Said No to the Prince and Yes to the King novel Chapter 217

Chapter 217 Speak the Plain Truth

Every guest’s eyes widened in utter shock.

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No one could believe Margaret–the young lady everyone had mocked and belittled–was not only skilled at playing the lute, but possessed masterful talent beyond imagination.

As Margaret’s fingers flowed smoothly across the strings, the stirring, surging melody gradually softened into gentle, melancholy notes.

The shift in tone was seamless and flawless, its tune light and crisp to the ear.

The sudden change in rhythm threw Myrna off balance. She struggled desperately to keep pace with the music, yet her sword movements grew increasingly awkward and rigid.

In this silent contest, Margaret won a sweeping, complete victory.

Even after the lute fell silent, the crowd remained lost in the lingering beauty of the melody.

The disdain in their gazes toward Margaret vanished entirely, replaced by undisguised admiration.

Yet Myrna’s first words upon halting her performance were sharp and petty. “Your lute playing is indeed fine, Ms. Campbell–but unfortunately, it is not the authentic melody of Ethereal Dream.”

Murmurs rippled through the crowd.

Guests whispered among themselves, most praising Margaret’s extraordinary skill.

“Ms. Hickman’s sword dance is lovely, but the lute melody was far more captivating.”

“True. She altered the tune, yet the variation suited Ms. Hickman’s performance perfectly.”

Norma smiled and nodded, “You play the lute beautifully. It seems I misjudged you earlier. I never knew you held such talent.”

She paused, then added pointedly, “Still, Myrna speaks the truth. Your rendition strayed from the original score. The true Ethereal Dream is far less dramatic and stirring.”

Margaret rose to her feet with a calm smile, speaking with quiet dignity. “If the dance itself is not authentic, how can the melody be? If Ms. Hickman could perform the genuine Ethereal Dream dance, I would gladly play the original tune to match. Yet she cannot dance it at all—brandishing a sword instead. To play the unaltered Ethereal Dream for such a performance would feel entirely out of place.”

Norma’s expression darkened slightly.

Myrna cut in sharply, “Are you implying Queen Norma knows less than you do, Ms. Campbell?”

“I would never dare. What I mean is you know far less than I do.” Margaret met her gaze unflinchingly, no trace of fear in her eyes.

Myrna forced a magnanimous smile. “It seems you’ve misunderstood me. As the daughter of a military family, I have never indulged in delicate, overly sentimental feminine ways, nor do I scheme and plot

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Chapter 217 Speak the Plain Truth

against others. There is no need for you to treat me as you would your own sister.”

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She brushed imaginary dust from her gown. “I truly cannot learn such dainty dances as Ethereal Dream. It is my fault for asking you to match your playing to my rhythm, forcing you to alter the tune before Queen Norma…”

“Hold a moment,” Margaret cut her off with a faint smile. “You repeatedly boast of being a general’s daughter, above delicate feminine airs. Are you implying every lady present here is overly soft and fragile, inferior to your bold, unrestrained self?”

Her words stirred immediate discontent among the noble ladies gathered around.

They had long found Myrna’s arrogant manner grating, and Margaret’s words laid bare the root of their unease–Myrna’s condescending pride and dismissive attitude toward others.

Myrna was about to retort when Margaret spoke again. “You keep dismissing Ethereal Dream as a frivolous, dainty dance. Have you forgotten Queen Norma herself loved this dance most in her youth? By speaking so lightly of it, are you not insinuating Her Majesty is overly delicate and sentimental?”

Myrna’s face turned livid in an instant. “I meant no such thing! Do not twist my words.”

“Then what exactly did you mean?” Margaret pressed calmly. “You keep repeating you are a general’s daughter, untouched by feminine intrigue. Is that not a subtle way of belittling every lady here as petty and scheming, unworthy of your own free–spirited nature?

“Even if you are different from the rest, there is no need to look down on all women with veiled jabs. You accuse me of scheming and deceit, yet there is no need for such underhanded remarks. Proper noble ladies like us may not wield swords or fight in battle, but we do not linger constantly among men, calling them brothers with ambiguous, unseemly ties.”

“Watch your words carefully, Ms. Campbell.” Myrna’s temper finally snapped, her face dark with anger.

Margaret smiled faintly, “Why is it permissible for you to make veiled insinuations, yet I may not speak the plain truth?”

Myrna said, “We daughters of military houses have fought on the battlefield to defend our realm. Even among men, our conduct is honorable–not tainted by the ugly implications you suggest.”

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