Said No to the Prince and Yes to the King novel Chapter 231

hapter 231 As if I’m Jealous

Cyan stood by the door, his eyes wide with utter shock as he listened to the conversation inside.

What on earth have I just heard?

Prince Theodore—of all people—was actually saying sweet words to someone?

He’d been by Theodore’s side for years, yet he’d never seen Theodore act this way.

Weren’t the two of them still keeping things polite and reserved just yesterday?

Fmushed

Cyan froze right where he stood. He couldn’t figure out where he’d missed a single step, nor why Théodore had suddenly become so bold and forward out of nowhere.

A quiet thought crossed his mind.

Could something secret have happened between them during their daily medicinal baths and acupuncture sessions- moments when only the two of them were alone in his private chambers?

There is no other way to explain Prince Theodore’s drastic change in attitude.

He was lost deep in his thoughts when a young servant trotted over and leaned in to whisper a few words in his ear.

Cyan’s face clouded over at once. He stepped behind Theodore. “Prince Theodore, it’s regarding General Hickman’s Estate…”

Theodore furrowed his brows slightly. “Is it an emergency?”

Cyan nodded firmly, then leaned in again to whisper more privately.

Theodore’s gaze turned sharp and grave. He then turned toward Margaret. “Finish your meal first. I’ll be right back.”

With that, he made to rise and leave at once.

Margaret set down her silver fork on the table. “Then I ought to head back as well.”

Theodore looked straight at her. “Did you keep my earlier words in mind?”

Margaret asked, “Do you mean me coming here regularly from now on, Prince Theodore?”

Theodore replied simply, “Yes.”

Margaret shrugged faintly. “We shall see. You have urgent business to attend to; there’s no need to stay here keeping me company over dinner.”

Theodore could easily tell her mood had turned sour. He walked over to her with a calm, gentle expression.

He explained, “I do have important matters, but I won’t be gone long. I can’t stay to enjoy this meal, yet I’ll come back to keep you company this evening. Just stay here and wait for me.”

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Chapter 231 As if I’m Jealous

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Margaret was just about to refuse when Cyan cut in, “Ms. Campbell, please wait here a little while. Prince Theodore will return very soon.”

She retorted, “If it’s truly pressing business, how can he possibly be back so quickly? Do not worry. I am not angry at all. I just…”

Cyan cut in, “If you are not angry, then please stay and wait for Prince Theodore. The elderly General Randall Hickman from General Hickman’s Estate sent a sudden invitation. He is well advanced in age, and he once saved Prince Theodore’s life many years ago.”

Cyan’s words held a subtle undertone, as if he were quietly making excuses on Theodore’s behalf.

Theodore nodded in agreement. “He speaks the truth. Stay and wait for me, and we shall dine together tonight.”

After saying this, he left, his manner tense and hurried.

It was plain to see that he truly had some critical matter to handle.

Margaret had fully planned to stand up and take her leave right away. She had not finished her meal, though, so she settled back into her seat again.

She ate the rest of her food in slow, small bites. A heavy weight settled in her chest, leaving her unable to settle her restless heart for a long while.

It was most likely because Myrna resides at General Hickman’s Estate.

Or perhaps it was because her conversation with Cyan just now left so many things unspoken and unclear.

Anyone with a clear eye could tell that Myrna was deeply fond of Theodore.

But what of Theodore?

Did he hold any real affection for Myrna?

He surely did not. If he did, the two of them would have wed long ago.

Yet if he felt nothing for her…

Why did everyone in court talk of them as childhood companions?

Why even Cyan knew every little detail about Myrna?

On top of that, as a young lady, she moved about the Ducal Palace with effortless familiarity. She could wander in unannounced and meet with Theodore whenever she wished.

The last time Myrna visited, Theodore had not turned her away. He’d even stayed behind to discuss private, important affairs with her.

Now once again, Theodore was being called away in a rush, once more on account of supposed urgent

business.

There is no way the folk at General Hickman’s Estate have this many pressing matters every single day.

Margaret thought back to Myrna’s cold, unwelcoming demeanor toward her, suspecting Myrna was acting this way entirely on purpose.

At this thought, Margaret quickly shook her head.

Why am I wasting time dwelling on all these messy thoughts?

It makes me look ridiculous, as if I’m jealous.

I do hold a great fondness for Theodore, but there is simply no reason for me to grow jealous over him.

With these thoughts lingering, Margaret stood up and walked toward the door.

I’m not waiting any longer. Sitting here only lets my mind run wild–I’d rather go find Lisa to drink honey water and chat for a while.

Margaret had barely stepped to the doorway when a young maid, Megan Haney, approached her.

Megan asked meekly, “Have you had your fill, Ms. Campbell? Would you like me to show you around the estate grounds?”

Margaret declined plainly, “No need. It is time for me to return home.”

Megan hurried to plead, “Please stay just a little longer.”

She added with deep respect, “Prince Theodore gave me special instructions before he left. He bid me take you on a proper tour of the estate. Please do not put me in an awkward position.”

Margaret told her honestly, “I have visited this place many times already. There is nothing left for me to

sée.”

Megan insisted gently, “There is plenty more to explore, Ms. Campbell. If you would not mind my company, I can lead you all around the grounds.”

She paused for a brief moment, then suggested warmly, “How about a stroll through the back garden? Prince Theodore is quite fond of flowers–he planted an entire patch of them there, and they are all in full bloom now, utterly lovely to behold.”

Without waiting for Margaret’s reply, Megan turned and began leading the way.

Margaret felt helpless, yet she followed along anyway. “A grown nobleman who enjoys tending to flowers? That’s quite unexpected.”

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Rejected by the Crown Prince? I Married His Uncle

Chapter 232 You Are Jealous

Finished

“Queen Mother Rhonda was especially fond of flowers,” Megan replied respectfully. “Prince Theodore grew up surrounded by blooms since childhood. The garden has almost every kind of flower besides sweet bay. I’m sure there are some you’d like, Ms. Campbell.”

Before long, Megan led Margaret to the back garden.

Margaret was truly stunned by the sea of flowers stretching out before her.

It was only early spring, yet the blooms were already in full splendor–they would surely be even more beautiful soon.

Spotting a swing not far away, Margaret walked over and sat down. “I never imagined a man like him would have such a lovely garden. Anyone who didn’t know better would think the mansion already has its lady of the house.”

Seeing her sit down, Megan quickly walked behind and began pushing the swing gently.

She said, “Prince Theodore has always kept to himself and lived a pure life. He would never marry someone he doesn’t truly love just for show. That’s why the mansion has never had a mistress. But if you’re willing, Ms. Campbell, you might be the one.”

Margaret’s lips twitched. “Don’t talk nonsense. Prince Theodore and I are just…

“There’s no need to pretend with me, Ms. Campbell,” Megan smiled brightly. “I may only be a servant, but I can see you’ve grown fond of him. There isn’t a woman in the whole realm who wouldn’t fall for Prince Theodore–especially after spending so much time with him day in and day out.”

She went on earnestly, “I dare say this because I can tell Prince Theodore cares for you, too. He specifically told me to make sure you stay today. You wouldn’t know it, but every time you come to the mansion, he has the kitchen prepare your lunch specially. It’s just you’ve never stayed to eat before. He’s only tied up with urgent business today, but he’ll be back soon for sure.”

Margaret’s cheeks flushed at her frank words. “You’ve served here a long time, haven’t you?”

“I’m a lifelong servant here,” Megan said. “My mother waited on Queen Mother Rhonda. She passed away from old age a few years back, and I’ve served Prince Theodore ever since I was little. You can call me Megan.”

Margaret nodded. “No wonder you’re so bold, speaking so freely,”

Megan giggled. “I tend to speak my mind plainly.”

“He said he’s tied up with urgent business. How can you be so certain he’ll be right back?” Margaret asked.

“Because he told me personally to make you wait for him,” Megan replied softly. “He knows you’re here, and he’d never keep you waiting long. Prince Theodore always keeps his word.”

She added quietly, “And I can tell… he really likes you.”

Margaret smiled, “You’re quite bold for a young maid, gossiping about your master’s private affairs.”