Said No to the Prince and Yes to the King novel Chapter 304

Rejected by the Crown Prince? | Married His Uncle

Chapter 304 A Quiet Resolve

Finished

The whispers hadn’t escaped Julie’s sharp–ears. One look at Margaret’s vacant, listless expression was all it took for the pieces to click into place. Julie said, “If you’re hurting, you can talk to me. I’m here for you, no matter what.”

Margaret’s voice was disturbingly flat. “What makes you think I’m hurting?”

A soft sigh escaped Julie. “Isn’t it obvious? Everyone’s saying it,” she murmured.

Finally, Margaret turned to face her, a hint of weary curiosity in her eyes. “Everyone says I should be grateful just to marry Prince Theodore as a Royal Consort. That it’s more than a girl like me could hope for. Why would that hurt me?”

Julie blurted out, her face scrunched up in fierce loyalty, “Because they don’t know you! They’re just flapping their gums without a clue. You’re brilliant. If you ask me, Prince Theodore’s the one who’s not good enough for you!”

She crossed her arms, her expression turning deadly serious. “Someone like you being his Princess would still be a compromise. A Royal Consort? That’s just plain insulting.”

Reaching for the water pitcher, she poured herself another glass, her movements agitated. “Yesterday was fine, but today it’s like the whole city’s gone mad. One minute, they’re gossiping about you and the late Crown Prince Christopher, the next, they’re claiming you’re unworthy of Theodore. I’ve been cursing them out in my head all day. If it weren’t for everyone repeating the same trash, I’d swear someone was spreading lies out of pure jealousy.”

A faint, knowing smile touched Margaret’s lips. She understood the source of this sudden storm all too well.

Of course. Myrna. That master of artifice, who had waited for Theodore all these years, was now his publicly acknowledged fiancée. What better way to celebrate than to unleash a tide of whispers painting Margaret as an ambitious, unworthy interloper?

It was a classic move from someone who wore sweetness like a mask.

But Margaret had no intention of playing that game. Her decision to leave Breston was final.

The very thought of squabbling over a man, of a lifetime spent in petty rivalry with Myrna, left a bitter taste in her mouth.

What would I even be fighting with? His affection?

Theodore’s fondness for her was real; she believed that much. But would it extend to letting her harm kis future wife? Never.

The tangled web of their situation sent a fresh wave of irritation through her, tightening her chest.

Julie’s voice pulled her back, a steady stream of earnest praise for Margaret and equally earnest disparagement of Theodore.

It was meant to comfort, and despite herself, Margaret felt some of the tension in her shoulders case.

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12:18 pm P N

Chapter 304 A Quiet Resolve

Fitushed

“Enough of that talk. You can say those things to me, but not outside these walls. Understood?” Margaret said, her tone soft but fi as she met Julie’s gaze.

“Why not? It’s the truth,” Julie argued stubbornly.

“Prince Theodore is an exceptional man. He has always been kind to me. The idea that he’s ‘not good enough‘ is nonsense. He has his own burdens to bear.” Margaret leaned forward, her expression turning grave. “We’re just ordinary people, Julie. The Ducal Palace holds significant sway in Breston. If someone with ill intent caught wind of your words, they could twist them into a weapon. You must always choose your words with care.

“Breston is a good place to build a life. If you and Lisa work hard and stay focused, you’ll never want for food or shelter.

“Lisa’s culinary skills are already winning praise. Her path forward is bright. As for you, if you can, stay close to the people at the Life Preserve Pavilion. Especially Darren. Learn from him. If you master even some basic medicine, you’ll have a skill that can secure your future anywhere.”

Julię blinked, confused by the sudden, solemn advice. “Miss, why are you talking like this all of a sudden?”

“Because you two are my friends. And I won’t always be here to look out for you.”

Julie interrupted, a flicker of alarm in her eyes, “Don’t say such things! It sounds… final. If you’re not with us, then we’ll stay with you. You’re more than a friend; you’re the reason we have this life. Without you, where would Lisa and I be? We’ve decided–we’re working for you, building something for you, for the rest of our lives. So no more of that gloomy talk.”

A genuine smile softened Margaret’s features. “You don’t need to make money for me. I have more than enough.”

“Maybe it’s not much to you, but it’s yours. Lisa and I are sticking with you. That’s that,” Julie insisted, her chin set.

Margaret said with a tender smile, “Alright then. Stay here. Keep learning.

“But if you’re truly working for me, I need you to promise something. Promise you’ll always put your safety first. You and Lisa must watch out for each other, always. No matter what happens, you have to have each other’s backs. And-”

“We know, miss. We will. You’re just… acting kind of strange today. It’s like you’re saying goodbye,” Julie said, though she shifted uncomfortably.

Margaret simply smiled again, a silent answer hanging in the air.

Only she knew the truth. Once she left Breston, their paths would hardly diverge.

In a world of vast distances and slow–traveling carriages, a reunion could take a year or longer.

E

12:18 pm PN

Rejected by the Crown Prince? | Married His Uncle