Reborn I Refuse To Save The Traitors (Margaery) novel Chapter 27

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

A tempest of jealousy surged within Dominic, enveloping him before he had the chance to steady himself. The sharpness in his voice betrayed his inner turmoil as it sliced through the air.

He had never envisioned a future where he would marry Margaery; she had always seemed too insignificant in comparison to Tessa, the woman who held his heart. Yet, the moment Dashnell set his sights on Margaery, a gnawing realization gripped him. Perhaps he wasn’t worthy of her affections—and worse still, the haunting thought that Margaery might have already chosen to cast him aside lingered like a shadow over his mind.

The mere notion of that possibility was unbearable. Even if this engagement were to crumble, it would be on his own terms, not with Margaery trampling over his dignity.

Dominic found himself questioning, ‘Am I truly so apathetic towards Margaery?’ The jealousy seething in his chest clouded his judgment, making it difficult to discern the truth of his feelings. With gritted teeth, he finally declared, “Fine, I’ll go prepare the proposal right away.”

In his mind, a dark thought flickered—’Even if Margaery had to perish, she would do so in my bed.’

“Good. We cannot afford to waste a moment. Prince Dashnell has already sent Lady Serena’s jeweled hairpin to Margaery. The message is unmistakable. We must act before they do,” Raul commanded, dismissing Dominic with a wave of his hand.

“I shall take my leave then,” Dominic replied, bowing respectfully before turning to exit the study.

As he stepped into the courtyard, the crunch of snow beneath his boots echoed in the stillness, each step dragging him deeper into the cold, white expanse as he made his way toward the main gates. The wind howled mercilessly around him, yet it could not disperse the turmoil that roiled within him. He was caught in a web of conflicting emotions; he couldn’t relinquish Margaery, yet Tessa’s memory clung to him like a lifeline.

And then there was Tessa’s health to consider. If she were to discover what was unfolding, the devastation would surely break her.

Suddenly, he pivoted on his heel, determination coursing through him as he headed straight for Sunbeam Court, intent on seeking Tessa.

*****

Inside Sunbeam Court, Paige stood poised by the door, a sly smile playing on her lips as she awaited the opportunity to stoke Tessa’s resentment. “Lady Tessa, have you heard? If Lord Dominic truly marries Lady Margaery, what will become of you?”

“He told you he liked you, that he intended to break off his engagement with Lady Margaery. How can he possibly go back on his word now?” she prodded, her voice dripping with feigned concern.

Tessa’s fists clenched tightly, her expression darkening with each word. “Is this news credible?”

“Would I ever deceive you?” Paige retorted, her irritation bubbling to the surface. “You should have seen the triumphant expression on Lady Margaery’s maid, Amber. She’s practically dancing with joy!”

Tessa’s brows knitted together as her thoughts spiraled into a chaotic tangle. The last thing she wanted was for Dominic to wed Margaery, yet she found herself at a loss for a valid reason to intervene.

If she confronted him directly, it would shatter the fragile image she had so painstakingly crafted—people would start to question her motives.

For now, all she could do was wait for Dominic to come to her. Deep down, she was certain he would return; he wouldn’t abandon her so easily.

Tessa knew Dominic all too well. Yes, he and Margaery had been betrothed since childhood, but Margaery had always been the cherished jewel of the Chancellor’s estate, spoiled and adored. She was sweet and playful, an amusing distraction if one kept her caged like a songbird.

But as a wife? That was an entirely different matter. No man desired to worship a goddess within the confines of his home.

Dominic was no exception. He craved a woman who would yield to him, someone delicate who would lean on his strength for support. In that dynamic, he could bask in the glow of heroism, feeding his fragile ego. The one he truly needed—was Tessa.

Gradually, Tessa’s tension eased, and she cast a sidelong glance at Paige. “Don’t make a fuss. Dominic will provide me with an answer.”

As if summoned by her words, Dominic burst up the stairs, breathless and frantic, calling her name. “Tessa!”

He had raced so quickly that he struggled to catch his breath in the chill of winter, his cheeks flushed a bright red from the cold air.

A faint smile of victory tugged at Tessa’s lips, but it vanished as quickly as it appeared. She met Dominic’s gaze and then feigned a weak, sorrowful expression, coughing delicately behind her hand. Only then did she speak, her voice barely above a whisper, “Dominic, Amber mentioned you’re marrying my sister on December 5th?”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify