Said No to the Prince and Yes to the King novel Chapter 67

Rejected by the Crown Prince? | Married His Uncle

Chapter 67 The Tainted Broth

Carol shuffled into the kitchen. Before long, she had a fire crackling in the hearth.

Margaret almost told her not to bother, but Zoe was already moving to help. “Grandma, you should rest. Let me tend the fire.”

“No, no,” Carol insisted, gently nudging Zoe back toward the main room. “Having you home safe is all the rest I need. You’ve been through too much these past days. Go sit with the others.”

With that, Carol shooed her out and began preparing a simple meal herself.

It must have been well past midnight. The first cocks in the yard had begun to crow, their cries piercing the quiet.

Margaret guided Theodore to the long wooden table. “Time is slipping away. Dawn will be here soon.”

Theodore’s expression darkened. “Someone’s coming,” he murmured, his voice so low only Margaret could catch it.

She straightened. “How many?”

“At least ten.”

His hand moved quietly to the hilt of the sword at his waist, muscles tensing for action.

The four rescued women had settled cautiously at the table, their faces pale and eyes wide–still trapped in the grip of fear.

Zoe tried to offer comfort. “It’s over now. Please, don’t be afraid. By this hour, Lisa and the others must have reached home. Soon the whole village will be stirring. And we have two brave souls here to protect us. Those villains won’t dare come near. Try to calm yourselves.”

The women bowed their heads. A moment later, the low growl of empty stomachs echoed from two of them.

Not long after, Carol called out again. “Oatmeal takes too long to simmer. I thought better of it and made some broth with pasta. It’s a bit thin, I’m afraid, but it will warm your bellies. I hope it’s to your liking.”

Zoe hurried over and helped carry several wooden bowls to the table.

Carol followed, beaming. She even brought servings for Margaret and Theodore. “You two have done so much. I offered you shelter, and instead you’ve spent the whole night fighting our battles.”

She wiped her brow with her apron. “It’s only plain broth and pasta, but it will give you strength. In a humble place like this, I’ve little else to thank you with.”

No sooner were the bowls placed down than the four women began eating ravenously, clearly starved.

Zoe glanced at her own portion, then at Margaret’s. “Miss, I have too much. Let me give you some. You fought the hardest today–you should have more.”

11:33 am

Chapter 67 The Tainted Broth

Margaret waved a hand. “Please, I’m not hungry.”

Finished

But Zoe was already transferring some of her pasta into Margaret’s bowl before settling happily with her

own.

The scent of herbs and broth filled the room, yet Theodore found he had no appetite. He narrowed his eyes. “More are coming.”

“More?” Margaret kept her voice down.

He gave a slight nod. “Another ten or more.”

That meant at least twenty people were now outside.

A weight settled in Margaret’s chest.

Across the table, Carol was still smiling warmly. “Miss, do eat something. You must be worn out after the night’s labors.”

Margaret nodded politely, though her thoughts raced–how could she keep everyone safe?

Theodore had taken a small spoonful of broth, but it was clear his mind was elsewhere. His free hand remained firmly wrapped around his sword hilt.

Not wishing to offend Carol, Margaret brought a spoonful to her own lips.

The moment the broth touched her tongue, she knew.

It had been tainted.

Her head snapped up, a cold dread creeping from her soles to her scalp.

Her eyes locked on Carol.

She stared straight into the woman’s kindly, smiling face.

Carol’s smile never wavered. “Does it not suit your taste? I should have added more greens. Then it wouldn’t be so plain.”

Margaret retrieved a linen handkerchief, dabbed her mouth, and discreetly spat the mouthful into the cloth.

“Carol,” she said evenly, “the wind sounds fierce tonight. Would you mind closing the door?”

Theodore frowned. “They’re right outside.”

But Margaret suddenly gripped his wrist. Her face had gone pale and severe.

Theodore seemed to sense the shift. He met her gaze, questioning.

She closed her eyes briefly, quietly retrieving a small pellet from her hidden pouch and pressing it silently into his palm.

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