Chapter 34 Not a Chance
ked
Winter seemed to understand what Margaret was doing. The food she brought became lighter and lighter.
After eating and drinking her fill, Margaret got ready to go out for a walk. But Winter stepped in front of
her.
“Ms. Campbell,” Winter said, “maybe you shouldn’t leave today…
Margaret frowned. “Why not?”
She wanted to get to know the city better. One day, she’d leave the Prime Minister’s Estate for good.
Winter looked torn. “Yesterday, Mr. Jasper Campbell said that Crown Prince Christopher is coming today…”
“He can come all he wants,” Margaret said. “I’ll go where I please,”
She pushed past Winter. “I just want to take a walk. You can come if you like.”
“Actually. Ms. Campbell…” Winter hesitated. “Mr. Jasper Campbell told me to keep you from leaving
“Oh, I see.” Margaret nodded. “Well, then I definitely have to go. Why should I listen to him just because he says so? I won’t.”
She walked out of the courtyard. She hadn’t gone far when Jasper appeared right in front of her.
“I knew you wouldn’t listen.” He crossed his arms. “I told you yesterday–today is your only chance. Either you stay quietly in your yard. When Crown Prince Christopher gets here, I will put in a good word for you. Try to help you win something. Or you come with me now, apologize to him in person, and show a little softness.”
“And if I don’t?” Margaret’s face was full of contempt.
Jasper looked at her like she was throwing her life away. “You will regret this. Mark my words.”
“Don’t worry.” Margaret said casually. “Only an idiot would regret losing a jerk.”
She stepped around Jasper and kept walking. “Lovely weather today. Perfect for a proposal. I won’t get in the way of your big celebration…”
“Mr. Jasper Campbell!” A servant came running up, out of breath. “Crown Prince Christopher is here*
Jasper grabbed Margaret’s hand. “Stop being so stubborn. You’re coming with me.”
Margaret tried to pull free–but she couldn’t. Jasper dragged her all the way to the main hall.
The place was buzzing. The hall was packed with people.
Half a dozen maids rushed around. The servants had long since been standing there respectfully,
And right in the middle of it all stood Stella. She wore a beautiful white dress and a mountaur of hair
12:16 pm
Chapter 34 Not a Chance
ornaments. She looked pretty–but in a very trying–too–hard way.
When Stella saw Jasper dragging Margaret in. something dark flickered across her eyes.
But just as quickly, she smiled. “Jasper. Margaret, you’re here.”
Jasper shoved Margaret into a chair, hard. “Sit there and behave. Think abour what I said. Because if you don’t, you’ll regret it—and there won’t be anyone to cry to.”
Margaret’s head spun from the shove, She was about to call him crazy–when everyone suddenly dropped to one knee.
“Greetings, Crown Prince Christopher.”
“Greetings. Crown Prince Christopher.”
Margaret didn’t want to–but she had no choice. She went down on her one knee, too.
Stella. though, stayed standing by the door. She only pretended to kneel when Christopher was right in front of her.
And sure enough, Christopher caught her arm. “Silly girl. Didn’t I tell you? You don’t need to be so formal with me.”
He looked her over with concern. “I heard you were sick. Called in several doctors. How are you now?*
Stella shook her head gently. “I’m fine now. Just a slight chill. I’m touched that you worried about me.”
They stood there, lost in each other, as if no one else existed,
After a long moment, Christopher finally looked up. “Everyone, rise.”
The crowd got to their feet.
Ever since he stood up, Jasper had been giving Margaret subtle glances, as if urging her to go over and apologize immediately.
She rolled her eyes.
Not a chance.
Jasper was about to say something when Christopher clapped his hands.
A guard stepped to the door and shouted outside. “Bring in the engagement gifts!”
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