Said No to the Prince and Yes to the King novel Chapter 89

Chapter 89 The Journey Back

Almost immediately, screams and weeping began to rise from within the village.

Pinished

A number of women who had been hiding inside their cottages, hastily gathering their belongings, now peered out through doorways and shuttered windows. At the sight unfolding in the muddy lane, every one of them froze, eyes wide with disbelief.

Theodore looked utterly weary. “Search every settlement within a day’s ride. Not a single slaver is to escape. The people must be able to live without fear. I will not tolerate such brutality here again.”

His voice was heavy with exhaustion, yet it still carried the weight of command.

Just then, Margaret, who had been standing silently beside him, suddenly went limp and crumpled forward.

In an instant. Cyan moved to catch her, “Miss!”

Theodore’s brow furrowed. “We return to Breston.”

*

“At once. Your Highness.”

Cyan began to guide her toward the waiting carriage, but before he could assist her inside, Theodore stepped forward and gathered Margaret into his arms himself.

Cyan stared, astonished.

“We leave now.”

Theodore’s tone was sharp, leaving no room for question. Without another word, he carried Margaret to his own personal coach–a vehicle no woman had ever been permitted to enter.

For a long moment, Cyan could only stand there, stunned, before collecting himself and mounting his horse to follow.

What could have passed between them during that day and night?

Why did it seem that in just one span of darkness, Theodore’s manner toward Margaret had shifted so completely?

Not only had he lifted her himself, but he had also taken her into his own carriage–a thing unheard of

With Margaret unconscious and urgency hanging over them, the company quickly ceased their efforts in the village and prepared to depart.

Inside the carriage, Theodore’s voice was low and tense. “Make haste.”

The driver urged the horses faster. Cyan rode close beside, his expression grave.

Theodore spoke again, without lifting the curtain. “Is Baxter with the party?”

Cyan answered respectfully, “He is, Your Highness. He rides toward the rear-”

11:39 am

Chapter 89 The Journey Back

Finished

“Send him ahead at full gallop. I want Dr. Nelson from the royal court waiting in my chambers before I return to the palace.”

Cyan dipped his head. “By your command.”

He gestured behind him, and a young man of perhaps eighteen years nudged his horse forward. After receiving Cyan’s orders, he set off at a rapid pace, soon disappearing ahead down the forest road.

Yet Cyan’s concern only deepened. “Your Highness, Dr. Nelson only attends to royal-”

“Tell him I am wounded. Speak of it to no one else.”

“Understood.”

Cyan’s reply was quiet, almost lost beneath the rhythm of hooves and wheels.

As the carriage raced on, Cyan’s face remained troubled. “Your Highness, your own injuries look grave. Last night’s storm came without warning–thunder and lightning everywhere. I failed to remain at your side, I deserve any punishment you see fit.”

He hesitated, then continued, “Yesterday, when we first noticed we were being followed, I attempted to pursue the shadow trailing us. But whoever it was moved like a ghost through the trees. I… I lost them. By the time I turned back, several of our guards posted in the darkness were already dead or wounded. That was when I realized it had been a ruse to draw me away. And when I went to find you… you were gone.

“The whole way here, we faced delay after delay. Ambushers struck more than once–the same breed of killers we met on the mountain pass that day. Those we took alive bit off their own tongues before they could be questioned. We still do not know who sent them. I have failed you.”

When no reply came from within the coach, Cyan pressed on with his report. “So many attempts were made to keep us from reaching you. These hills are vast and wild. In the end, I had no choice but to turn back and gather more men. I thought… if we showed greater strength, those hiding in the shadows might think twice before striking. And it proved true. Once I returned with a larger company, the attacks grew fewer.

“And I knew the assassins were also searching for you. It drove me near to madness. Fortunately, the local magistrate we met this morning pointed me this way by chance. But I still do not understand what happened in that village. All those dead… they were simple villagers, were they not?”

The carriage remained silent.

Cyan ventured carefully, “So many dead commoners… word may reach the King.”

“I will inform my brother myself.”

Theodore’s voice finally came again, strained but clear. He asked, “How many men did you bring?”

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