Reborn I Refuse To Save The Traitors (Margaery) novel Chapter 20

**Whispers Shape Distant Tomorrows by Aren Cole Vale**
**Chapter 20**

A soft chuckle escaped Dashnell’s lips, a lighthearted sound that filled the air between them. “It doesn’t really count, does it? I offered it this time,” he remarked, a playful glint in his eyes.

Margaery’s gaze softened as she replied, “Your Highness is truly… gentle.” Her words hung there, suspended like delicate threads woven into the fabric of their conversation, each syllable weighted with unspoken truths.

Despite the brief time they had spent in each other’s company, Margaery felt an undeniable connection blossoming within her. She had endured so much heartache, both emotional and physical, that the thought of a man’s roughness was unbearable. Yet here was Dashnell, with his warmth and calm demeanor, effortlessly winning her heart.

Deep inside, she recognized her desires. There was an authentic attraction to him that she could not ignore.

Dashnell’s eyes widened slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing his features—no one had ever labeled him as gentle before. “If you think so, milady?” he replied, his tone betraying a hint of disbelief.

Just outside the carriage, Adam nearly lost his balance on his horse, caught off guard by the unexpected compliment. “Gentle? The Wallen girl is the first living soul to ever call Prince Dashnell that,” he mused silently. It was a bold declaration from Margaery, and even bolder for Dashnell to accept it. “A match made in heaven… of sorts,” he thought, a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth.

Unbeknownst to Margaery, Adam’s astonishment was brewing just outside the carriage door. Although Dashnell caught the sound of Adam’s cough, he chose to feign ignorance, focusing instead on the warm atmosphere that enveloped them. Inside the carriage, it felt almost surreal, a cozy haven amidst the swirling snowflakes outside that danced like romantic whispers in the air.

As they approached a fork in the road, Margaery felt the urge to step away, not wanting to impose any longer. “Your Highness, let me get off here,” she suggested, her voice steady yet tinged with reluctance.

“Of course,” Dashnell replied, nodding as he watched her disembark. A pang of reluctance tugged at him, and possessiveness stirred within, yet he managed to keep his feelings in check.

“Thank you for today at the Royal Medical Hall,” Margaery said, standing outside the carriage in her rough-spun linen attire. Despite the simplicity of her clothing, she radiated beauty that no coarse fabric could diminish.

As Dashnell gazed at her, it felt as if the snow falling outside had transformed into blossoms, drifting gently from the heavens. That fleeting moment stretched into eternity, a silent connection that spoke volumes.

“See ya,” she said, the two simple words laced with a hopeful promise of their next encounter.

A flicker of happiness ignited within Margaery as she turned to walk toward the Chancellor’s residence. She had a mission—to retrieve the prescription from Craig and to learn the art of medicine from him. It was a small step, but it felt monumental, like a flower blooming in her heart that had long been dormant.

Even in the depths of winter’s chill, she felt a warmth spreading through her, a sensation akin to coming back to life after a long, dark slumber.

Meanwhile, Dashnell and Adam watched her retreating figure, both remaining still for a moment, lost in their thoughts.

“Your Highness, she just dismantled Lord Avery’s career today,” Adam remarked, his voice low and serious. “She cut clean through the ties that bound the Chancellor’s faction to Lady Alicia and Prince Marcus. The backlash she’ll face… I wouldn’t want to be in her shoes.”

Adam’s gaze drifted toward the palace as he spoke. “The Chancellor will be cutting through state affairs any moment now. Whether Margaery simply wanted her prescription back or not, she has already disrupted the Chancellor’s interests.”

With family ties taking precedence, Raul would not let her off the hook easily. Neither would Joshua.

A sense of worry crept into Adam’s heart.

In an instant, Dashnell’s gentle expression vanished, replaced by an icy coldness. His eyes sharpened, radiating an intimidating pressure. “In a moment, you’ll go to the Chancellor’s estate and deliver this to her,” he commanded, pulling a purple sandalwood box from his robe and handing it over to Adam.

Adam’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Your Highness is going to give this to her?” he stammered, fully aware of the extraordinary contents within that box—something not just anyone could handle or deserve.

“This was meant for her anyway,” Dashnell replied, his tone indifferent. “It’ll be hers eventually; giving it to her early makes no difference.”

Adam’s expression shifted, the weight of Dashnell’s words sinking in. It seemed that Margaery held a significance in Dashnell’s mind that he had not fully comprehended before.

“But if that’s the case…” A hesitant thought crossed Adam’s mind, prompting him to ask, “Your Highness, since you’re interested in Lady Margaery, and I believe she feels the same way about you… why haven’t you expressed your feelings? If you make them clear, I’m certain she wouldn’t refuse.”

Dashnell fell into a contemplative silence, the air thick with unspoken thoughts. “Not now; it’s not yet time,” he finally replied softly.

There were complications—Margaery was bound by a pre-arranged marriage. If he were too overt with his feelings, it might reflect poorly on her. And deep down, he wanted to be absolutely certain of her feelings before risking rejection.

Meanwhile, in Raul’s study, he, Joshua, Avery, and Tessa were engaged in a serious discussion. The atmosphere was tense, their faces etched with concern.

“What transpired at the Royal Medical Hall has reached the King. I just spoke with him. The King agrees with Nolan’s statement and has requested Avery’s resignation,” Joshua stated, his expression heavy with the weight of the news.

“Father, the King has indicated that it will be challenging for Avery to return without a compelling reason.”

Raul’s face flushed with anger, his blood pounding in his ears. “That wretched girl—she should’ve rotted in the lumber room!” he spat, frustration spilling over as he cursed Margaery.

Gasping for composure, he turned to Joshua. “Go on.”

Joshua nodded, continuing with his analysis. “The only way forward is if Margaery personally admits her mistake to the King, claiming she deceived Prince Dashnell by giving those prescriptions to Avery and agreeing that he send them to the Royal Medical Hall.”

He paused, gathering his thoughts. “That entire scene at the Royal Medical Hall today? It was pure spite—all because her pride was bruised after her apology to Tessa yesterday. She’s taking it out on Avery.”

“If she does that, the King might allow Avery back into the Royal Medical Hall. Then we can apologize again to Prince Dashnell, and this issue will be resolved without truly offending him.”

Joshua met Raul’s gaze as he spoke. “When that time comes, even if the King remains upset, he’ll likely just place Margaery in the Laundry Bureau for a few months. She’ll have to endure some hardship there.”

“Regardless, he won’t actually kick Avery out of the Royal Medical Hall over a girl’s tantrum; that would make him appear petty,” he concluded.

Raul nodded, a glimmer of agreement in his eyes. “That’s a solid plan.”

Inside, Tessa felt a surge of delight at the prospect of Margaery facing consequences.

Yet, on the surface, she feigned concern, clutching Joshua’s sleeve with wide, worried eyes. “If it means suffering, maybe it’s not worth it? I fear they might dare to bully Margaery in the Laundry Bureau.”