Said No to the Prince and Yes to the King novel Chapter 76

Chapter 76 Revealing Their Identities

Finished

“You heard what they named you. They see you as chattel–‘worthless daughters, they whisper. They speak of family, yet all they desire is to mold you into comely, sturdy young women. Only then will you fetch a handsome price.

“Their kindness was never genuine. It was always conditional, rooted in your worth. Had you possessed none, you would have been treated no better than a hound chained at the gate.

“I feel your sorrow. I sense the ache within you. But despair not–you still have choices. And I will not pretend to some lofty virtue. Let me speak plainly: I am the second daughter of the Prime Minister. And the man beside me is none other than the renowned Prince Theodore.”

A ripple of murmurs spread through the crowd.

The men eyed Margaret with open scorn, as though she were spouting foolishness.

Yet the women wept freely, tears tracing paths down their cheeks.

Ignoring the jeers, Margaret spoke slowly, each word measured and clear. “It is no sin to be born a daughter. No fault lies in being a woman. Nor are you to blame for being betrayed by your own kin. The failing was never yours–never in your nature as women.”

By then, the sun had risen.

Its early light fell softly upon the gathering.

Margaret stood illumined, her gaze steady, kindled with a quiet fire.

Theodore found himself watching her. She seemed to glow brighter than the dawn itself.

But her eyes rested on the weeping women, filled with compassion, as she asked, one question after another. “Do you truly believe yourselves a burden?

“Are you content to be sold off to some distant, unknown fate?

“Do you mean to spend your entire lives repaying a debt for this so–called upbringing?

One after another, the questions hung in the air. The women sobbed too hard to reply.

Even those standing at the rear wiped their eyes, overcome.

A wave of grief passed through them. Before any could answer, the village leader grew agitated.

“Have you finished your foolish speech?”

At his signal, a large group of men stepped forward, encircling Margaret and Theodore.

The leader’s eye twitched. “I intended to let you leave alive. But it seems you dig your own grave.”

Margaret’s brow furrowed. In one swift motion, a set of slender silver needles appeared in her hands. “It is you who dig graves today.”

11:35 am

Chapter 76 Revealing Their Identities

Finished

The leader snorted, disdain etching his features.

“You refuse the branch of peace, so you shall taste the sword. So be it.”

He motioned curtly. “Beat them down. Leave their bodies in the paupers‘ field.”

No sooner were the words spoken than dozens of men advanced, armed with cudgels and farming tools.

Then the women broke.

“No! Please–do not kill them! They are good people!”

“Spare them, I beg you! Do no harm!”

Lisa fell to her knees. “Please, they only meant to save us. Do not take their lives. We will not flee. We will not go with them.”

But the leader did not even glance their way.

Forty or fifty men closed in, weapons swinging wildly. From a distance, one could see splashes of crimson staining the air.

All the women knelt t now, weeping and pleading for the violence to cease.

No one heeded them. Not a soul listened.

Margaret and Theodore were completely engulfed by the throng. No escape remained.

The women could not see what transpired within–only the occasional spray of blood, which left them weak with dread.

This was not right.

How could good hearts meet such cruelty?

These two had come to rescue them.

How could they stand by and watch them perish?

The agony was unbearable.

Yet none cared what the women felt.

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