Said No to the Prince and Yes to the King novel Chapter 79

Finished

The magistrate acted as though he had not heard a thing. He simply issued the order. “Guards, seize those two outlaws first. As for the young women–they are clearly frightened. Have them escorted back to their families.”

Theodore’s fist tightened. “How cruel. How can you call yourself a magistrate of the people?”

A smug look settled on the official’s face. “Who are you to question me?”

With that, he mounted his horse once more. “Even if you truly were Prince Theodore–which you are not -you came here alone and slew a great many innocent common folk. No matter how you justify it, even a prince would have to answer for such acts. Do not forget–the law binds everyone, the king included. The mere fact that you have killed so many villagers is enough for me to condemn you.”

“What arrogance!” Margaret snapped, her voice trembling with anger. “You are meant to protect the people, yet not only do you fail in your duty–you side with criminals. You even dare show disrespect toward Prince Theodore. That is a crime punishable by the complete destruction of your house.”

“Heh. Destroy my house? The two of you?” The magistrate waved a dismissive hand. “You are truly lost in this charade of yours.”

The village leader spoke up, a satisfied grin on his face. “The magistrate sees clearly. You are the most honorable official we could ask for. Everyone in this village can attest to that.”

Lifting his chin, the magistrate called out, “What are you waiting for? Take them.”

Several guards started forward.

Theodore raised his blade. “You leave me no choice.”

A single swing, and the two nearest guards crumpled to the ground.

Blood sprayed across the dirt. The village leader and the others staggered back several paces.

The magistrate’s eyes widened. “You reckless thief–how dare

you

resist?”

The remaining guards had not expected Theodore to fight back. They drew their swords and quickly encircled him and Margaret.

The women nearby grew frantic and tried to rush to their aid, but before they could draw near, a crowd of villagers blocked their path.

Even Amber was shoved in among them. A dozen or so women were pushed to the side, forced to watch from a distance as the guards closed in around Theodore and Margaret.

Helpless and anxious, they cried out, “Your Honor, they are innocent!”

“Stop shouting–can’t you see? The magistrate is with them!”

“Let us go! You are in league with bandits and corrupt officials–you will die wretched deaths!”

11:35 am

Chapter 79 Defiance

Their shouts and curses went ignored.

Finished

Margaret was already exhausted. Secing the guards closing in, she instinctively reached for Theodore’s sleeve.

For now, only about twenty guards surrounded them–but who knew how many the magistrate had brought?

And besides that, the whole street was packed. At least a hundred able–bodied villagers stood staring, their eyes hungry.

If it came to a fight, even if they could escape, the cost would be great.

Neither of them had slept in a full day and night. Theodore, too, was clearly wearing thin.

Just as panic began to grip her, Theodore gently took her hand.

Margaret startled, glancing at him in confusion.

But he only held her hand firmly and asked, “Shall we go?”

His eyes were heavy with weariness.

Margaret understood. He was tired–but he still had strength enough to flee.

If she said yes, Theodore could still take her away.

They could return later.

Next time, they would bring their own men and settle this cleanly.

Yet Margaret remained silent a long moment.

Not far off, she could see the village leader speaking cheerfully with the magistrate.

“This affair has grown too loud. What you promised earlier will hardly cover the trouble.”

“I understand. This year’s levy–I’ll add another thirty percent.”

“Even with your men spread about, so many died–including two guards. That is not easily swept “We can take those two back, stage a public execution. That will quiet the people.”

aside.”

The village leader gave a nasty grin. “And those worthless girls—after all this, they won’t fetch much anyway. I’ll pick out the prettiest ones in a while. Heh heh heh.”

The magistrate curled his lip. “As usual. Have them chained and sent to my estate later.”

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