Chapter 270 The Iron Hand Beneath the Velvet Glove
Right in front of Norma, Margaret offered Christopher not a shred of courtesy.
Finished
Norma’s expression soured visibly. “Margaret, I’ve heard all about the misunderstanding between you and Christopher. That’s precisely why I’ve left the palace today–to see that he comes to your home in person and offers you a proper apology. Tell me, can you find it in your heart to forgive him?”
As she spoke, she gave a crisp clap. Instantly, two guards entered, carrying a heavy chest between them.
With a click, the lid sprang open, revealing a dazzling trove of rare jewels and precious artifacts Even a casual glance confirmed their staggering worth.
A gentle, maternal smile graced Norma’s lips. “I’ve taken the trouble to make inquiries myself, and your medical skill truly has earned widespread praise. As for Christopher’s leg…”
Margaret interjected, her voice unwavering, “Your Majesty, I understand your meaning perfectly. However, regarding Prince Christopher’s leg, I am genuinely powerless to help. If I had the ability, I would have acted on it the last time we met.”
Without a moment’s hesitation, she pressed on. “One should not accept rewards without merit. This chest of treasures I dare not accept. Since my sister Stella’s wedding to Prince Christopher is just a few days away, perhaps they would be better suited as a gift for her.”
Finishing her point, she cast a meaningful glance toward the doorway.
Stella, who had been lingering outside hoping to avoid the scene, found herself spotlighted. With a resigned sigh, she stepped into the room.
She offered a deep, respectful curtsy, then retreated to stand meekly by the wall, doing her utmost to shrink into the background.
Christopher’s face darkened. “Margaret, I was wrong last time. I know I was too impulsive, but it was only because you’re so perfect–I couldn’t help myself. I hope you can understand. These are gifts I asked Mother to bring for you, and they’re also my apology…”
A flicker of confusion passed over Stella’s face. She couldn’t make heads or tails of their conversation.
Norma spoke again, her voice softening into persuasion, “To be perfectly honest, I find it hard to put full faith in your medical abilities myself. But Christopher believes in you so strongly. He pleaded with me to come and appeal to you personally, hoping you would agree to treat his leg. He’s going through an incredibly difficult time. You strike me as a kind–hearted young woman, Margaret. I cannot believe you would stand by and do nothing.”
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So, coercion didn’t work, and now they’re playing the sympathy card… Christopher’s clever. Knowing he can’t sway me himself, he dragged his mother out of the palace…
Margaret was just about to issue another refusal when Norma continued, her tone taking on a new edge, “You know, Spencer also holds you in high regard. My daughter, Princess Noelle, is quite fond of your company as well. Spencer and I have been discussing the possibility of having you enter the palace as a companion tutor for Noelle. If you’re willing, you could return with me to the palace today. I would arrange quarters for you myself–perhaps within my own Eternal Peace Palace. How does that sound?”
As Norma finished speaking, Margaret’s complexion changed instantly. “Your Majesty, I must ask you to reconsider. A simple girl like myself, with no real accomplishments, is wholly unworthy of such an honor…”
“Whether you are worthy or not is for me to decide,” Norma stated, her smile returning, but this time it carried a chilly, unsettling edge.
A sly, triumphant smile touched Stella’s lips where she stood.
Excellent! So, Queen Norma left the palace today, intending to drag Margaret back inside!
This is just creating the perfect opportunity for Margaret and Christopher to reconcile.
If those two find their way back to each other, then I can make a clean escape from this mess! And if Margaret is truly kept within the palace walls, she’ll have no further chance to cling to Theodore…
Christopher’s heart, too, swelled with a sudden surge of hope. “Margaret, aren’t you going to thank my mother?”
Margaret’s expression turned stormy. Suddenly, she pleaded, “I truly am not qualified to serve as Princess Noelle’s companion tutor. I beg Your Majesty to reconsider and withdraw the command.”
Norma’s smile vanished completely. “First, you refuse to examine Christopher’s leg. Second, you defy my direct order. Do you mean to imply that in your eyes, neither Christopher nor I am worthy of making a request of you?”
“That is not my meaning at all, Your Majesty.”
“Then perhaps you are waiting for the King himself to personally invite you into the palace?” Norma pressed.
Margaret’s brow furrowed slightly. “If His Majesty were to issue the command, I would not dare disobey.”
“Oh? So when I give the command, you dare to disobey?” Norma let out a cold laugh, her face
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Chapter 270 The Iron Hand Beneath the Velvet Glove
now a mask of displeasure.
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Christopher, growing desperate, cut in. “Margaret, I was the one who asked Mother to come! I know it’s hard for you to forgive me, but can’t you at least show her some respect? If not for her position as the Queen, then at least as an elder! Are you going to force us to have you taken to the palace by guards?”
Margaret met his gaze squarely. “It’s not that I refuse to obey a command. It is because I am officially Prince Theodore’s personal physician. Without Prince Theodore’s express permission, I dare not take up residence within the palace.”
“Uncle Theodore? Again with Uncle Theodore!” Christopher’s temper finally snapped, his voice rising in frustration. “Can’t you stop bringing him up at every turn? I know the two of you have some… unclear relationship. But why can’t you see the truth? He will never marry you! He doesn’t care for you at all! Let me tell you the reality: the woman he truly loves is Myrna! And you—after I cast you aside–you’re nothing but damaged goods here in Breston! Aside from me, there isn’t a man in this kingdom willing to marry you, or even dare to marry you! You should be grateful I haven’t given up on you! We are meant for each other!”
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Florence is a passionate reader who finds joy in long drives on rainy days. She’s also a fan of Italian makeup tutorials, blending beauty and elegance into her everyday life.

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