Said No to the Prince and Yes to the King novel Chapter 288

Chapter 288 A Promise

bed

Margaret’s voice held a sharp–prickly edge. “Everyone talks about how you two grew up together, and I’ve seen with my own eyes how special you are to her. If that’s the case, why did you even bother proposing to me?”

Theodore’s reply came quickly. “It’s not like that. It’s just… I promised General Randall I’d protect his granddaughter, keep her safe for as long as I live.”

“For as long as you live…” A bitter laugh escaped her. “What a grand promise. Even a marriage vow only lasts a lifetime, but you’ve pledged yours to another.”

She wasn’t entirely sure what she was feeling–jealousy, possessiveness, a sour twist in her gut.

The moment she’d realized her feelings for Theodore, she’d wanted him to be hers alone.

Yet here he was, speaking so easily of a lifetime commitment to someone else.

Even if it was just about protection, the words stung.

“My duty is only to ensure her safety and dignity, nothing more-”

“And your idea of giving her dignity is letting her run wild in your home?” Margaret cut in, the words tumbling out. “She comes and goes from the Ducal Palace as she pleases, sees you whenever she wants. You’re the first to rush over when her family has the slightest issue, and for her birthday, you—”

Theodore interjected, his tone measured, “It wasn’t for her birthday. That day, it was General Randall. He’s old, Margie. He took a blade for me once, years back, and later suffered a grievous wound in my service. It left him paralyzed, bedridden for years. That day… he was fading. He wanted to see me one last time. I had to go. And now…” His voice trailed off, heavy.

“You could have just told me that. You never explain anything. How am I supposed to know?” Margaret

said.

Before she could say more, his hands were on her, pulling her down into his lap.

She jerked upright immediately. “And what about earlier? You practically accused me of stealing!”

‘I believe you.” His voice was low, certain.

She met his gaze squarely. “I went into your study, yes. But I stayed in the corner the whole time. She was the one rifling through everything…”

‘I know.” He pulled her back down, his arms encircling her tightly. This time, she didn’t resist.

He buried his face against her shoulder, his next words muffled. “I believe you. But General Randall, he…”

“He saved you. He did you a great service. Repay him then. Why must you go so far for his granddaughter?” The ache of jealousy was a live wire in her chest. “You know very well how she feels about you. I can’t stand this ambiguity. I made things perfectly clear with Christopher. I expect you to draw the same line with others. Otherwise…”

12:14 pm PTN M

Chapter 798 A Promise

“Margie.” The name was a whisper, laden with grief. “General Randall… he’s gone. Peacefully, in his sleep.”

Silence crashed into the room, thick and suffocating.

It stretched for a long moment before Theodore found his voice again. “The news just came from General Hickman’s Estate. I–I missed his final moments,”

Margaret’s anger evaporated, replaced by a pang of sorrow for his pain. Her hand rose almost of its own accord, gently stroking his hair.

He drew a shaky breath. “I would never let anyone hurt you. But General Randall… the last time I saw him, his only concern was for Myrna. He begged me, with his dying breath, to protect his only granddaughter. I gave him my word. And now…”

The raw pain in his voice was unmistakable.

Margaret didn’t know the details of their bond, but the weight of his grief was real.

Yet, even as she sat there in his arms, a treacherous thought wormed its way into her mind.

If Randall and Theodore were truly like sworn brothers, bound by life and death… and if his final wish was for Theodore to care for Myrna forever… He’d agree, wouldn’t he?

Would that mean if I married Theodore, I’d be locked in a lifelong rivalry with Myrna? Back to competing for attention, for scraps of affection?

Even if Theodore loves me… Myrna holds a unique, unchallengeable place in his world.

The more she thought about it, the more that resentful feeling swelled. “If General Randall has passed, why is Myrna still here?” she finally asked, her voice tight.

Theodore lifted his head, his expression weary. “The household sent word. Myrna was his only granddaughter, raised by his side. They’re all terrified she won’t take the news well. They specifically asked me to keep her here for now. The business with the bracelet gave us a reason to delay telling her. Tomorrow, I’ll have to take her back myself.

“General Randall fought beside me for years. In peaceful times, he was always at my side, too. His final request was for me to stay close to his daughter these next few days. They all seem to think I’m the only one who can steady her, keep her from doing something rash when she learns the truth tomorrow.”

His arms tightened around Margaret again, as if he were seeking an anchor. “I wanted to explain everything to you first. For the next couple of days, with the funeral arrangements… I might not be able to be with you. I was afraid you’d misunderstand, start imagining things. So I…

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