Said No to the Prince and Yes to the King novel Chapter 211

Chapter 211 What a Hypocrite

“No ordinary lady could ever sit beside Prince Theodore like this.”

“She looks faintly familiar… Isn’t that Ms. Campbell from the Prime Minister’s Estate?”

Finished

“You must be mistaken. Ms. Campbell was famously plump. This young lady is stunningly beautiful- there’s no way it’s her.”

“Could it be Ms. Stella Campbell? Everyone hails her as the most beautiful lady in Breston. She vanished for two years and rarely goes out since returning. It might well be her.”

“That can’t be. Ms. Stella Campbell is already betrothed to Crown Prince Christopher. His formal proposal not long ago is common knowledge to all.”

“Look behind Mr. Timothy Campbell–that must be the real Ms. Campbell. That round, plump figure matches the rumors perfectly.”

“She does look familiar… That’s surely her.”

The endless buzz of quiet gossip mingled with the soft strains of the lute, drawing countless curious glances toward Margaret again and again.

Margaret moved to rise instinctively. “I ought to go take my proper seat…”

“The outcome will be the same either way,” Theodore said calmly. “Moving from here will only make you the center of attention all the same.”

Margaret fell silent.

He was right.

She’d already drawn everyone’s eyes. If she moved to sit behind Timothy now, her family would only become the subject of more idle talk alongside her.

She had no choice but to stay seated.

I really don’t understand what Theodore was thinking, pulling me to sit right beside him like this.

Lost in her thoughts, Theodore finished his cup of wine and set the goblet heavily down on the table..

The moment the cup settled, the entire banquet fell dead silent.

As if taking his silent warning to heart, most guests quickly averted their gazes, daring not stare at Margaret any longer.

Only a handful still snuck glances her way–including Stella, and one entirely unfamiliar woman.

The woman sat diagonally across from Margaret’s right. When their eyes met, she offered a faint smile before looking away casually.

Many noble ladies were watching her, yet few made Margaret feel truly uncomfortable.

1/3

1:27 am P P

Chapter 211 What a Hypocrite

Finished

This stranger was one of them.

As a woman herself, Margaret could read the disdain, condescension, and quiet air of superiority in her

gaze.

The woman chatted gracefully with those beside her, stealing glances at Theodore every now and then.

Margaret glanced at Theodore, only to see him remain completely unfazed, so she looked away as well.

The day was mild and pleasant, and the lute music lingered soft and melodic in the air.

Not far off, Norma wore a meaningful smile. “Theodore, it’s rare to see you bring a young lady to my birthday banquet. Won’t you introduce her to us?”

Her words drew every eye in the crowd back to Margaret once more.

Margaret lowered her head, sneering.

She’s the one who arranged for him to bring me to the palace in the first place, yet she pretends otherwise now. She just wants everyone’s focus fixed on me. What a hypocrite Queen Norma is.

Before anyone could speak, Spencer spoke up. “I’ve prepared fine gifts for your birthday, especially. See if they please you.”

At Spencer’s words, a chamberlain stepped forward at once and placed a small ornate box before Norma.

Norma knew his intent perfectly well.

Presenting a gift at this moment was his subtle way of telling her not to meddle in Theodore’s affairs.

She played along cleverly, accepting the gifts with a bright smile and falling silent.

One by one, the court officials presented their tributes soon after. A dazzling array of lavish gifts piled up quickly, and most guests returned to their seats once they’d paid their respects.

No one noticed when Stella quietly slipped over to stand beside Christopher.

Christopher looked visibly flustered. From the shape of his lips, he seemed to be telling Stella to go back to her seat.

Those who knew Christopher well understood his embarrassment. He was ashamed to have Stella lingering by his side, looking so swollen and unattractive.

After a brief whispered exchange, Christopher turned toward Norma,

“Mother,” Christopher said aloud, “Stella has a birthday gift she wishes to present to you as well.”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify