Reborn I Refuse To Save The Traitors (Margaery) novel Chapter 172

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**Whispers Shape Distant Tomorrows by Aren Cole Vale**
**Chapter 172**

Unexpectedly, the King’s voice broke the heavy silence, resonating with an authoritative calm. “Nathaniel is your cousin. You need not fear any mistreatment from him. On the day of your wedding, you will be married from the palace itself. The arrangements will be managed by others, so you should not let this weigh on your mind.”

Margaery’s eyes widened in disbelief, her heart racing with a mixture of confusion and surprise. “Your Majesty, Prince Nathaniel, he…” How could it be possible that she was connected to him through marriage? The very thought sent her mind spiraling into a whirlwind of questions and uncertainties.

The King, too, seemed taken aback by the implications of his own words. “I cannot fathom why your father chose not to support the Eastern Palace in light of this revelation, but if what you say holds true, then indeed, Nathaniel is your cousin.”

“I will have someone delve into this matter with utmost diligence,” he continued, his tone firm yet reassuring.

Margaery stood there, momentarily speechless, grappling with the enormity of the situation. The marriage that loomed ahead was now entirely beyond her control, a fate she had not chosen. She felt a heavy weight settle in her chest, the uncertainty of her future gnawing at her thoughts. She resolved to discuss this twist of fate with Dashnell before making any definitive decisions.

Suppressing the urge to prolong her stay, the King turned to the door and commanded, “Escort the Lady of Glowsend back.”

“I take my leave,” Margaery replied, her voice barely above a whisper, and she bowed her head, retreating from the presence of the King.

As she exited the room and descended the grand staircase, her mind was still racing. She turned to Warren, her trusted chamberlain, and asked cautiously, “Chamberlain Warren, did His Majesty come incognito tonight?”

“He came specifically to see you, my lady,” Warren replied with a gentle chuckle, his eyes twinkling with a hint of mischief.

He leaned closer, offering her a piece of advice that felt both comforting and urgent. “The King wishes to protect you. Remember His Majesty’s kindness—do not act too impulsively. The days ahead are long and fraught with uncertainty; no one can predict what may unfold.”

“Thank you, Chamberlain Warren,” Margaery said, her voice steadying as she considered his words. The court felt shrouded in a thick fog of intrigue and danger. It appeared dark and foreboding, yet beneath the surface, she sensed hidden currents swirling around her. A single misstep could lead to her utter ruin.

Just then, Adam appeared, his expression a mix of concern and curiosity. “Lady Margaery,” he greeted her, his voice warm.

“I’m fine,” she replied, offering him a reassuring smile, though her heart was still racing. She turned to Warren, “Please, do not see me off.”

“You are far too polite, my lady,” he responded, his tone light as he stayed behind.

As they walked together, Adam frowned, glancing sideways at her. “You were upstairs for quite a while. I realized it was Warren…” His gaze sharpened, filled with an unspoken question. “Was the person upstairs truly His Majesty?”

Margaery nodded, her heart heavy with the weight of her thoughts. “Yes.”

Adam hesitated, wanting to probe further, but he sensed the delicate nature of the situation. No matter what Margaery said, he felt the threads of fate were already woven beyond his reach. Finally, he said, “You must discuss this matter thoroughly with His Highness.”

“I know,” Margaery replied, her resolve firm. She had no intention of concealing anything from him.

She was acutely aware of her lack of experience in court affairs; the landscape was intricate and fraught with peril. She needed to observe and learn, not act rashly in a world where every move carried weighty consequences.

“Has Solon returned?” she asked, her voice tinged with worry as she boarded the carriage, casting a glance at the shadowy alley nearby.

*****

Meanwhile, Wayne trailed after Tessa, his heart pounding as he found her in a dimly lit alley with Callum, tension crackling in the air.

“Why are you here again!” Callum’s voice was laced with fury. He seized Tessa, dragging her into the courtyard beside them, pinning her against the doorway with a fierce grip. “Can’t you see that I am raiding Springcourt House? Do you want to court death?”

Tessa’s reckless bravado faltered under his intense gaze.

Callum’s eyes burned with anger, and bloodstains marred his clothing, a grim testament to the chaos that surrounded them. Tessa’s mind raced back to the horrifying sight she had just witnessed—Sonia’s lifeless body, carried away by the Imperial Guards, discarded like refuse among the other fallen. The tragedy of it all weighed heavily on her heart.

No further contemplation was needed; it was clear from Callum’s words that Sonia had met her end at his hands. A shiver of fear crept up Tessa’s spine, her pupils dilating as she struggled to form coherent thoughts. “Your Highness, I came to find you because of Margaery and Russell. They have discovered my identity!”

“What did you say?” Callum’s frown deepened, confusion mingling with alarm. “Didn’t Raul already conduct the blood test for kinship? Why is it not working again?”

Tessa kept her explanation succinct, her voice trembling. “It’s because Russell went to see someone named Walter Niggins. He claims to have witnessed Margaery’s previous life before her death, and now he’s causing a scene, accusing me of framing her.”

“He even asserts that I harbor malicious intent and sought to harm the Chancellor’s estate. Raul and Joshua haven’t believed him yet, but I fear that if he continues to stir trouble, something disastrous will happen.”