Reborn I Refuse To Save The Traitors (Margaery) novel Chapter 176

**TITLE: Whispers Shape Distant Tomorrows by Aren Cole Vale**
**Chapter 176**

“Is that truly alright?”

Margaery felt the chill of winter wrap around her, yet within her chest, a warmth blossomed, igniting a long-buried passion and a sweetness that stirred her heart. “In truth, I can wait as well, as long as we can be together,” she replied, her voice soft yet resolute.

“If the King decrees it, he surely will not allow me to be ensnared in the Eastern Palace,” Dashnell reassured her, though his own uncertainty lingered like a shadow.

Margaery felt her heart quiver at his words, a delicate flutter that spoke of both hope and trepidation. She wished to believe that there was still a glimmer of possibility, a chance for freedom that lay just beyond their grasp. Yet, doubt gnawed at her resolve.

Would she truly be trapped in the Eastern Palace? The thought was unbearable, yet she clung to the belief that fate might still offer a way out. More than anything, she hoped that this turmoil would not bring further misfortune upon Dashnell.

As if sensing her inner turmoil, Dashnell pulled her closer, resting his cheek against the crown of her head, his hand enveloping hers with a reassuring grip. “But, my father mentioned ten years,” he murmured, his tone laced with a hint of despair.

“Ten years is far too long. I cannot bear to wait that long,” she exclaimed, her voice rising with urgency.

“Others are in the same predicament,” he replied, his gaze drifting to the window where the wind howled and snowflakes danced, their chaotic beauty a stark contrast to the turmoil within. “Even before New Year’s Day, this matter will be resolved.”

“This year will not unfold peacefully,” he continued, his voice steady. “All you need to do is focus on healing and allow time to do its work.”

“I will leave Solon by your side. Ordinary folk will not dare to harm you,” he promised, his eyes searching hers for reassurance.

Margaery gazed up at him, her heart swelling with a strange warmth. It was an unfamiliar sensation, this closeness they shared. They had only recently crossed paths, yet in this moment, it felt as if they had been intertwined for years, their souls familiar with one another’s presence.

“What of you, Your Highness?” she asked, concern etching her features. “When you entered the palace tonight, what did the King say? He must be wary of you. I am deeply troubled about your safety, yet I find myself at a loss for how to assist.”

“Your concern alone is more than enough,” Dashnell chuckled softly, the sound a balm to her anxious heart. “What the King and I have engaged in is merely a transaction. Though it carries its own troubles, it is not insurmountable. As long as we maintain our positions and allow them to fight amongst themselves, we shall be fine.”

Lowering his head, he studied her intently. “However, there’s one thing I must clarify. Do you genuinely not care if the Chancellor’s estate faces destruction?”

After all, she was the daughter of the Chancellor.

Some matters were too complex for him to judge alone.

Had he acted solely on his own sentiments, he would have sent the Chancellor and his sons straight to their doom, avenging the injustices they had inflicted upon her in a past life.

But ultimately, he was not Margaery.

Margaery contemplated his words, her brow furrowing in thought. “So, the King can no longer tolerate the Chancellor’s estate?”

“You are correct. The Chancellor’s estate has stirred unrest these past few years, conspiring against the King. However, Raul’s capabilities pale in comparison to the King’s. The demise of the Chancellor’s estate is merely a matter of time, especially with Tessa fanning the flames,” he explained, his voice steady yet laced with underlying tension.

Listening to him, Margaery felt a whirlwind of emotions swirl within her. Even in her previous life, after being cast out from the Chancellor’s estate, she had sought to protect her family, even when Tessa plotted against them.

But what lay ahead for her was…

The thought made Margaery chuckle bitterly, a sound tinged with mockery. “The Chancellor, his sons, and Tessa… one eager to strike, the other eager to be struck. I would be more than pleased to watch them tear each other apart. Your Highness, do as you will.”

“Whether the inhabitants of the Chancellor’s estate live or die, and the manner of their demise, holds no significance for me,” she declared, her voice cold, yet her heart ached for the weight of her words.

Dashnell felt a pang of sorrow at her statement, yet he tightened his embrace around her, shifting the conversation. “From this moment forward, you belong to me alone.”

A warmth enveloped Margaery’s heart at his declaration, a flicker of hope igniting within her.

“Did the King speak to you of anything else tonight?” Dashnell inquired, genuine curiosity coloring his tone.

He found himself surprised; he had not anticipated the King would leave the palace to seek her out, though the matter concerning Springcourt House had been within his expectations.

Margaery’s expression revealed a mixture of emotions as she recounted the evening’s events. “Not entirely. He came to see me, but it was largely due to Prince Nathaniel. Somehow, I became Prince Nathaniel’s cousin overnight.”

“Prince Nathaniel’s cousin?” Dashnell’s brows furrowed in confusion, a flicker of intrigue passing through his eyes. “So, your mother is connected to the late empress?”

In truth, very few in the court had ever laid eyes on Angelina.

When Angelina passed away, the King had yet to claim the throne. At that time, he was merely a prince, and Angelina was only a consort.

The title of ‘Queen’ was bestowed posthumously, a mere formality that did little to change the past.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify