Said No to the Prince and Yes to the King novel Chapter 72

Chapter 72 The Village Turns

Finished

The sound of footsteps, one after another, reached her ears, accompanied by a restless murmur of voices. It seemed as though the entire village had stirred from sleep.

Even without the heightened senses inner power might have granted, Margaret could feel that something was amiss.

“Has the whole village awakened?” she whispered.

Theodore did not answer. His expression was unreadable, a complex mix of emotions she couldn’t decipher.

Seeing his face, Margaret fell silent as well.

Then, one of the four rescued women spoke up–the one in the faded rose–colored gown, who seemed bolder than the others. “The girls returned a while ago. It’s only natural the villagers were roused. They’re likely out searching for the bandits. We should go to them and explain that the outlaws are already dead…” The other three women glanced at one another uncertainly before turning their eyes toward Margaret.

But Margaret was watching Theodore. “What should we do?”

“It’s your choice.”

He landed softly in front of her and said, slowly and clearly, “We can withdraw now, or we can go out to the

street.”

Margaret hesitated. “What is happening on the street?”

Theodore remained silent.

Gripping her hands into fists, Margaret took a steadying breath. “It doesn’t sound promising. But that girl, Amber, went to notify the town guard. They should arrive soon. Dawn is not far off. These are just villagers… perhaps we should face them.”

Theodore gave a slight nod. “There are many bodies here. They ought to be dealt with properly.”

With that decision made, they finally stepped out of the narrow alley and onto the main lane.

The sky had begun to pale toward morning.

The cramped street was bright with torchlight. As they emerged from the alleyway, they could see clusters of flame dotted throughout the lane–villagers, mostly men, young and old, each holding a torch.

The flickering light illuminated nearly the entire street, and glinted off the tools in their hands. Some carried hammers or wood axes, some held hayforks or staves, and a few even gripped hunting knives or short swords…

Their expressions were hard and grim. Behind them trailed a group of women, pale–faced and downcast, their hands bound behind their backs–the very women Margaret had just freed.

11:34 am

Chapter 72 The Village Turns

Finished

What felt strange was that among the two or three hundred people gathered, fewer than a third were women. And though the villagers had clearly noticed Margaret and Theodore, their dark, somber expressions did not change.

They looked like ghosts–lifeless, drained of all vitality.

As soon as the four women who had followed Margaret stepped into the street, they hurried toward the crowd.

The woman in the rose gown, leading the way, waved her arms and called out, “Thank the heavens! You’re all awake! We’re safe!”

“The bandits came to the village! They took so many of us, but they’ve been defeated-”

“That’s right! We all saw it. Those men deserved their fate. Good neighbors, please help us tend to the dead.”

“Yes! These two brave souls slew the bandits and saved us. We can vouch for them!”

It was clear the four women were overwhelmed with relief. After being trapped so long, the sight of their fellow villagers sent them rushing forward.

Yet no matter how eagerly they spoke, the faces of the crowd remained shadowed and severe.

They stared at Margaret and Theodore with hostility, their eyes sharp and unwelcoming.

Then, without warning, a dozen or so villagers moved forward and seized the four women, silencing them roughly.

The women began to struggle in panic, crying out in protest.

“Why are you holding us? We are the victims!”

“The bandits were at Old Carol’s cottage! We’ve done nothing wrong-

“Enough!”

A sharp voice cut through the noise, and a stern–faced man of middle years stepped slowly from the crowd.

His features were dark. “One more word from any of you,” he said coldly, “and I’ll have your tongue cut

out.”

At that, the women fell silent at last.

Only then did they notice that the other rescued women standing behind the villagers also had their wrists bound, and every one of them wore a look of profound sorrow.

What was happening?

Weren’t these women from this village?

Weren’t these villagers their own kin and neighbors?

11:34 am

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