Reborn I Refuse To Save The Traitors (Margaery) novel Chapter 126

126 /334

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

The atmosphere in the room was thick with unspoken tension, the kind that hinted at Margaery’s impending marriage, a union that seemed to seal her fate away from Dashnell. They were destined to remain mere shadows, felon disciples of a game far beyond their control.

Bownes, however, was not ready to concede defeat. His ambition to win Dashnell over still simmered beneath the surface. With a quick shift in topic, he declared, “From this moment forth, as Margaery’s scot, you are also my senior.” His voice carried a sense of authority, yet there was an underlying plea for camaraderie.

Dashnell regarded him with a bemused expression, a flicker of mockery dancing in his eyes. Who’s given you the audacity to think you can associate with me? he mused inwardly, his thoughts swirling with skepticism.

Before he could voice his retort, a boisterous laugh erupted from outside the door, cutting through the tension like a knife. “Dominic, are you familiar with the adage that success thrives on secrecy?” The voice belonged to Bernard, who, clad in vibrant purple and a flamboyant hue of bhur, swaggered into the room with an exaggerated flourish, bowing slightly to the assembled guests.

His posture was far from dignified; he had made a hasty gesture at his chest, displaying a complete disregard for decorum. Yet, there was an undeniable charisma in his reckless abandon. As he settled himself on the opposite side of Margaery, crossing his legs with a nonchalance that bordered on arrogance, he seemed to command attention without even trying.

To Margaery’s left sat Bushnell, noble and composed, while to her right was Bernard, flamboyant and unrestrained. Their contrasting presences created an electric atmosphere, as if they were two sides of a coin, each pushing against the other in a delicate balance.

Dominic, struggling to maintain his composure amidst the chaos, shot a questioning glance at Bernard. “What do you mean by this, Bernard? Are you suggesting there’s a chance the marriage between Lady Margaery and Lord Dashnell could be in jeopardy?” His voice was strained, a mix of incredulity and irritation.

Laughter erupted among the guests, a cacophony of amusement that only fueled Bernard’s bravado. “According to your calculations, is there really a possibility of that happening?” he teased, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

Sophia, clearly incensed by the banter, slammed her hands on the table, interrupting Bernard with a fierce glare. “Bernard, enough of your nonsense! The union between Margaery and my grandson is a matter of parental arrangement; it is set in stone!” Her voice was sharp, cutting through the laughter like a blade.

“If you’re here to celebrate my birthday, then kindly refrain from spreading such ill-fated talk! If not, I suggest you leave this gathering at once!” Her words hung in the air, heavy with authority.

“Bernard,” Bushnell interjected, his tone equally displeased. “Today is my mother’s birthday party, and you were not invited. Why do you persist in causing trouble?” His disdainful glance at Margaery was not lost on anyone. He couldn’t fathom her audacity to entertain Dashnell, and now, this spectacle with Bernard was downright embarrassing. It was a shameful display, he thought bitterly.

The Hadley family’s disapproval of Margaery seemed to deepen with each passing moment. Margaery, feeling the weight of their judgment, cast a sidelong glance at Bernard, her thoughts racing. Why did you choose to show up here, of all places? Surely, you can’t be here just for the festivities.

Bernard, seemingly unaware of the tension he had stirred, turned his attention to Dashnell. “I’m here under orders to discuss matters that concern Prince Dashnell,” he stated, his tone shifting to one of seriousness.

Dashnell felt a wave of pressure wash over him. He had intended to expose Bernard’s motives, yet the atmosphere of the birthday celebration was fragile, and he sensed that any misstep could lead to chaos. With a reluctant nod, he conceded, “He’s with me.”

The dynamics shifted, and Bernard, who had always been an outsider to the Hadley family, now found himself entangled in a web of intrigue. Dashnell raised an eyebrow at Seamus, silently questioning if there were any other inquiries.

Seamus, his face flushed with anger, directed his ire at Dashnell. “Triner Dashnell, may I inquire what brings the Hadley family here today?” His voice was laced with suspicion, as he recalled the last encounter where Bernard had openly supported Margaery.

He had not forgotten how Bernard had insisted on his affection for her, and it left him uneasy. Quinn, too, had sent someone to investigate, and it was likely that their motives were linked to Prince Dashnell. They had always harbored ulterior motives toward Margaery, he thought, his mind racing with possibilities.