they’d spent plenty of time together, they’d never shared any grand, dramatic moments.

How could feelings just spring up out of nowhere?

Margaret shook her head quickly.

“‘m just overthinking it.

Finished

She was about to step down from the carriage when she saw Theodore standing by the door, holding out a

and to help her alight.

I’m fine, I can get down on my own,” Margaret said, stepping down without taking his hand.

He is perfect in every way except one–he’s always in the habit of reaching for other people’s hands.

Who knows how many others he’s done this to before?

Today was Norma’s birthday banquet, with countless eyes watching every move inside the palace. She had o be careful and keep her distance.

fet no sooner had she set foot on the ground than Theodore reached out and took her hand again.

She asked, “Prince Theodore, why would you…”

Theodore said, “Only you.”

Margaret froze. “Pardon?”

Theodore explained, “I mean… I’ve only ever held your hand.

The rest of the walk to the banquet hall, Margaret was completely lost in a daze.

She let him lead her forward blankly, her mind in utter turmoil, unable to sort through her tangled houghts.

Was he answering the question I asked earlier out of the blue?

Why bring it up out of nowhere? It’s as if he can read my every thought.

Only ever held my hand…

How could that possibly be true?

He must have held countless people’s hands growing up.

The whole conversation had grown unbearably intimate. For a split second, Margaret even wondered if he

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Chapter 210 Only Ever Held Your Hand

was confessing his feelings to her.

But how could that be?

Finished

He was the noble and revered Prince Theodore. Though they’d spent days and nights in each other’s company, their interactions had always been calm and ordinary, with no trace of romantic affection between them.

The only vaguely intimate moment was that rainy, thunderous night they’d hidden together in that small, dark room.

She recalled how he’d first taken her hand in that village right after that night.

Could his feelings have started back then?

Or did he grow fond of me gradually while I gave him acupuncture all those times?

She’d only just slimmed down recently; she’d been plump and out of shape before.

She couldn’t bring herself to believe Theodore would have liked her when she was overweight.

Her heart still refused to accept it, yet as she felt their hands tightly clasped together, a strange flutter tugged at her chest.

His palm was so broad, so warm, and she didn’t feel the slightest bit of rejection at all.

Amid her wandering thoughts, the bustling chatter of the crowd drifted into her ears.

When she snapped back to her senses, Theodore had already led her to a seat beside him.

She found they’d arrived at the banquet venue, set out in an open stretch of the royal garden. The spacious ground was packed with guests.

Guards and maids lined every corner, while chamberlains hurried busily to and fro, guiding guests to their seats one by one.

All the seats were arranged in a large circle, with a raised platform in the center. Several maids were already seated there, playing a gentle melody on the lute.

The soft, soothing music lent an elegant charm to the grand banquet.

Nobles and court officials filled the seats closest to the platform, each with their own private table, accompanied by their wives, children, and family members behind them.

Timothy and Jasper were seated among the crowd.

Seats further back belonged to officials of lower rank, while those nearest the platform were reserved for the most powerful and influential figures.

Margaret glanced around and noticed almost every eye in the crowd had turned to her the moment she sat down.

Most people only stole a quick glance before looking away–all except Norma, who stared fixedly in her

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Chapter 210 Only Ever Held Your Hand

direction without pause.

Norma’s seat was in a small pavilion at the main vantage point, where she could clearly watch the performances on the stage.

Theodore and Margaret’s seats were the closest to this pavilion.

Glancing around, Margaret only recognized Christopher and Noelle among the royal princes and princesses nearby; all the rest were unfamiliar faces.

Christopher’s gaze was also locked firmly on her, filled with unconcealed anger.

Margaret looked away uncomfortably, choosing to ignore everyone around her.

Finished

Still, countless pairs of eyes kept drifting over to her every now and then, and quiet whispers floated through the air.

“Who is that young lady? I’ve never seen her before.”

“Nor have I. Could she be the daughter of some reclusive noble house that rarely shows itself in public?”

“I’ve never heard of any lady betrothed to Prince Theodore.”

“Indeed. No unknown woman has ever stood beside Prince Theodore like this before. She may well be his future wife.”

“I’d thought Prince Theodore would bring Ms. Hickman to the palace today, yet he’s arrived with a complete stranger instead.”

“I’ve asked around, and no one knows her background at all. Her origins must be extraordinary.”

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