Reborn I Refuse To Save The Traitors (Margaery) novel Chapter 11

**Whispers Shape Distant Tomorrows by Aren Cole Vale**

The recollection of the remedy gnawed at Avery’s conscience, an unwelcome reminder that left a flush of shame spreading across his cheeks. To mask his discomfort, he feigned indignation, his voice rising in mock outrage. “These servants! They lack all sense of decency! Stinting, your cok! I’ll have them—”

With a firm grip, he seized Dominic’s arm and strode purposefully out of the room, his mind racing with thoughts of their sister, Margaery.

Margaery, who had been a constant presence in their lives, sighed with relief as she bolted the door behind them, a small act of security in an otherwise chaotic world. Yet, as she cast a wary glance back at Avery, her eyes were sharp, as if to ward off an impending curse. A bitter pang twisted in Avery’s heart, heavy with the weight of guilt that threatened to consume him.

“Amidst all this chaos surrounding Tessa, we’ve neglected Margaery,” he lamented, his voice barely above a whisper. “Winter’s been merciless for weeks, and not once have we sent her coals. How has she managed to endure this bitter chill?”

“Everyone else has had fires for forty days,” he muttered, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. “She’s been at our throats daily, and I think she’s taken to picking fights with Tessa just for sport.”

“But—”

He hesitated, grappling with the realization that he had overlooked something so crucial. He couldn’t bring himself to admit that he had taken her remedy and done nothing. Instead, he grumbled, “That girl is far too proud. No coals in her room, and yet she never uttered a word!”

Then it hit him like a cold wave—Margaery had endured forty days in the icy halls of Gracewind, shivering through nights that seemed endless. She had knelt in the snow for a day and a night, only to be locked away in the woodshed. Avery felt like a wretched fool, the weight of his neglect pressing down on him.

Once, Margaery had been their dearest sister, the heart of their family. How had it come to this? he thought bitterly, his mind churning with guilt and regret. He had intended to ask Margaery for her help in reconciling with Russell and to share the remedy for Tessa, but the words remained lodged in his throat, unspoken.

Dominic frowned, his brow furrowing with concern. “The servants need a firm hand. If we don’t deliver those coals today, we have no right to ask for the remedy.”

Avery rubbed his brow in frustration, feeling the weight of responsibility settle heavily on his shoulders. “Yes, Tessa’s illness won’t wait. Let’s sort the coals first, then we can figure out the rest.”

They stormed to the storeroom, their anger palpable as they scolded the steward soundly, demanding that coals be prepared at once.

Dominic lingered at the door, his expression clouded with worry. “We’ll wait to ask for the remedy until we have the coals ready,” he said, his voice low.

Avery nodded, urgency in his tone. “Yes, we’ll bring the coals soon. Poor Tessa—can she wait another half hour?”

Truth be told, he yearned to plead with Margaery for the remedy, but his pride held him back, a stubborn barrier that kept him from reaching out.

—

**Chapter 11**

Avery had always known Margaery to be generous with her remedies, offering them freely to those in need. In the past, a few days of his coldness would have prompted her to come to him with gifts, eager to win back his favor.

But Tessa’s illness was not something that could afford to wait. They would bide their time until the coals were ready, but Avery’s heart was heavy with worry.

He glanced at Dominic, determination flickering in his eyes. “Let’s check on Tessa. She must be heartsick, waiting for us.”

Dominic nodded solemnly. “She’s not like Margaery. Tessa has known such hardship. To return home to neglect—it’s too much for any heart to bear.”

They hurried to Tessa’s room, the air thick with unspoken fears. Avery stood by her bedside, guilt etched into every line of his face. “Tessa, dear, there’s a slight delay tonight. Just a half hour more, and I promise I’ll fetch your remedy.”

“Thank you, brother,” Tessa whispered, her voice frail yet kind, a gentle light in the midst of her suffering.

Her hands clutched the quilts tightly, though she forced a fragile smile. “It’s so cold. You and Dominic have worked so hard. Please, rest. I’ll be fine.”

Her brave words masked the pain that creased her brow, and she pressed a trembling hand to her stomach, as if struggling to conceal her discomfort.

“How can we rest when you’re like this?” Dominic’s voice cracked with emotion. “Tonight, I’ll stay with you.”

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