Reborn I Refuse To Save The Traitors (Margaery) novel Chapter 186

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

**Chapter 186**

“Margaery, we need to delve deeper into the Shadow Doctor’s background. There’s something unsettling about this individual,” Margaery stated, her mind drifting back to the tumultuous events of her past life. The memories surged within her like a tide, each wave bringing with it a sense of urgency.

It was not Callum who had unveiled Tessa’s false identity to her; it was the enigmatic Shadow Doctor. The only difference this time was that both Callum and the Shadow Doctor had graced Springcourt House with their presence on that fateful day.

Yet, in her previous life, Springcourt House had not met its swift demise, sealed and burned before its time. ‘Everything is changing so rapidly in this life,’ she pondered, a frown creasing her brow. ‘Everyone seems to be acting out of desperation. But what of Tessa? What is she planning?’

Adam’s voice broke through her thoughts, tinged with surprise. “You have a lead on the Shadow Doctor’s whereabouts?” His astonishment was palpable, for he had come to realize that Margaery possessed an uncanny awareness of the world beyond the confines of the Chancellor’s estate. It was hard to reconcile that this wealth of knowledge came from a girl so young, so sheltered.

Margaery had tasted death once, and the information she now held had been bought at the steep price of her own life. “He should be at Peachvale Court, just outside the city limits,” she replied, her voice steady yet laced with an undercurrent of foreboding.

Turning her gaze to Adam, she felt a flicker of pain cross her features, her voice dropping to a hoarse whisper. “I have a terrible suspicion that he’s not an ordinary man. He could be a cunuch, or perhaps even a woman masquerading as a man.”

In her former life, the Shadow Doctor had conspired with Tessa, aiding in her abduction. This time around, Margaery was determined that Tessa would face the consequences of her actions.

Her pupils dilated, a fierce glint igniting in her eyes as she contemplated the vengeance that awaited. Adam nodded, his expression resolute. “I will arrange for someone to investigate immediately.”

As he departed, Margaery returned to her sanctuary, her mind racing with possibilities. Moments later, Craig entered, his demeanor slightly disheveled. “Oh dear, the weather this year has been absolutely dreadful! It feels like just yesterday we were blanketed in snow, and here we are again!”

He stepped into the room, his gaze landing on Margaery, filled with a complicated mix of concern and admiration. “Margaery, are you feeling alright?” he inquired, his voice tinged with genuine worry.

He had noticed the way Margaery’s heart seemed to flutter whenever Dashnell’s name was mentioned. Now, with her betrothal to Nathaniel, it was only natural for Craig to wonder how she was coping.

A twinge of guilt pricked at him, thinking how the title of “Star of Fortune” had been bestowed upon her by none other than Dashnell.

“I’m perfectly fine,” Margaery replied, blissfully unaware that he was indeed Simon in disguise.

Her heart swelled with joy at seeing him after a few days apart. She stood and, with a gentle tug, urged him to sit beside her. “I was worried about you! I sent people to look for you several times. I’m relieved to see you safe.”

“What could possibly happen to me…” Craig’s eyes darted away, a flicker of something unspoken passing over his features. He sighed deeply, “But you… The King has betrothed you to Nathaniel, and it seems you’ve completely severed ties with the Chancellor’s estate.”

“That’s alright,” Margaery replied, her voice steady despite the turmoil beneath.

She poured him a glass of water, the cool liquid glistening in the dim light, and then settled down across from him, her gaze unwavering. “Even without the Chancellor’s estate, I still have you.”

As she spoke, a thought struck her, and she leaned forward, her curiosity piqued. “By the way, you mentioned knowing my mother. Can you share anything about her? Just the other night, the King revealed that Nathaniel and I are cousins…”

The revelation had left her reeling, and she sought answers. At the mention of Wrenna, Craig’s expression shifted, a shadow of regret washing over his features. “You and Nathaniel are indeed cousins, but Raul remains blissfully ignorant of this fact,” he explained, his voice heavy with the weight of unspoken history.

“What do you mean?” Margaery’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Raul is my mother’s husband; he should know her intimately…”

“He knows nothing!” Craig’s voice rose in frustration, his anger palpable. “If it weren’t for him, your mother’s entire family wouldn’t have faced such dire consequences! Tragically, she was already pregnant with Joshua at that time…”

Taking a moment to regain his composure, Craig continued, “Your mother was raised in Clearbrook, adopted by your maternal uncle’s family. She came to love them as her own parents, completely unaware of her true lineage as a member of the Burke family.”

“Because of Raul, who held the position of magistrate in Clearbrook, your uncle and aunt, along with your maternal grandfather and others, were unjustly imprisoned, made scapegoats for his failings…”

People often spoke of the High Priest of the Eastvale Empire as a formidable figure. They also praised Dashnell’s power, yet he had been unable to safeguard the one he cherished.

Initially, Craig had believed that Margaery was too young and that it would be wise to wait until he returned from his medical studies to propose. But by the time he arrived back, it was too late. She had already fallen for Raul and was expecting her second child. All he could do was support her, following her to Sinderin City, hoping to shield her from harm.

Yet, in the end, she had still met an untimely demise, and he had been powerless to protect her daughter.

Craig’s gaze lingered on Margaery, and for a fleeting moment, he saw Wrenna as a child, a memory that felt like it belonged to another lifetime.

Margaery, sensing the weight of his silence, struggled to find the right words. Finally, Craig broke the stillness, his voice steady yet tinged with concern. “Margaery, now that you’re betrothed to Nathaniel, what are your plans? I’m eager to hear your thoughts.”

“Just a moment, I still have some matters to attend to at the Chancellor’s estate,” Margaery replied, glancing towards the estate with a furrowed brow.

Given Tessa’s relentless obsession with her, she doubted that Tessa would simply let things lie. Even Dashnell required time to navigate the complexities of the Eastern Palace, let alone her own situation.

Nathaniel’s responsibilities at the Eastern Palace were intricately tied to matters of state; they were not trivial affairs that a young woman like her could handle without the aid of Marcus and Callum.

As they conversed, Adam returned, his expression a mixture of concern and intrigue. “The Wallen family has indeed sought out the Shadow Doctor. He is set to move into the Chancellor’s estate within the next few days.”

“What did they say?” Margaery inquired, her heart racing as she looked up at Adam, anticipation hanging in the air.

“They mentioned it was for Tessa’s stomach ailment,” Adam replied, a sigh escaping him. “I must admit, Raul appears to have genuine concern for Tessa.”

“This is merely the beginning. Just wait; there is much more to unfold,” Margaery said, narrowing her eyes, her determination hardening. She turned to Craig, her voice steady. “I would like to ask you for a favor.”