Said No to the Prince and Yes to the King novel Chapter 290

A cold laugh escaped Margaret. “If they really kept you for ten days or a month, you’d probably be over the

moon.”

“Ms. Campbell, why must you have it in for me?” Myrna finally snapped, her composure fraying.

Theodore’s voice cut through the tension, calm and measured. “I believe neither of you is a thief. However, a stolen item must be found. Both of you will remain at the estate tonight.”

Unhappy, Margaret extricated herself from his hold. “Since you trust me, I’ll just retire. There’s nothing for me here.” She made to leave.

His hand shot out, catching her wrist. “No one leaves until the bracelet is recovered.”

“I don’t have a private chamber here.” Margaret pointed out with a scoff. “Staying would be rather-”

“Cyan, have the Evernight Court prepared immediately,” Theodore called without hesitation.

“At once, my lord.” Cyan’s prompt reply came from beyond the door before he hurried off.

Myrna stared in disbelief as Theodore turned a gentle gaze to Margaret. “You shall reside there from now

on.”

“Theodore, be serious!” Myrna’s protest was sharp. “That’s the Princess‘ quarters!”

His reply was light, yet firm. “She is my future Princess What difference does it make if she moves in a little early?”

Only then did the tight knot in Margaret’s chest finally loosen.

She’d had enough of Myrna’s games, but couldn’t strike openly in front of so many eyes.

“I see.” Myrna forced a brittle smile. “If that is your choice, Theodore, I offer my blessings. Your happiness is all that matters.”

With those hollow words, she turned and swept out of the room.

Finally, alone with him, Margaret met his eyes. “Finally talking some sense.”

He simply gazed back, his expression softening. “As long as you stop overthinking everything.”

*****

Evening cast long shadows across the estate. Though the dinner hour approached, Theodore insisted Margaret administer his acupuncture treatment.

“The poison is completely gone. You don’t need any more needles,” she argued.

“My head aches terribly. A few more needles, please.”

Margaret rolled her eyes. Since when is anyone eager to get poked?

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12:14 pm PTNM

Chapter

vernight Court

shed

She sent for her silver needles. The moment they arrived, Theodore had already shrugged off his outer robe and settled onto the bed.

“If it’s your head that hurts, I just need to target points there. There’s no need to disrobe…” she said quickly.

“Are you sure?” he asked, his tone deceptively carnest.

When she nodded, his arm snaked around her waist, pulling her down. He shifted above her, his weight familiar and warm. “I disagree. I think it’s necessary…”

His lips found hers in a deep, claiming kiss.

“Mmmph… the needles…” She still clutched the silver implements in one hand.

Ignoring her muffled protest, he buried his face in the curve of her neck, his lips tracing a heated path against her skin. “What do you use when you bathe, Margie? You smell so sweet.”

Shower gel, obviously.

Her dimensional space was stocked with modern toiletries, things she used daily.

But before she could concoct a plausible reply, another kiss swallowed her words, more insistent than the last.

Just then, a hesitant voice broke through from outside the chamber door. “My lord, dinner is served. The Evernight Court is ready.”

The intimate atmosphere within the room thickened, Theodore’s arms tightening around Margaret as if he hadn’t heard a thing. “When can we marry? How about in a few days?” he murmured against her lips.

“No one gets engaged and married within days,” she managed to say between kisses.

“Some do. A few days… please?” he whispered persuasively.

“My lord, your meal…” Cyan’s voice tried again from the corridor.

“Get lost.”

r

*****

A moment later, Margaret slipped from the bed, her cheeks flaming. “Your head seems perfectly fine. Let’s

eat.”

Flustered, she hurried out, leaving him lying there.

The hallway outside was deserted.

Cyan took the ‘get lost‘ order to heart.

*****

After dinner, she was escorted to the Evernight Court.

2:14 pm PTNM

Chapter 29 Evernight Court

Despite the late hour, the courtyard was aglow.

Lanterns and candles illuminated every corner, inside and out–a clear sign of Theodore’s regard.

A warm, fuzzy feeling spread through her, washing away the day’s irritations.

Now I get it, why some people become fools for love. Those women who forgive after a few sweet words… they really do

exist.

At this moment, a hushed conversation nearby caught her ear–Myrna’s maid, by the sound of it, coming from the other side of the courtyard wall.

“Are you certain you buried it under that tree, Ms. Campbell?”

With few servants present in her new quarters, Margaret crept closer to the wall. Climbing over to eavesdrop was too risky.

Myrna’s reply was clear. “Yes, just outside the Evernight Court.”

“S–Should we go dig it up now?”

“Dig it up? Why bother? Theodore clearly treasured my gift. Once he cools off, I’ll just give him another bracelet. He’ll cherish that one, too. Let the first one stay buried.”

The maid spoke again, her voice lower, “Earlier… we did lie, saying it was his late mother’s bracelet. Do you think she believed it?”

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