Said No to the Prince and Yes to the King novel Chapter 223

Chapter 223 A Formal Proposal

Finished

After overhearing every word spoken in the carriage, Cyan couldn’t help thinking Margaret’s words held a ring of truth.

As the eldest daughter of the Prime Minister, even after her broken engagement with Christopher, she still stood far above most ladies in status and standing.

She could easily marry someone of equal rank and build a life based on genuine affection.

Even if she married beneath her station, a lifelong faithful partnership was hardly an impossible dream.

Theodore frowned deeply and fell into heavy silence.

Back at the Ducal Palace, Margaret tended to his medicinal bath and acupuncture as usual.

Yet the awkward tension lingered between them the entire time, weighed down by their carriage conversation.

Margaret was the first to break the silence. “Your condition is far better than I expected. With your consistent cooperation these days, only two or three more days of acupuncture should finish the course. After that, just keep taking the prescribed medicine, and your body will make a full recovery.”

Theodore asked, “Are you certain only two or three days remain?”

Margaret nodded, secretly wondering why he looked so stern and unsmiling instead of relieved at the news of his speedy recovery.

Before she could ponder further, Theodore spoke again. “I have a question to ask you.”

Margaret smiled, “Please go ahead, Prince Theodore.”

Theodore said, “You said you will only marry for true love. Does that mean you hold no romantic affection for me, yet still feel a gentle fondness?”

Margaret thought carefully before answering earnestly, “Every moment spent with you feels easy and relaxed. Being by your side gives me a sense of peace and security. I was genuinely happy to hear you say you care for me, and I’ll admit my heart stirred a little, too.

“But that faint fondness is not love. It stems from your striking looks and exalted power. Any woman would be flustered in your presence–but it is nowhere near the deep devotion needed to spend a lifetime together.”

It was her honest truth.

She certainly didn’t fully understand her own feelings yet, but she also knew that it was impossible for her to feel nothing at all toward Theodore.

Yet it was far from passionate love.

After listening quietly for a long while, Theodore finally said, “If we are both fond of each other, why not give it a try?”

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Chapter 223 A Formal Proposal

Finished

“What?” Margaret’s lips twitched in disbelief.

Romantic relationships aren’t something you just “try out” casually.

In modern times, dating and parting ways if it doesn’t work is normal–but this is the ancient world.

One wrong move, and gossip will spread like wildfire.

Grow close then drift apart, and I’ll be mocked and shamed as a discarded woman, my reputation ruined, and endless trouble brought upon myself.

Theodore said calmly, “Marry me. With time, true feelings will grow clear.”

Margaret fell speechless.

Jumping straight into marriage just to test a connection is even more reckless.

“What say you?” Theodore pressed.

Margaret shook her head. “I’ve made myself clear. I have no wish to rush into marriage with no clear promise or understanding.”

Theodore said, “Few people in this world have the fortune of mutual love. Most marriages are built on suitability. I find you suitable, and you think well of me. Why not give it a chance?”

“What if we try and find we’re not a match?” Margaret asked.

He said firmly, “We will be a match.”

Margaret frowned. “Anyone can be unsuited to another. Our statuses are worlds apart. As I said before- you may marry me now out of mild fondness, but once I grow older and lose my looks, you will…”

“That will not happen,” Theodore said firmly. “If you marry me, I will always cherish your feelings and put you first.”

He went on softly, “You admit you have a fondness for me. Why refuse to try? How will you know if we suit each other without giving it a chance?”

“Trying with you means marrying you outright,” Margaret said helplessly. “That’s not a trial at all–it’s a

done deal.”

The acupuncture session came to an end. Theodore let out a slow breath, a faint trace of hurt flickering across his features.

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