Reborn I Refuse To Save The Traitors (Margaery) novel Chapter 21

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

**Chapter 21**

Tessa’s voice trembled as she spoke, her gaze dropping to the floor, a wave of regret washing over her. “It’s just so unfortunate for Avery. If I had a brother like him, I would plead for a thousand remedies to ensure his happiness.” The words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken emotions, as she pretended to wipe away nonexistent tears.

Joshua turned his attention to her, concern etched on his face. He noticed the sheen of cold sweat on her brow, a testament to the pain gripping her stomach. Yet, despite her discomfort, she continued to advocate for Margaery. It was a bittersweet sight that made him sigh deeply.

“If only Margaery had half your sense,” he said, his voice laced with frustration. “We wouldn’t be forced to consider sending her to the Laundry Bureau. Keeping her confined in the lumber room didn’t yield any results, did it?” His tone softened slightly as he continued, “Today, she had the audacity to create chaos at the Royal Medical Hall. Tomorrow, she could very well disrupt the King himself. She needs to learn a lesson about the weight of family ties.”

He placed a reassuring hand on Tessa’s shoulder. “Don’t let her troubles weigh you down. Your recovery is what truly matters right now.”

Avery, observing the exchange, felt a swell of admiration for Tessa. It was clear to him that she was far superior to Margaery in every way. With newfound determination, he turned to Tessa and declared, “From this moment forward, you are my only sister. I will do everything in my power to help you heal.”

Raul, standing nearby, cast a fond glance at Tessa, his expression resolute. “What you’ve said only strengthens my resolve to send Margaery to the Laundry Bureau. She requires this lesson; otherwise, she could end up ruining our family’s reputation entirely.”

“Should we let her in now?” Tessa’s heart fluttered with excitement. Finally, it seemed she might rid herself of Margaery’s presence for good.

Though she had little familiarity with the workings of Sinderin, she recalled her tutor’s warnings about the Clan Court, where royal descendants were dealt with harshly. For ordinary people, entering such a place often meant a fate worse than death.

Even if Margaery managed to survive inside, she would emerge to a life of servitude in the Laundry Bureau. The thought of her struggling in the biting cold, perhaps not making it to spring, sent a shiver of satisfaction through Tessa.

If fortune truly turned against Margaery, she could find herself in the Labor Division, where mere survival for ten days would be a daunting challenge. Even if she endured it all, her reputation would be irreparably tarnished. No respectable official would consider marrying a woman with a criminal past; not even a lowly county magistrate would look her way.

Tessa’s mind swirled with the possibilities. ‘In the end, Margaery would be left with nothing but a commoner, groveling and calling me “Miss Wallen” to my face!’ The thought filled her with a sense of triumph.

“Please, Daddy, can we allow Margaery to come in?” Tessa’s voice was weak, laced with feigned concern. “It’s so cold outside today.” She lowered her head, allowing tears to spill forth. “It’s my fault for planting the seeds of rebellion in her heart. If I hadn’t come along, she would have cherished Father and her brothers. After all, they are such remarkable men. Others would envy having brothers like ours.”

Raul’s heart ached at her words. “You’ll have a father of your own one day, and your brothers will always look after you.”

Joshua chimed in, attempting to soothe her. “That’s right, Tessa. Focus on your recovery. We’ll find a way to get her to deliver the medicine for your stomach. Once you’re back to your old self, brighter days will surely follow.”

Tessa looked up at him, her eyes red and glistening with unshed tears. “Maybe we should let Margaery in so I can apologize. After all, she is my sister. If I can just get her to yell or hit me a little, she might vent her frustrations and calm down. As long as she doesn’t cause any more trouble for Avery, I’ll do whatever it takes.”

“What are you apologizing for?” Raul’s temper flared at her suggestion. “Leave her outside! She should be the one apologizing!”

Just then, a voice broke through the tension. “Sir, Lady Margaery has left,” Astrid announced, her expression a mix of shock and disbelief.

“What?” Raul’s surprise was palpable.

Astrid stepped inside, her brow furrowed. “When I locked the door, she should have realized what you wanted and started banging on it, crying for you to let her in, just like always. But today, there was nothing—no noise at all.”

“I found it odd and went outside to check. It turns out she’s completely vanished, like smoke in the wind.”

“I asked the snow sweepers, and they said she bolted the moment she arrived, not even lingering long enough to catch a chill.”

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