Reborn I Refuse To Save The Traitors (Margaery) novel Chapter 35

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

**Chapter 35**

Margery’s gaze instinctively flicked upward toward the staircase before she settled into her chair. A whirlwind of thoughts swirled in her mind as she tried to decipher the true intentions behind their gathering today. What could they possibly want from her?

Joshua’s eyes met hers, his demeanor noticeably different, a sort of unease hanging in the air. He spoke softly, almost tenderly, “The table is set with all your favorite dishes. Please, try some.”

Margery raised an eyebrow, a hint of irony creeping into her voice. “It’s rare that you remember what I like to eat, Joshua.” Her heart twisted slightly at the memory of a time when Joshua had known her cravings all too well. Yet, that familiarity had been overshadowed by his silence, a silence he maintained for Tessa’s sake.

For a brief moment, Joshua’s expression faltered, the weight of her words momentarily catching him off guard. But he quickly masked it with a practiced smile. “I apologize, Margery. I’ve been rather distracted lately. I realize I haven’t been as attentive as I should be.”

Margery let out a cold laugh, the sound devoid of warmth. “Avery mentioned that today was supposed to be about him and Lord Dominic making amends. What about you, Joshua? Are you here to offer your own apology?”

Joshua hadn’t anticipated such a direct confrontation. His brow furrowed as he attempted to adopt a more conciliatory tone. “Must I apologize simply for sharing a meal with you?”

Margery’s gaze shifted, her attention drawn to the delicate rosary beads that adorned her wrist. Joshua’s eyes involuntarily followed, lingering on the string of beads, each one a reminder of something deeper.

“Those beads… Tessa was wearing the bracelet I gifted her. Now she wears these instead? And these rosary beads belonged to Brother Norman…” The realization struck him, and he found himself momentarily adrift in thought.

They were heirlooms of the Chapel of Wisdom. How on earth had they found their way onto Margery’s wrist? The implications sent a shiver down his spine.

“If it’s just a meal, then certainly,” Margery replied, her tone dismissive, not bothering to call out his pretenses. Joshua hadn’t hurried back from his duties merely for a meal.

The true motives of those within the Chancellor’s estate were twofold: to manipulate the public perception of Tessa’s ailment and to sever her ties with Dashnell. Whatever trap lay hidden within this meal, it undoubtedly aimed to achieve one or both of these sinister goals. Margery understood that she could not avoid this confrontation; she could only face it head-on. With a resigned sigh, she lowered her head and began to eat.

Joshua shook himself out of his reverie, his focus snapping back to the rosary beads. “Did Brother Norman give those to you?” he asked, his curiosity piqued.

“Yes, I’ve become his disciple,” Margery replied without lifting her gaze. “Father is right; I’m grown now. It’s time I learned some wisdom. I intend to study diligently under him. Don’t worry, Joshua.”

A deep frown settled on Joshua’s face as he processed her words. “The Chapel of Wisdom is sacred ground, and its brothers must not be defiled. Why would Brother Norman choose to bestow the temple’s heirloom beads upon you?”

Even as a Christian, she shouldn’t have received such an honor. Surely, it ought to be given to someone truly devoted to the faith.

His mind raced with troubling thoughts. ‘If Brother Norman learns that Margery is on the verge of becoming a notorious figure in Sinderin, won’t he be furious? The fallout wouldn’t just anger Dashnell; it could offend the Southern Abbey as well.’

A throbbing headache began to pulse at Joshua’s temples. He spoke uneasily, “Margery, do you realize that those rosary beads signify the lineage of the Chapel of Wisdom? Wearing them means you cannot marry. You must take vows as a nun.”

Margery glanced down at her wrist, feigning ignorance. “Is that so? Brother Norman never mentioned that.”

Joshua’s voice sharpened, taking on the authoritative tone of an elder brother. “He is a monk of profound standing. Those beads are the symbol of the chapel’s heir. They mean you are destined to inherit the chapel. How can you claim ignorance while accepting such a role? How dare you become a disciple without understanding this?”

He reached out, his hand gripping her wrist firmly. “Give them to me. I will return them to Brother Norman at court tomorrow. A girl from the Wallen family cannot become a nun.”

“That doesn’t seem right,” Margery countered, swiftly pulling her arm back, her eyes flashing with defiance. “If they must be returned, I’ll do it myself. I’d quite like to ask him why he didn’t tell me wearing these meant I couldn’t marry.”

Joshua frowned deeply. He couldn’t physically wrest the beads from her in plain sight. “Very well,” he conceded stiffly. “But remember, you must return them to their rightful owner tomorrow.”

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