Reborn I Refuse To Save The Traitors (Margaery) novel Chapter 116

116 /334

**Whispers Shape Distant Tomorrows by Aren Cole Vale**
**Chapter 116**

Sophia’s heart was a tempest of resentment as she contemplated the tangled relationship between Margaery and Dashnell. The air was thick with whispers, rumors swirling like autumn leaves, claiming that Margaery was not just jealous, but malicious and petty. Each word stung like a thorn, igniting a fire within Sophia.

*How can such a woman possibly ascend to become the matriarch of the Hadley family?* she seethed internally. *And how dare I allow my granddaughter-in-law to hold dominion over me? What kind of propriety is this?*

Her anger simmered just below the surface, yet the weight of Dominic’s earlier admonition loomed over her like a dark cloud. She was acutely aware of the delicate balance of family dynamics and the potential repercussions her actions could have on her descendants.

Alicia, sensing the turmoil within her mother, leaned closer and offered a gentle reassurance. “Mother, I can see how aggrieved you are by this whole situation.”

Sophia huffed, a dismissive sound that belied the softness creeping into her tone.

With her anger easing, Sophia began to mentally prepare for the encounter with Margaery the following day. *No matter my true feelings,* she resolved, *I must don a flawless facade. After all, we’ve come this far.*

Yvette, observing the exchange, chimed in with a reluctant promise. “Since everyone seems to hold Margaery in such high regard, and as her aunt, I will do my best not to complicate things for her tomorrow.”

Yet beneath her words lay an undeniable conviction: Margaery was simply unworthy of Dominic.

In her mind, Tessa was a far better match. Tessa, with her gentle demeanor and docility, would never overshadow Dominic.

A sigh escaped Yvette’s lips as she thought of Dominic’s plight. “It’s just so pitiful for him. After finally reaching adulthood, he finds himself bound to a woman he cannot afford to offend.”

Margaery, the so-called Star of Fortune, was a figure that demanded reverence and admiration, making it impossible for anyone to voice dissent. The very thought of it was maddening.

*And how am I supposed to embrace the role of mother-in-law to someone like Margaery?* Yvette mused, rolling her eyes dramatically.

“Yvette, you really need to broaden your perspective,” Alicia interjected, her gaze steady. “If Nathaniel, Callum, or any of the other princes take the throne, we’ll have not just one Star of Fortune hovering above us, but a sword of uncertainty as well.”

With each new ruler came a fresh set of ministers, and with them, the ever-present threat of downfall.

Yvette, no fool, fell silent under the weight of Alicia’s words.

*If Margaery proves to be too challenging,* she thought, *I can always deal with her once Marcus ascends the throne.*

Tristan, the voice of reason, finally spoke up, his tone decisive. “Tomorrow’s birthday celebration is important, but winning Margaery over is paramount. Everyone must remain vigilant. Any misstep could bring dire consequences.”

With that, the atmosphere shifted, and everyone sprang into action.

Before dawn even broke, they meticulously reviewed every conceivable scenario to ensure that nothing would go awry.

The next day dawned bright and sunny, yet a biting chill hung in the air.

Margaery stirred early, feeling the anticipation of the day ahead.

But Raul had risen even earlier, his eagerness propelling him into her room at the slightest sound.

“Margaery, you’re awake? I had someone prepare a new wardrobe for you. Today is Lady Sophia’s birthday celebration, and you cannot afford to be as casual as you were before, simply donning rough garments and stepping out.”

As he spoke, he laid out an array of sumptuous brocade garments on the table, accompanied by an assortment of sparkling jewelry. “Remember, the Hadley family are your future in-laws. If you make a good impression today, your life after marrying into their family will be significantly easier.”

Margaery turned her gaze toward him, her expression unreadable.

Raul’s face was plastered with a sycophantic smile, the corners of his mouth crinkling with forced cheerfulness.

Had Amber not overheard their conversation the previous night, it would have been hard to reconcile this smiling man with the one who had disparaged her as a “bastard” and a “little wretch.”

*It’s almost amusing,* Margaery thought, *that today the esteemed Lord Chancellor is here, groveling before someone he once deemed beneath him. He must feel so humiliated.*

She couldn’t help but smirk inwardly as she glanced at the garments laid before her, her resolve firm.

“True beauty comes from within,” she declared, her voice steady. “If the Hadley family desires to marry a mere shell, then they need not look to me. I refuse to be part of that.”

“If they wish to marry me, what significance do my clothes hold? Are they hoping to wed the fabric itself? If that’s the case, they’d be better off sending these garments as a gift.”