Said No to the Prince and Yes to the King novel Chapter 300

Margaret pulled a small pouch of silver coins from her robe and pressed it into the maid’s hands.

“My affairs are not your concern. I’ve already made my plans. Besides, I’m Prince Theodore’s intended; no one would dare trouble me now. This is the perfect time for you to go home. Don’t overthink it. Leave today,” she stated, her voice steady.

Winter stared at the weighty pouch, her eyes wide. “But Ms. Campbell, this is so sudden! I couldn’t possibly

“What’s sudden about visiting family? It’s only a few days. Your village isn’t far from Breston.” Margaret cut her off. “Use this to buy your parents a proper house. They’re getting on in years; they deserve better.”

Touched by Margaret’s thoughtfulness for her elderly parents, Winter broke down in tears. “Ms. Campbell, you have so much on your own mind… and yet you think of me, of my family… I…”

“Enough of that. I dislike seeing tears.” Margaret’s tone remained even, betraying no emotion. “It’s merely a few days‘ leave. You are coming back. No need for such sentimentality.”

Swallowing her emotions, Winter nodded, her voice thick with gratitude. “Thank you, Ms. Campbell. When I return, I’ll serve you with even greater devotion, I swear.”

“Go on then.” Margaret waved dismissively. “The day is still young. Pack and be on your way.”

Winter opened her mouth to speak again, but seeing Margaret’s repeated gesture of dismissal, she closed it. Instead, she sank to her knees and pressed her forehead to the ground in a deep bow of respect before scurrying off to gather her things.

By the time Winter departed, the sun stood high at noon. Margaret was left alone in the suddenly too- quiet courtyard, a hollow, complex feeling settling in her chest. So much has changed.

Her solitude was brief. Almost the moment Winter’s footsteps faded, Baxter materialized before her, his, expression tense.

“Ms. Campbell, His Highness was very clear. He wished for you to remain at the Ducal Palace You shouldn’t have come back,” he said, his voice low and urgent.

A faint, knowing smile touched Margaret’s lips. “Or rather, I shouldn’t have found out?”

Baxter flinched, dropping his gaze. “His Highness only wished to spare you pain… or any unnecessary

worry.”

“When was the decree issued? Yesterday?” Margaret pressed, her gaze steady.

Baxter remained silent, his head bowed.

She answered her own question, her voice cool, “It must have been yesterday. After all, General Randall passed just yesterday, did he not?”

Gritting his teeth, Baxter tried again. “Ms. Campbell, please understand, His Highness‘ heart belongs only

to-”

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Chapter 300 Breezy Attitude

Finished

“There’s no need for such careful words. I’m not angry.” Her reply was light, almost breezy. “What’s done is done. Rehashing it serveeno purpose. Let it be.”

With that, she stood and began walking toward the courtyard’s exit.

“Ms. Campbell, where are you going?” Baxter asked, alarmed, stepping forward.

“You all wanted me to stay away to keep me in the dark. Well, the secret’s out. Where I go now hardly matters, does it?” she said.

“Perhaps you should return to Ducal Palace…” he said nervously.

Margaret let out a soft, humorless laugh. “And do what there? He must be exceptionally busy these days. I doubt he’s even home himself. I won’t intrude.”

“But-”

“You are a shadow guard. Your place is in the shadows. Return to it,” Margaret interrupted, her tone turning frosty, putting deliberate distance between them.

Sensing the shift in her demeanor, Baxter hesitated, words dying on his lips.

The sudden sound of hurried footsteps made him vanish back into concealment just as a young serving girl rushed into the courtyard, looking flustered.

“Ms. Campbell! Thank goodness you’re here!” the girl panted, bobbing a curtsy.

“What is it?” Margaret’s reply was curt.

“Mr. Campbell requests your presence in the main hall at once.”

“Tell him I’m unavailable. Or that I’ve already gone out.” Margaret turned away, her mood leaving no patience for the hypocrites of this household.

The maid dropped to her knees, her voice trembling with fear “Ms. Campbell, I’m afraid you must go. W- We have a most distinguished guest.”

One look at the girl’s terrified expression told Margaret all she needed to know.

This was the Prime Minister’s Estate. The servants had grown accustomed to Christopher’s frequent visits.

Even the Queen’s past appearance hadn’t rattled them this much.

Few individuals could inspire such sheer terror and caution.

Theodore was one, but if he had come, the maid wouldn’t be this panicked.

Unless… it was Spencer himself.

Margaret opened her mouth to ask, but the sight of guards now lining the pathway ahead gave her the

clear answer.

прид

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Chapter 300 Breezy Attitude

She fell silent and simply followed the nervous maid.

Fished

Randall is dead. Theodore took it hard. It makes sense his brother, Spencer, would, too. A personal visit isn’t so strange.

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