Reborn I Refuse To Save The Traitors (Margaery) novel Chapter 31

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

**Chapter 31**

When it came to the specifics of their plan, Joshua was remarkably tight-lipped.

He simply informed Russell that the following day would be dedicated to a visit to Pero Cela, where they would extend an olive branch to Margaery. This provided a perfect opportunity for the siblings to convene, a chance for them to reconnect amidst the chaos that had engulfed their lives.

Russell, with his notorious inability to keep secrets, was a source of concern for Joshua. The last thing he wanted was for Russell to blurt out something that could jeopardize their intentions.

As the evening wore on, Russell returned to his room, flopping onto his bed with a heavy sigh. The night stretched endlessly before him, and he found himself tossing and turning, unable to find solace in sleep. His thoughts spiraled around how he would articulate everything to Margaery the next day, dragging him back to the carefree days of their school years when laughter and mischief filled their walks to class.

“When did everything start to crumble like this?” Russell pondered, rolling over in frustration. His mind inevitably gravitated towards Tessa, but the weight of that thought was suffocating. He couldn’t allow himself to linger there. He squeezed his eyes shut, forcing away the memories. “Tessa endured so much, wandering alone for years. How could I hold her accountable? This is all on me.”

The guilt clung to him like a heavy shroud as he lay there, staring blankly at the ceiling, the shadows dancing above him as the moonlight filtered through the window.

Morning dawned, and Russell awoke with a start, the early light revealing the dark circles under his eyes. He hurriedly splashed water on his face, barely taking a moment to compose himself before darting out the door, his mind set on reaching Gracewind Garden.

In contrast, Margaery had enjoyed a restful night, her body rejuvenated after several doses of medicine that had finally chased away her cold. When she awoke, clarity washed over her, and she felt invigorated.

Amber entered her room, a bright smile on her face. “Lady Margaery, today’s the day you’re supposed to go to Inkwell Academy. Are you planning to go? Lord Russell has been pacing outside since dawn, asking repeatedly if you’re awake.”

Margaery raised an eyebrow, a hint of sarcasm lacing her words. “Russell? Why is he so eager to wait for me?”

Amber shrugged, her expression curious. “I’m not sure, my lady. He didn’t elaborate. He just keeps asking about your wakefulness. He looks like he hasn’t slept a wink, those dark circles under his eyes are quite pronounced.”

Before Amber could finish, Russell burst into the room, flustered and breathless. “Margaery! The snow is thick, and the roads are treacherous today. We should go to class together. You can ride in my carriage.”

Margaery looked up, bemusement flickering across her face. Russell grew awkward, his gaze darting away as he scrambled for a justification. “Joshua suggested I come fetch you. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have bothered. But today, I’m feeling generous. You can take my carriage.”

Margaery’s expression grew pensive. Among the Wallen brothers, Russell was the most unpredictable, his moods swinging like a pendulum. When he cared for someone, he showered them with affection, yet when he didn’t, he could be utterly ruthless.

In their previous life, Russell’s behavior had always oscillated. One moment, he would be kind and attentive, and the next, he would lash out in anger, leaving her bewildered. Margaery had long since developed a thick skin against his erratic nature. But when he mentioned Joshua’s name, she sensed there was more to the story. If it were truly important, Joshua wouldn’t have entrusted the task to Russell.

“Alright,” Margaery replied slowly, her thoughts settling into place. Today was indeed her day to attend Inkwell Academy.

While the male students were required to attend daily, as a girl, she only needed to show up once every week, a mere formality to maintain appearances. It had been exactly seven days since the debacle at Tessa’s recognition party, and even if Russell hadn’t come, Margaery would have made the trip alone.

Russell’s face lit up with relief at her response. A broad grin spread across his features as he rushed forward, reaching out to grasp her hand. “Then let’s go! I brought fresh bread from the kitchen. We can enjoy it on the way.”

His eagerness was palpable, fueled by the two days of separation from her.

Margaery sidestepped his outstretched hand, her gaze steady. “Russell, haven’t you been visiting Tessa recently?”

Instantly, his demeanor shifted, the joy evaporating from his face. “Margaery! Don’t push your luck. You even gave her the charm I made for you, and now you dare to mention her name in front of me?”

His heart raced, a tumultuous blend of anger, sorrow, and a flicker of guilt coursing through him.

Deep down, Russell had spent the last two days in contemplation. He recognized his error in jumping to conclusions after hearing Tessa’s accusations against Margaery. That’s why he had come today—to seek reconciliation.

Yet, Margaery had crossed a line too. Giving away the charm he had painstakingly crafted for her stung more than she could fathom.

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