Said No to the Prince and Yes to the King novel Chapter 260

Chapter 260 Realization

A tic pulled at the corner of Timothy’s mouth. He hadn’t expected his own daughter to speak to him tha

way.

Yet, her words were the most honest he’d heard in a long while.

He’d known for some time that he’d gained weight, but lately his appetite had been hard to control.

It hadn’t seemed like a big deal-especially since everyone around him insisted he looked fine.

Now, with Margaret calling him out so bluntly, he felt his face grow hot with embarrassment.

He forced an awkward laugh. “I’ve… had a lot on my mind recently, so I may have been eating more. But a your elder-”

“You’re my father.” Margaret cut in gently, wearing a mild, concerned smile. “If I weren’t your daughter, I wouldn’t dare say this. But since I am… I can’t just stand by and watch.”

Her tone was reasonable, almost sweet-and it completely shut down whatever he’d been about to say

next.

Timothy’s smile vanished, replaced by a troubled frown. “Is it… really that bad?”

Margaret raised a brow. “Haven’t you noticed yourself?”

He had no reply.

She pressed on, her voice softening further. “Of course, as your daughter, it’s not my place to tell you what to do. But I’m worried about your health. Gaining more weight could lead to problems…”

She let the sentence hang, as if too polite to finish it.

In truth, Margaret couldn’t care less about his health. She’d brought it up only to steer the conversation away from her own affairs-anything to stop him from prying

Still, her words seemed to strike a chord. “People say your medical skills are remarkable now. That you can diagnose anything. Do you have any idea why my appetite has become… uncontrollable?” Timothy said slowly.

A knowing smile touched Margaret’s lips. “My skills are hardly worth mentioning in front of you, Father. Besides… whatever I might say, you wouldn’t believe me anyway.”

Her meaning was clear.

The pastries…

Memories of that day-and the harsh words he’d thrown at her-flooded back, bringing with them a flush

of shame.

Timothy’s hands curled into fists at his sides. Too proud to apologize, he turned without another word and strode away.

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Only after he’d gone did the courtyard settle back into quiet.

Exhausted, Margaret sank onto the stone bench beside the table, her thoughts in turmoil.

So I’ve been missing for two full days.

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What she’d believed happened yesterday had actually taken place the day before.

And yesterday…

I’ve been lying unconscious in Theodore’s chambers the whole time?.

Her fingers moved to her own wrist, checking her pulse.

Though steady now, the rhythm still carried traces of something off-the lingering effects of a powerful toxin, recently neutralized.

A toxin…

Closing her eyes, Margaret focused inward, reaching into her personal space.

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There it was-the antidote for the enchanting incense, untouched.

But next to it, the two vials of poison she’d stored were gone.

Her eyes flying open, she pressed a hand to her forehead.

Really? I couldn’t have been so foolish.

My own space, my own poison and I’ve taken it herself

How could anyone be that careless?

That poison was vicious. Theodore must have moved heaven and earth to save me.

No wonder the medicine today tasted so strange.

How did he even find an antidote? Were the injuries I saw on him… because of me?

Why didn’t he say anything?

When she woke, why didn’t he tell me what he’s done?

As Margaret remembered the cold, guarded way she’d treated him earlier, a wave of guilt washed over her

He went to such lengths for me… and I doubted him. I really am the worst.

A distant shout broke into her thoughts-too far to pinpoint a direction, but after a moment she recognized Stella’s voice.

What is she screaming about this early in the morning?

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Winter came rushing into the courtyard then, her face pale with worry. “Ms. Campbell! Where have you been? I’ve been so anxious these past two days!”

“Prince Theodore sent word, didn’t he? He was suffering from headaches, so I stayed to-”

Winter cut her off. “But you said yourself you wouldn’t stay at his residence without a proper reason! What happened? And for two whole days! I was afraid word would get out and ruin your reputation!”

Catching her breath, Winter stepped closer. “This morning I went out to listen for gossip… and instead I heard the news about Crown Prince Christopher.” Her voice dropped to a hushed whisper. “They say he’s been crippled. Everyone’s talking about it-it’s all over the streets. Have you heard?”

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Chapter 261 Chastity Locket.

* Fins

Margaret said, her tone gentle, “I was wondering where you’d been, silly thing. Try not to roam outside s much in the future. I know what you’re worried about.

“Crown Prince Christopher brought this on himself. Leave him be. By the way, I thought I heard Stella’s voice earlier.”

At the mention of Stella, Winter perked up. “I was just about to tell you! On my way back, I passed by Rosethorne Court and saw Mr. Campbell yelling at her. Isn’t that strange?”

Margaret understood immediately. “So, he’s not a fool after all.”

Winter, still puzzled, continued, “I heard Mr. Campbell accuse her of poisoning the marchpane tartlets. H sounded furious, like he wanted to skin her alive. Stella was wailing and crying, insisting she was innocent. I couldn’t stay to hear much more and hurried back.”

She paused, adding, “On the way, I even spotted Mr. Jasper Campbell himself. He’d clearly heard the commotion but just stood there watching from a distance, not lifting a finger to stop it or defend Stella. Odd, isn’t it?

“Nowadays, Mr. Campbell seems to care for you more and more, and Mr. Jasper Campbell isn’t as biased as he used to be. Both of them seem to dislike Stella intensely. Even my life in the manor has gotten easier. I’m so glad things are finally looking up for you after all you’ve been through. I only hope they despise Stella even more, so she gets a taste of the misery you once endured…”

Listening to Winter’s chatter, Margaret felt no joy, only a lingering heaviness in her heart.

Her thoughts kept circling back to Theodore.

He must have exhausted himself running around for her these past two days while I was unconscious.

Those wounds on his body… they were probably from searching for medicine to save me.

Why didn’t he say a word about all he’s done?

If he’d told her from the start, she wouldn’t have treated him so coldly.

He’d laid his heart bare, yet she’d hesitated over uncertainties.

Margaret had promised to give them a chance, but while he was offering his sincerity, she was still wavering.

In comparison, she was the one acting more like someone from this ancient world…

How awful.

I’m truly terrible…

No! Tomorrow, I must properly thank him–not just for saving my life, but also to clarify my own feelings…

“Ms. Campbell, what’s on your mind? You seem so down. Are you feeling unwell?” Winter’s worried voice

Chapter 264 Chastity Locket

cut through her thoughts.

Margaret shook her headk

Winter sighed in relief, saying. “That’s good. These past couple of days, I’ve been feeling so drowsy myse like I can never get enough sleep. Especially the day before yesterday. You have no idea how early I crashed. After dinner, my eyelids just grew so heavy. I slept straight through till morning, and even yesterday, I was in a daze all day. I wanted to come to the Ducal Palace to find you, but I was too tired and slept until evening. When I woke up and you still weren’t back, I was so worried… But… well, I’m just glad you’re back safe.”

Margaret took Winter’s hand and checked her pulse. Everything became clear.

Christopher had really been afraid of anyone interfering. The dose he’d given a mere maid was strong enough to knock out an ox. No wonder Winter felt so groggy.

She’d probably remain muddled for another two days.

At the thought of Christopher, Margaret’s heart remained calm.

Not a shred of worry remained; in fact, she half-wished he’d be left completely crippled.

Overwhelmed by fatigue, she asked Winter to draw a warm bath for her.

Sinking into the water, Margaret finally felt a bit of her energy return.

At the sight of the numerous hickeys covering her skin, memories of last night flooded back, painting her cheeks a bright red.

But they say a woman’s first time is supposed to be agonizing. Why did I feel no pain at all?

It must have been because I was barely conscious…

Amidst her tangled thoughts, her fingers brushed against the silver Chastity Locket she wore. She froze

“The engraving on the locket remains bright…”

How could this be?

If the lock’s engraving hadn’t darkened, did that mean last night was just an illusion?

Yet the faint kiss marks on her body were undeniably real.

She clutched the cool silver pendant. The engraving was as pristine as ever, not a hint of tarnish.

In other words, Theodore had never overstepped that boundary with her.

In retrospect, it all made sense.

Given the potent poison she’d ingested and her critical condition, someone like Theodore? Of course he wouldn’t take advantage.

Even so,

her mind was filled with those strange, vivid memories.

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She remembered, in her dream, being the one to kiss Theodore first.

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Chapter 262 Consequences

The memory of cluching him desperately, refusing to let go, clung to her thoughts.

Secking clarity, Margaret lowered herself deeper into the water.

Submerged, she could finally let her mind settle.

So this is what it feels like. I can’t stop thinking about him. I can’t stop reliving those moments…

Even the thought of his scars stirred an ache in her chest.

“Margaret! Get out here right now!” Stella’s furious shout shattered the quiet. “How dare you crawl back and poison Father’s mind with your lies? You’re despicable!”

Ignoring the commotion, Margaret rose from the bath and began dressing at a leisurely pace.

“Out of my way, you worthless maid! I’ll kill you if you don’t move!” Stella roared.

“Ms. Stella Campbell, please! Ms. Campbell is still bathing. You can’t go in!” Winter protested.

“What decent person bathes in broad daylight? Two nights gone and now this? She’s clearly been up to no good!” With a violent shove, Stella pushed Winter aside and kicked the door open. “Margaret! Are you listening to me? Have the guts to—”

“I heard you,” Margaret interrupted calmly, her voice soft but firm.

Fresh from her bath, she stood wrapped in a simple white robe, looking serene and untouched. The sight ignited Stella’s jealousy like a flame.

She longed to slap that composed face, but fear of Margaret’s hidden weapons kept her rooted near the doorway. “You came straight back to slander me to Father! What’s your game?”

“Slander?” Margaret glanced her way, a faint smile touching her lips. “You healed up fast. Impressive. L must have been too gentle with the dose…”

“So you admit it! It was you! Sneaking in at night, drugging me, making me swell up like a balloon! You made me lose my hair! You did all of it! Even the humiliation in front of the entire court! That bastard who attacked me- was he your doing too? You’re a monster! How can anyone be so cruel?” Stella’s refined facade shattered completely, leaving behind raw, furious hysteria.

Margaret merely watched her with an amused expression. “Think whatever you like.”

“How dare you!” Enraged, Stella snatched an object from a nearby table and hurled it to the floor. “Why are you doing this to me? Do you want me to suffer?”

Margaret replied, her tone casual, “Exactly. I want you to suffer. What did you expect? Did you think your endless slander would never come back to haunt you?”

She observed calmly as Stella began wrecking the room, her own demeanor unchanged.

Winter rushed in, her face pale with worry. “My lady, are you all right?”

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Margaret shook her head, her gaze never leaving Stella. “Instead of throwing a tantrum here, you should focus on regrowing your hair. If I were you, I wouldn’t be so foolish“

Just then, Jasper stormed into the room. “Stella! Have you lost your mind? How could you barge in here like this? Father’s condition is on you! If those pastries hadn’t been poisoned, he wouldn’t be in this state! He hasn’t even punished you, and yet you have the nerve to cause a scene here? Get back to your quarters. Now!”

Tears streamed down Stella’s face. “Jasper, didn’t you hear her? She confessed! She did everything-

Jasper roared, “Enough! One more word and you’ll be punished!” He grabbed her arm and dragged her

out, ignoring her struggles.

Stella couldn’t believe it. Her doting brother, who had always indulged her, was now manhandling her without a shred of mercy. “You’re my brother! Since when have I ever been punished?”

Jasper retorted, his voice icy, “So you know that, do you? Do you have any idea how many times Margaret

was punished? We thought she was the difficult one, but it turns out the real problem was you all along! Did it never occur to you that your constant lies and manipulations would have consequences? This is my fault, too. Father and I spoiled you rotten. Look what you’ve become!”

His grip was firm, dragging her from the room with a force born of frustration. “I just don’t know what’s gotten into you lately. Look at yourself! You’re a mess. I bet you wouldn’t even recognize the person in the mirror anymore.”

His harsh words cut deep. “Jasper, you’ve changed!” Stella choked out between sobs. “You always take her side now, even when the truth is staring you in the face-”

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Jasper cut her off without mercy. “The truth is, Margaret has given you every advantage, and still you’re not satisfied. You come hero causing a scene-if I were her, I’d have slapped you silly!”

He dragged her bodily out of Rose Court before she could protest.

Finally pushed past her limit, Stella exploded. “Enough! I know what you’re driving at. It’s because Margaret’s cozying up to Prince Theodore now, isn’t it? Because she’s suddenly more valuable than me? So what? Is it set in stone? Just because Prince Theodore kept her for a couple of nights means he’ll her? Why does everyone take her side? I’m the victim here!”

marry

She stepped back, her voice shaking with resentment. “It’s fine. Time will tell. Luck changes. I refuse to believe Margaret can keep getting away with everything!”

With that, she spun on her heel and stormed off in a huff.

Jasper watched her retreating figure until she vanished from sight, then shook his head slowly, weariness etched on his face.

He turned, intending to offer Margaret a few words of comfort, only to find the courtyard gate already slammed shut with a heavy thud.

He stood there, taken aback for a moment, before finally turning and walking away.

*****

Inside the courtyard, Winter murmured, bewildered, /I never thought Mr. Campbell would speak to Stella like that. Seems he’s finally seen her for who she really is…”

Margaret massaged her temples, a headache forming. “Don’t trouble yourself with them. I need to rest for a bit.”

“Of course.”

*******

At the Crown Prince’s Estate, the place had been swarming with royal physicians since daybreak.

Every doctor in attendance had been ushered into Christopher’s chambers, only to shuffle out later with their heads bowed in defeat.

The chaotic stream of consultations lasted until noon, when a sudden outburst of crashing objects and furious shouts erupted from within.

“Useless! All of you are useless! Every one of you boasts about your medical prowess, yet not a single soul can fix my legs! What good are you? You might as well retire now!”

The sound of shattering porcelain and splintering wood followed, one crash after another, as if he intended to demolish everything in the room.

Outside, a crowd of physicians stood in terrified silence. The door swung open, and Norma emerged, her

Chapter 263 fractured Loyalties

expression iey.

“Why are you all still loitering here? Get out.”

The physicians needed no further prompting. Snatching up their medical kits, they scrambled to their fe and hurried away.

Norma shot a sharp glance at the servants lingering nearby, and they, too, quickly retreated to a respectfu distance.

She closed the heavy doors herself and turned toward the ornate screen at the room’s far end. “Have you finished your tantrum? Do you want the entire palace to know you’re throwing a fit?”

Behind the screen, Christopher lay pale and gaunt on his bed. “Mother, they’re worthless. Why spare them? They should be dragged out and beheaded!”

“Behead them, and then what? Let the whole world know you’ll never walk again? Haven’t you embarrassed yourself enough already?” Norma’s face was gloomy as she settled into a nearby chair. “Now, explain yourself properly. What exactly happened?”

“It was Uncle Theodore! He came to see me that day and beat me savagely. He stomped on my leg-the pain was excruciating. But I could still feel my legs afterward. I don’t know why, but when I woke the next morning, I couldn’t stand. My legs had gone completely numb. Poking, pinching-nothing.”

Christopher’s voice grew thick with anguish. “Uncle Theodore must have crippled me with that blow! He’s vicious! I must tell Father, make him see justice done!”

Norma narrowed her eyes. “Rumors are flying around the palace. They say you’ve been limping for a long time. Is that true?”

“Well… yes, but this paralysis is entirely because of Uncle Theodore! If he hadn’t—”

Norma cut in, her voice full of frustration. “Then why didn’t you seek treatment sooner? The moment you noticed something wrong with your legs, you should have taken it seriously. Why wait until now? If you’d gotten help earlier, things would never have come to this!”

“Mother, I’m already like this. Why lecture me? It was Unele Theodore who did this to me…”

Γ

“Who would believe you if you said that now?” Norma’s tone was heavy with disappointment. “At my birthday celebration, you stumbled when leaving and limped away. The gossip started then-your legs were already failing you, weren’t they?”

Christopher gritted his teeth. “Yes.”

“Then why didn’t you summon the physicians?”

“I did! But they just told me to rest. How was I to know it would…” He slammed a fist against the bedside table. “It’s all Theodore’s fault! He’s the one who ruined my legs, turned me into this… this half-man! Mother, you must stand up for me!”

“Right now, everyone inside and outside the palace believes your condition is a relapse of an old injury This isn’t the first time you’ve been disabled. Trying to pin the blame on Theodore now, claiming he beat you and caused this? Who would believe you? If you’d been crippled right when he struck you, and you’d

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Finished

talled for your father and me immediately, there might have been a case. But how will you explain it now? You know how biased your father is toward him!”

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Christopher snapped, a tremor in his voice, “But it really was him

“Then why don’t you tell me why he attacked you?” Norma cut in, her tone ity. “Or better yet, explain why you dared not tell your father immediately after it happened?”

Christopher’s mouth clamped shut under her relentless gaze.

With a sharp crack, Norma slammed the pot onto the floor. Her voice dropped to a chilling whisper. “Feeling ashamed now? You have the nerve to cry about him beating you, yet you omit the whole sordid story?”

Christopher blurted out, his face flushing, “Why should I be asharped? Margaret was my betrothed. Even if I had… taken things further, who would dare judge? It was Uncle Theodore who stuck his nose in! I didn’t even confront him after he snatched her away, and then he has the gall to come after me. This is all on him!”

A vein pulsed at his temple as his anger boiled over. “And he lied, saying she was at death’s door! My men reported to me first thing-she returned to the Prime Minister’s Estate safe and sound. Clearly, there was nothing wrong with her. Theodore just invented an excuse to come after me. He started this, so he should pay the price!”

“You disgrace yourself by even speaking of it!” Norma shot to her feet, storming around the ornate screen to glare at him. “If I were you, I’d be too mortified by my own foul deeds to utter a word!”

“Mother…”

She hissed, her eyes blazing, “Do you have any idea what your father despises most? Men who force themselves on women! You were the one who disliked her, who made a scene to break the engagement and clamored to marry her sister instead. She was the one who personally petitioned your father to annul it, and his decree sealed it. That bond was severed. She was not your betrothed. Yet you had the audacity to go to the Prime Minister’s Estate and drug her! What were you thinking? Have you lost your mind?”

She stared at him, a mix of fury and profound disappointment etched on her face. “This isn’t just about ravishing a woman. You spat on your father’s imperial decree and trampled the dignity of the Prime Minister. If word gets out, not only will your father be disgusted, but every minister in court will lose faith in you. Do you truly think this is some trivial romantic dalliance?”

Christopher blinked, his anger momentarily doused by confusion. “I-It’s not that serious, Mother…”

“What fills that head of yours? Nothing but this drivel about love?” Norma jabbed a finger hard against his temple. “Have you forgotten who you are? Have you forgotten the duty on your shoulders as Crown Prince?”

His expression soured. “So what do we do now? Just… not tell Father?”

“You think telling him will make him take your side?” Norma’s laugh was bitter. “This mess is entirely your fault. Consider yourself lucky if he doesn’t strip you of your tide!”

Her words landed like a physical blow, leaving Christopher speechless.

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Taking a deep, steadying breath, Norma continued, “Right now, the priority is finding a way to heal leg. If you cannot stand again, your position as Crown Prince…

your

“Margaret! Her medical skills are exceptional. She might be able to cure me!” Christopher interrupted, a spark of desperate hope lighting his face.

A cold smirk twisted Norma’s lips. “After what you did to her? You think she’d lift a finger to help you?”

Christopher insisted, clinging to the memory, “Everyone knows how much she adored me. When I was crippled before, she stayed by my side day and night. I refuse to believe she’s truly abandoned me. She’s just angry right now. She must still have feelings…”

“Is it her feelings for you, or is it you who can’t let go?” Norma retorted sharply.

The question made him flinch. “Fine, I admit it. I never stopped caring for her. Everyone knows that, too. If she hadn’t let herself go, ballooning into that… that massive creature, I would have happily cherished her. It’s her own lack of discipline that drove me to her sister!”

In his mind, the blame lay elsewhere. “Stella is beautiful, gentle, understanding… any man would be drawn to her. What’s the big deal? I’m the Crown Prince. I’m not the first to fancy two women. What did I do wrong?”

Norma said, her tone turning analytical, almost clinical, “Your error wasn’t in your desires. It was in underestimating a woman’s jealousy. You showered her with affection when you were helpless, then tossed her aside for her sister the moment you recovered. Any woman would be consumed by envy and hatred. The depth of her past affection now matches the intensity of her loathing. So why would you imagine she’d heal your legs?”

A shrewd glint entered Norma’s eyes. “Besides, her so-called medical prowess is mere rumor. Who knows if it’s real? Perhaps this is her revenge-making you believe she holds the cure, forcing you to crawl back and beg, just to humiliate you.”

Christopher shook his head stubbornly. “No. She can do it. I know she can…”

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