Said No to the Prince and Yes to the King novel Chapter 299

Rejected by the Crown Prince? 1 Married His Uncle

Chapter 299 A Cold Realization

Margaret finally reasted, it only a little. “Another shared wedding day…

The words drifted out, a murmured whisper that carried a bitter, mocking edge.

A short, brittle laugh escaped her, so full of anguish it seemed to hang in the air.

Winter’s heart ached for her. “It’s fate’s cruel joke, isn’t it? Just like before, when Crown Prince Christopher chose you as his Crown Princess but reserved his true heart for Stella as his Royal Consort. You longed for his love then. And now, you’re to marry Prince Theodore. His heart is yours, completely… yet the official title of wife goes to another.”

She choked, eyes glistening. “Circling back to the same pain. Oh, Ms. Campbell, it breaks my heart. So many noblewomen in Breston live charmed lives. Why must yours be so difficult? This happiness… You waited for it for so long.”

Strangely, Margaret felt an eerie calm where there should have been fresh agony.

Maybe she should be furious–furious that everyone in the Ducal Palace had deceived her.

But where could she direct that anger? They were all just following orders.

Theodore’s orders.

He was the source of it all.

Margaret drew a slow, deep breath, the taste of disappointment sour on her tongue. “I truly believed I had finally found my happy ending.”

Winter implored, her eyes now red–rimmed, “Don’t say that, Ms. Campbell. Prince Theodore is good to you. He is your happy ending. It’s just… circumstances. He can’t possibly like Ms. Hickman. If he did, something would have happened long before now. This marriage pledge only exists because of General Randall’s deathbed wish and military honors. It can’t compare to what you two share. Even if you enter as the Royal Consort…”

“Do you really think two people who grew up together, bound by a lifelong promise, will never develop any affection?” Margaret’s question was quiet, detached.

Winter bit her lip. “Yes, they grew up together. And a lifetime is long. Maybe one day, feelings could grow. But not now…”

She searched for a brighter perspective. “Think of it this way. If you had married Crown Prince Christopher and he became king, you’d be the queen. A queen presides over a court full of women, all sharing one man. Prince Theodore might only ever have two wives. And…”

“Enough, Winter. There’s no need to comfort me. I’m fine.”

Margaret cut her off, a hint of weary softening her tone. The girl meant well, but she could chatter on

forever.

Winter wasn’t convinced, her worried gaze lingering. “I know you’re hurting inside…”

12:15 pm P

Chapter 299 A Cold Realization

“I’m not.” The reply was unnervingly steady.

Perhaps the initial shock had faded into numbness.

Or perhaps, deep down, a decision was quietly hardening.

“Really?” Winter asked.

Margaret forced a smile. “Really.”

“But…”

Margaret continued, “I understand what you’re saying. Being Prince Theodore’s Royal Consort isn’t a disgrace. And because he loves me, I won’t be mistreated. Right?“.

Winter nodded eagerly. “Yes, exactly! I’m so glad you see it that way. I thought I’d be consoling you all day.”

“You can relax. I see the situation clearly. The decree comes from King Spencer himself. It’s beyond Theodore’s simple wishes. I won’t be angry, and I certainly won’t go make a scene. As you said, that would only push him away. Even if he defied the king for me, it would make him appear dishonorable. The last thing I want is to be a burden to him,” Margaret said.

Relief washed over Winter’s face. “Hearing you say that puts my mind at ease. With General Randall just passed, Prince Theodore is grieving and overwhelmed. If you show him understanding now, he’ll only cherish you more. I’ve seen ladies of the court win favor that way…”

Win favor.

The phrase extinguished the last flicker of warmth in Margaret’s heart.

Her smile turned faint, almost serene. “I understand. Truly, don’t worry about me.”

Seeing Winter’s shoulders finally relax, Margaret shifted the subject. “You haven’t visited your family in a long while, have you?”

Winter blinked, caught off guard. “No, I haven’t. Why do you ask?”

“I’ll be married soon. Life in the Ducal Palace won’t be as free as it is here at the Prime Minister’s Estate. Before the wedding, you should go see your parents. Take some money to help them,” Margaret explained.

Winter immediately began to shake her head.

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