Said No to the Prince and Yes to the King novel Chapter 30

Chapter 30 A Scent of Betrayal

The servant outside the carriage spoke carefully. “But Your Highness, the Empress said Ms. Stella Campbell cannot be Crown Princess.”

Finle

“My mother adores me. She won’t stay angry over something so trivial. And the only reason she said that is because Margaret poisoned her ears.” Christopher shook his head, smug. “Margaret wants me. Desperately. She just won’t admit it.”

Christopher shook his head.

“She thinks she can play games? Fine. I’ve laid down my terms. If she comes crawling back, apologizes properly, I’ll give her and Stella equal gifts. If not…” He smiled. “Let her cry. When she’s desperate enough, she’ll learn not to challenge me.”

As the carriage rolled away, Margaret’s mood remained utterly unaffected. She simply thought the Crown Prince was seriously delusional. She couldn’t fathom why the original Margaret had ever loved him.

Aside from a passably handsome face, he had nothing to recommend him.

And if we’re talking looks, Theodore was far more attractive!

Suddenly, another carriage pulled up beside her.

She blinked. Now who?

A familiar voice came from within. “Get in.”

Theodore!

Margaret studied the carriage more carefully. It was decently sized but outwardly indistinguishable from an ordinary vehicle. Theodore was remarkably low–key…

Christopher’s carriage earlier had been extravagantly adorned!

Then again, everyone believed Theodore rarely left his manor. If he always traveled this discreetly, probably no one recognized him…

Though reluctant to board, her exhausted body overruled her hesitation. She climbed inside.

Gazing at the luxurious interior, Margaret mused. Now this is more like a prince’s carriage.

Cyan wasn’t present today, and the driver was unfamiliar…

Still not entirely comfortable, Margaret kept her eyes averted from Theodore after boarding. She glanced occasionally at the interior, then stared out the window.

Until faint, labored breathing reached her ears. Turning, she found Theodore had somehow leaned toward her. They were suddenly very close…

“What are you doing?” Margaret asked sharply.

Chapter 30 & Scent of Betrayal

He’d been sitting opposite–why lean toward her like this?

“Take my pulse,”

Theodore’s voice was strained. Only then did Margaret notice his complexion was off.

His flushed face clearly indicated his poison was acting up…

She immediately grasped his wrist. “Have you been near osmanthus flowers?”

Surprise flickered in Theodore’s eyes–how did she know?

Buenhed

Then he remembered: Margaret knew exactly what poison afflicted him. Naturally, she’d know what triggered it.

He nodded. “Yes.”

“Knowing you can’t tolerate osmanthus, how could you be so careless? Lie down quickly!”

Margaret hurriedly helped him recline on the carriage seat. “Osmanthus isn’t in season, and it’s still cold out. Where did you encounter the scent?”

Theodore breathed heavily, forcing out each word. “Ambush.”

Obviously. Why did I even ask?

She discreetly produced a needle from her space and inserted it into the back of Theodore’s hand.

“So this is why you summoned me. I thought you were kindly offering a ride. It’s your poison acting up. But didn’t I tell you? Curing it is extremely complicated. Every medicine on that list I gave you is essential. Without them, even if you summoned me, there’s little I can do.”

“You can.”

Theodore closed his eyes, his voice weakening. “Cyan is hunting the assassins, but shadow guards follow constantly. You may treat me without concern. No need to worry about consequences.”

“It’s not about consequences. Your poison is too troublesome. You haven’t gathered the medicines I requested. For now, I can only suppress it. The rest depends on you…”

As she spoke, Margaret began loosening his belt.

Theodore’s face flushed. He caught her wrist. “What are you doing?”

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