Reborn I Refuse To Save The Traitors (Margaery) novel Chapter 185

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

**Chapter 185**

“What’s troubling you?”

Raul’s brow knitted together in concern, a deep frown etching across his face.

“Fifty-five vouchers,” Tessa sobbed, her voice quaking with fear. “Last night, I was cowering in a corner, paralyzed with dread. And then, unexpectedly, Margaery’s carriage rolled by. I overheard her talking about a kidnapping… my name slipped through her lips, but I didn’t dare let my mind wander in that direction.”

A tremor coursed through her as she recounted the chilling moment.

“I had planned to visit the fabric store today, but after hearing that, I couldn’t bring myself to step outside. The thought of being taken… it’s unimaginable. I never thought it would come to this.”

Raul stood there, his heart racing as the weight of Tessa’s revelation sank in. He had come to speak with her, to check on her well-being, but the shocking news that Margaery was plotting to abduct Tessa left him reeling.

“That wretched little fiend!” he muttered, his teeth grinding in anger. “If she dares to lay a hand on you, I swear I’ll make her pay with her life.”

He shifted his focus back to Tessa, trying to soothe her frayed nerves. “Fessi, you need to be brave. I’ve summoned Sullivan. In just a few days, Margaery will be no more. After that, no one will ever threaten you again.”

Tessa paused, her thoughts swirling. She didn’t want Margaery’s demise to be so simple. “Have you managed to bring Keaton here?” she asked, her voice steadying.

Letting Margaery meet her end at Sullivan’s hands felt too easy. Tessa craved a more profound reckoning, one that would leave Margaery with lingering regrets.

Raul, misinterpreting her inquiry as concern for her health, responded hastily, “I’ve already sent someone to fetch him. He should arrive in a few days.”

He gently cupped Tessa’s face, his expression full of worry. “Tessa, why are you bleeding? Did I strike you too hard earlier?”

His heart ached at the sight of her.

“I’m fine,” she insisted, though her body curled into itself, a small, fragile ball of distress.

She looked so vulnerable, as if she had weathered countless storms in silence. Seeing her like this only deepened Raul’s guilt. “This is my fault. I shouldn’t have raised my hand against you.”

“Quick! Someone fetch the doctor!” Raul called out, his voice thick with urgency.

Two maids dashed out of the room in response.

Moments later, Andrew entered, greeting his father with a solemn, “Father.”

He stepped into the room, glancing between Raul and Tessa, confusion clouding his eyes. “I couldn’t bring Margaery back. I ran into Russell instead.”

Raul’s anger flared at the mention of Margaery.

“No need to bring her back. That little monster only seeks to destroy us,” he spat, recalling the bitterness she had sown. “If I had known this would happen, I should have ended her life the moment she took her first breath.”

Andrew’s brow furrowed. “Is Margaery truly not blood-related to us?”

He searched his father’s face for answers, unable to articulate the turmoil within him.

Raul scoffed, “She’s nothing but an impostor, a usurper of Tessa’s rightful place. What an ungrateful wretch!”

“Tessa,” Andrew said softly, his gaze shifting to her as she timidly lifted her head from her corner. “It’s cold outside. Come closer and talk to me.”

Having spent much of the past year away from the Chancellor’s estate under Grace’s tutelage, Andrew was a stranger to Tessa.

Yet, she perceived a common thread among men.

They all seemed to favor the delicate and meek, while dismissing the bold and assertive, like Margaery.

Her mother had warned her before passing, explaining that men feared women who were beyond their control. That fear bred disdain, and disdain led to oppression.

To garner their support, one had to appear weak and pitiable, thus not posing a threat.

They would then feel pity, sympathy, and perhaps even love, as it made them feel grand and noble.

‘Andrew is just a boy of seventeen. How threatening could he possibly be?’ Tessa mused, a smirk curling inwardly on her lips. ‘Even Joshua is charmed by my demeanor.’

On the surface, however, she maintained her timid facade, tinged with curiosity and caution, like a hatchling peering out into the world.

Andrew’s gaze softened as he looked at her.

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