Said No to the Prince and Yes to the King novel Chapter 86

Chapter 86 Departure

Finished

They had already lingered too long. Every moment spent here was a risk they could no longer afford.

Margaret sighed, looking at the two women standing nearby with their resolute expressions. “Very well. There’s no time to stand here debating. I can see you won’t be swayed, no matter what I say. Do this, then -get as many people away from this place as you can. For those who cannot leave… we will return for them as soon as possible.”

Lisa wrung her hands, her voice tight with worry. “Miss, please… don’t come back. We know your inter tions are good, and we’ve seen you are capable, but no one can stand against the magistrate and his men forever. Julie and I are staying by our own choice. We don’t expect to be saved.”

Julie nodded firmly. “She’s right. You must both leave now. I’ll go to the village leader’s house–he keeps a cart. That should speed your journey.”

Without another word, she turned and hurried off down the lane, clearly intent on fetching the cart.

Meanwhile, the street was growing emptier by the minute. Those who remained rushed about in a frantic blur, gathering what little they could carry before fleeing into the surrounding woods.

After a moment’s search through the folds of her worn apron, Lisa pulled out two small oatcakes, hardened from keeping, and pressed them into Margarer’s hands.

“The road to Breston is long,” she said quietly. “It’s not much, but it will keep your strength up. And from now on… avoid these remote villages. They bring nothing but trouble.”

She paused, glancing toward the distant road. “The magistrate’s residence is hours away. With time to rouse his guards… you may still have a chance to get clear. Don’t push the horse too hard, but don’t look back either. Do you hear me?”

Margaret looked down at the humble oatcakes, a swell of helpless gratitude tightening her throat.

But Theodore’s breathing had grown shallow, his pulse faint beneath her fingers. She gave a curt nod and helped him settle against a low stone wall by the roadside.

Reaching into the inner fold of her riding habit, she withdrew a small vial–from her own private stores, in truth.

“Take this first,” she said, uncorking it. “Once Julie returns with the cart, I’ll take you straight back to Breston.”

Theodore studied her for a long moment, his gaze lingering. “You seem to carry an entire apothecary’s shop in your garments.”

Every time she reached into her dress, out came some new remedy–a tonic, a salve, or in earlier days. handfuls of those sharp silver needles. Even through layers of wool and linen, how could she conceal so much?

Margaret ignored his questioning look. “Just drink it.”

He obeyed, swallowing the bitter draught in one go, though his eyes remained fixed on her in silent

1/3

11:38 am

Chapter 85 Departure

curiosity.

Pinished

Unsettled by his attention, and wary of revealing too much, Margaret spoke briskly. “I have never been one to travel unprepared. Common remedies are sensible to carry. As for the needles… those were for your treatment earlier. And do you remember the serpents we caught in the marshes? I rendered their venom and treated the needles with it. It seemed… prudent to be ready.”

Theodore opened his mouth to reply, but just then, Julie’s voice called out from behind them.

“Miss! The cart is ready! Take this lane straight east out of the village, then keep to the king’s road through the woodlands. By nightfall you should reach Breston.”

Margaret nodded and helped Theodore into the simple wooden cart, its boards worn smooth by use. Yet before she climbed up beside him, she leaned out once more.

“Are you certain you will not come? Staying here is a terrible risk.”

Julie’s expression did not waver. “Our minds are made up. You must go now–and do not trouble yourself over us. Nearly everyone has fled. Only a handful of us remain. We will be fine.”

Margaret scanned the street. Aside from Julie and Lisa, she saw perhaps four or five other young women, all standing pale and tense but with the same stubborn set to their jaws.

The rest of the villagers had either scattered into the fields or barricaded themselves inside their cottages.

She tried once more, her voice low and urgent. “Come with us. Please. I can protect you.”

Again, Julie shook her head, even taking a step backward toward the empty village square. “You have a kind heart, my lady. But you must go now!

“I truly am the daughter of the Prime Minister. You can trust me.”

Exhaustion weighted Margaret’s words. Her body ached with the strain of the last few days, and her mind felt frayed at the edges.

But Julie only continued to retreat, her voice rising. “Go! Now!”

Lisa clutched at her own sleeves, her words tumbling out in a rush. “Every moment you delay puts all of you in danger! Please!”

Margaret clenched her hands. For a wild moment, she considered using a sleeping draught to render them senseless and carry them off in the cart. If they stayed… she was not sure they would survive until she

could return.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify