Reborn I Refuse To Save The Traitors (Margaery) novel Chapter 180

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

**Chapter 180**

With a deep breath, Margaery rose to her feet, her heart racing as she executed a graceful bow. “Your Highness, I pay my respects.”

As she lifted her gaze to meet the eyes of the man standing before her, a whirlwind of emotions surged within her. Memories flooded back, each encounter with Nathaniel etched in her mind with a clarity that was both unsettling and revealing.

The first time their paths crossed was at Tessa’s family recognition party, a gathering meant to celebrate unity but which had turned into a stage for her humiliation. Nathaniel had sat there, a mere spectator, his smile a mask that concealed his indifference as she was slandered. How could he remain so detached while she endured such cruelty?

Their second meeting was at Pero Cela, where Nathaniel had come alongside Joshua, his presence an unwelcome addition to a plot that sought to undermine her. The scheming was palpable, and yet, when the tide turned against them, he had fled, panic etched across his features.

Then there was the third encounter, at Sophia’s birthday party, where Nathaniel had made a series of seemingly innocuous comments. Each word, however, had been a calculated move to serve his own interests, leaving Margaery feeling even more wary of his intentions.

Now, standing before him for the first time in such close proximity, she couldn’t help but notice the faint resemblance between their features—a trace of her own lineage reflected in his face. But it was his gaze that unsettled her, a predatory glint that suggested ulterior motives.

It was all too clear: when the driving force was self-interest, sincerity had no place. Margaery felt a cold smile tug at her heart, a reminder that she had never truly internalized the King’s words regarding her betrothal to Nathaniel.

After her respectful bow, she chose silence, unwilling to engage further.

Nathaniel, sensing her reluctance, stumbled over his words. “Upon learning that you are staying here, I feared it might be inconvenient for you. I thought it best to bring you to the Eastern Palace to recuperate.”

His voice was laced with a hint of desperation, as if he feared her outright refusal. “Father has permitted it,” he added, invoking the King’s authority like a shield against her opposition.

Caught off guard, Margaery found herself momentarily speechless. The weight of his words left her with little room to decline.

“I appreciate Your Highness’s kindness,” she replied carefully, “but we are not yet married. Would it not be inappropriate for me to reside in the Eastern Palace?”

The truth was, she simply did not want to go. Dashnell had advised her to wait no longer than two months, and ideally, the engagement with Nathaniel should be dissolved before any wedding bells rang. How could she clarify her intentions if she was ensconced within the walls of the Eastern Palace?

Irritation simmered beneath her composed exterior.

Nathaniel pressed on, his tone a mix of insistence and charm. “You are my fiancée. It is only natural for you to stay in the Eastern Palace. I have already ordered the courtyard to be prepared for your arrival. Come with me; let me take care of you. It is far better than remaining here.”

He continued, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, “Besides, it is not safe here.”

He brought up the recent troubles, mentioning the Frosthelm spies lurking in Sinderin City. “What if they target you? What will you do then?”

His demeanor was gentle, yet there was an underlying aggression that made her skin crawl.

Margaery’s dislike for him deepened, his words only adding to her discomfort. Yet, she reminded herself, he was Nathaniel—a man with power and influence.

Just as she thought she might have to concede, Adam entered the room, his presence a welcome interruption. “Prince Nathaniel,” he said firmly, “you and Lady Margaery are not yet married; some matters should not be rushed. If you are truly concerned about her well-being, you may visit regularly to check on her.”

Adam’s unwavering gaze met Nathaniel’s, unyielding and resolute.

Nathaniel’s eyes narrowed, a flicker of anger igniting within him. How dare this mere guard from Dashnell’s residence attempt to obstruct him?

Adam continued, “Yesterday, my lady also met with the King. His Majesty stated she would marry from the palace and should recuperate here, not elsewhere. If you wish to take her to the Eastern Palace, you will need an imperial decree.”

Margaery stood quietly, aware of her position as the minister’s daughter. She couldn’t speculate on palace matters, nor could she outright refuse. Still, she knew Adam had been loyal to Dashnell for years and understood the intricacies of the situation.

Nathaniel’s expression shifted, confusion mingling with frustration as he turned to Margaery. “You have met with my father?”

Margaery nodded, her confidence growing. “Not only have I met with the King, but he also mentioned that you are my cousin.”

The realization struck her like a bolt of lightning—Nathaniel had lied.

Holding her head high, she declared, “The King instructed me to recuperate here.”

For a moment, Nathaniel was rendered speechless, his plan unraveling before his eyes. He had come to manipulate her, believing she hadn’t met the King. By using the King’s name to whisk her away, he had assumed she would have no choice but to comply.

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