Reborn I Refuse To Save The Traitors (Margaery) novel Chapter 15

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

**Chapter 15**

“Unbelievable!” Dominic’s anger surged like a tempest, his fist colliding with the rough bark of a nearby pine tree, the impact jarring but hardly registering against the backdrop of his wounded pride.

He was consumed by a whirlwind of emotions, the sting of betrayal far more painful than the physical ache in his knuckles.

Margaery, however, paid him no mind. She swiftly consumed her meal, the food barely touching her tongue as she sipped her tonic, her thoughts already drifting to the city’s outskirts in search of her mentor.

When Avery arrived at Gracewind Garden, he found the place desolate, its once vibrant halls echoing with a silence that felt as heavy as a broken promise.

“Where’s Margaery?” Avery inquired, his voice tinged with urgency as he turned to Dominic, who was still simmering with resentment. “I need her assistance!”

Dominic’s scowl deepened, a storm cloud gathering over his features. “You’d have better luck coaxing a stray dog than getting anything from her. She stood there, looking down her nose at us, declaring that Gracewind Garden is no sanctuary for scoundrels or cowards. She’s ridiculing us both!”

Avery winced, his fingers brushing against the bruised skin of his cheek, still tender from Craig’s earlier blow. He had not been Craig’s intended target—not at first, anyway.

Yet Dominic’s words cut deeper than any physical pain, igniting a sense of shame that coiled tightly in his chest. “How can she be so heartless? Tessa’s condition won’t wait for anyone!”

The image of Tessa’s pale face, slick with sweat and contorted in agony, tore painfully at Avery’s heartstrings.

Dominic’s expression softened slightly, but his voice remained somber. “If we have no other options, we must seek Nolan’s help. But he’s ancient, and even the queen’s attendants seldom sway him. Only the king holds any influence over him.”

“We’ll have to try,” Avery replied, dread weighing heavily in his tone.

Nolan, the royal healer to the old king and now the king’s own physician, was notoriously difficult to reach.

But for Tessa, he had no alternative. “I’ll head to the Royal Medical Hall immediately.”

On Westview Street, the air was crisp and biting as Margaery entered Craig’s cozy cottage, the warmth enveloping her like a comforting embrace.

“You’re early, lass,” Craig remarked, his weathered face breaking into a grin as he noticed her presence. “I was expecting you in two days.”

“Craig, I’ve absorbed everything from your last lessons,” Margaery replied earnestly, her eyes alight with eagerness. “I’m hungry for more knowledge, so I came ahead of schedule. Please, teach me.” She sank into a polite curtsy, her head bowed in respect.

“Mercy, girl!” Craig exclaimed, leaping to his feet in alarm. “What’s with this grand bow?”

“I caused you trouble last night,” Margaery said, rising with a shy smile. “I came to learn and to express my apologies.”

Chuckling, Craig tugged at his beard. “Trouble? Just a couple of pesky rats. A good thrashing sorted them out.” His tone shifted to seriousness. “You should’ve come to me sooner, lass.”

Margaery blinked, confusion knitting her brows together. “What do you mean?”

A voice, smooth as moonlight glistening on fresh snow, emerged from the shadows. “He means you should have sought his assistance before enduring the Wallen family’s cruelty.”

Margaery turned abruptly, her breath hitching in her throat. Dashnell glided forward in his wheelchair, its wheels tracing delicate paths through the snow-dusted floor.

He exuded an air of quiet elegance, like a winter prince draped in frost, both commanding and serene at once.

“Your Highness,” Margaery said, performing a deep curtsy. “What brings you here?”

Her gaze flickered to Craig, her curiosity piqued. If a prince graced this humble abode with his presence, it must be a place of significance.

In a past life, her heart had been too ensnared in the Wallens’ schemes to truly understand Craig. Now, a sense of wonder blossomed within her.

Dashnell’s lips curled into a faint smile. “I came for medicine,” he replied. “I didn’t anticipate finding you here, Lady Margaery.” His gaze softened, and she found herself momentarily lost for words.

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