Reborn I Refuse To Save The Traitors (Margaery) novel Chapter 146

**TITLE: Whispers Shape Distant Tomorrows by Aren Cole Vale**
**Chapter 146**

Dashnell let out a derisive snort, his gaze piercing through Marcus with a mix of disdain and disbelief. “Marcus,” he began, his tone dripping with sarcasm, “if you’re going to spin a tale, at least make sure your facts align. On that day, Quinn was knee-deep in an investigation concerning Titan, and the entire area was under the watchful eyes of the Inquisition Court. So, tell me, where exactly were you during all this chaos?”

“I…” Marcus stammered, his face paling as he realized he had no solid alibi. The truth was, he had been nowhere near Pero Celaon that fateful day.

Both he and Alicia were ensnared in a web of deceit, each lying to protect their own interests.

Alicia’s brow furrowed as she processed Dashnell’s words, the weight of their implications pressing heavily upon her. If Quinn were to be summoned, their carefully constructed lies would unravel, exposing them both to the harsh light of truth.

For a brief moment, silence fell over the room, a tense stillness where no one dared to speak.

Bernard, ever the opportunist, chuckled lightly, a glint of mischief in his eyes. “You know,” he said, casually leaning back, “I happened to install solar-powered surveillance near Pero Cela. Why don’t we dig up the footage and see if Marcus made an appearance there on that day?”

His words hung in the air, met with confusion. No one quite grasped the concept of solar-powered surveillance, but the confidence in his voice sent a ripple of unease through the group.

With a determined roll of his wheelchair, Dashnell positioned himself directly in front of Margaery. “It was I who took Margaery away that day,” he declared, his voice steady and resolute. “I will ensure Father is informed of this matter.”

Margaery turned her head to meet Dashnell’s gaze, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. She had not anticipated his willingness to step forward and claim responsibility so boldly. A rush of emotions surged within her, and for the first time, she felt a flicker of safety amidst the chaos.

Dashnell stood protectively in front of her, his eyes narrowing as he fixed Marcus with a steely glare. “Both High Priest Simon Browning and Inquisition Court’s Quinn can attest to what I’ve said. Now, Marcus, do you have anything else to add?”

Marcus, refusing to back down, shot back defiantly, “And what of it? My feelings for Margaery remain unchanged!”

“It does matter,” Margaery interjected, her voice gaining strength.

With Dashnell’s support bolstering her confidence, Margaery turned her full attention to Marcus. “On that day, I was drugged. After I returned to the carriage, I ended up tearing Dashnell’s clothes. The one truly exposed was Prince Dashnell.”

She took a step closer, her hand resting gently on Dashnell’s shoulder, her cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and resolve. “And since I have tarnished his innocence, I must take responsibility for him!”

This was the first time she had openly expressed her feelings to Dashnell, and the weight of her confession hung in the air, charged with emotion.

Marcus’s face contorted with fury. “Why didn’t you mention this sooner?” he spat, his anger boiling over. He felt humiliated, reduced to a foolish jester in this unfolding drama.

Margaery, her voice steady and unwavering, replied, “There was no need for explanations between Dashnell and me. But who would have thought Prince Marcus could be so shameless, spouting nonsense before everyone?”

“You…” Marcus’s rage flared, his fists clenching at his sides.

In an impulsive act of desperation, he raised his hand, intent on striking her. But Dashnell was quicker, positioning himself as a barrier between them.

With barely a flick of his wrist, Marcus found himself propelled backward, crashing to the ground as if a powerful gust had swept him away. The sound of his impact echoed through the room, and Dashnell’s voice cut through the silence, cold and commanding. “I warned you, anyone who dares to bully her today will face the consequences.”

Marcus, gasping for breath, spat blood onto the floor, his body crumpled and defeated. His eyes widened in shock as he stared at Dashnell, disbelief etched across his features. “You dare lay a hand on me?”

In that moment, Marcus’s mind raced with confusion. ‘When did he acquire such skills? How did he become so formidable?’

Dashnell, maintaining an air of calm, replied, “You can certainly try, Marcus.”

Despite sitting in a wheelchair, Dashnell exuded an aura of authority that commanded the room, rendering everyone else insignificant in his presence.

Alicia, sensing the escalating tension, took a hesitant step forward to help Marcus up. “Prince Dashnell, you certainly concealed your abilities well!” she remarked, her voice laced with a mix of admiration and apprehension.

Supporting Marcus, she quickly ushered him away, avoiding any eye contact with Sophia. The events had spiraled into utter disgrace, and if the King were to learn of this debacle, they would undoubtedly bear the brunt of his wrath. Their focus now had to shift to strategizing their next moves, distancing themselves from Dashnell’s influence.

Alicia felt a wave of humiliation wash over her; she could not endure any more of this disgrace.

*****

Once Marcus had departed, Dashnell’s attention shifted to Tessa, his expression serious. “Lady Tessa, I have mentioned before that I require one of your eyes.”

Before his ominous words could fully settle, the coffee cup in Tessa’s hands shattered, the porcelain shards flying towards her in a deadly spray.

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