Reborn I Refuse To Save The Traitors (Margaery) novel Chapter 39

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

Joshua’s words cut through the air, sharp and unyielding, yet beneath that harsh exterior lay a torrent of unease. He was utterly oblivious to the events that had unfolded upstairs, the chaos that had spiraled into this moment. His eyes were locked onto Margaery, his pupils quivering as if they were mirrors reflecting his inner turmoil.

Margaery, however, was not deceived by his bravado. A chilling laugh escaped her lips, echoing with a mix of disbelief and anger. “Instead of throwing accusations at me, Joshua,” she said, her voice steady but laced with venom, “perhaps you should explain the contents of the meal you served me today.”

As she recalled her ascent to the upper floor, a wave of nausea washed over her, accompanied by a painful stomachache and an eruption of rashes that had left her no choice but to sprint to the restroom.

She stepped closer, her gaze unwavering, piercing through the facade he wore. “Do you truly not remember my allergy? What possessed you to include peanut butter in the salad?” With a deliberate motion, she pushed up her sleeve to reveal a furious, sprawling rash that painted her skin in angry red hues.

Nearby, a concerned voice murmured, “She really is having a reaction. It doesn’t appear that she’s lying.” The onlooker leaned in closer, eyes wide as they examined the severity of the rashes. “Those look quite severe.”

Joshua’s heart sank as he took in the sight of her inflamed skin. The realization struck him like a thunderclap: Margaery was indeed suffering an allergic reaction, and he had been the architect of her distress.

Margaery advanced, her eyes narrowing into a fierce glare. “Joshua, I demand an answer. Why would you try to harm me? Have you forgotten that I nearly lost my life to this allergy?”

“You!” Joshua stammered, momentarily rendered speechless. The peanut butter had been a careless mistake, a detail he had overlooked in his obsession with ensnaring Margaery in his plans. He had been so consumed by his desire to trap her that he had failed to inform the kitchen of her dietary needs.

He hadn’t anticipated that this oversight would lead to such a violent reaction, nor had he foreseen her fleeing in panic. Now, he found himself without a credible explanation.

As Joshua floundered, Avery seized the opportunity to interject. “Who truly believes you were just in the restroom? Even if you were unwell, would it really take you that long? We managed to finish an entire round of drinks before you made your return.”

“Exactly,” another guest chimed in, their voice brimming with skepticism. “We didn’t even see her when we arrived. That had to be at least half an hour ago.”

Dominic, donning an expression of wounded innocence, added, “Margaery, I only went upstairs to fetch you for the party. I never anticipated that any of this would happen.”

Nathaniel, ever the observer, turned his gaze towards Margaery. “Lady Margaery, it’s imperative you clarify where you’ve been during that prolonged absence. Otherwise, the suspicion will linger.”

Dominic, feigning hurt, echoed Nathaniel’s concern, his voice trembling with faux sorrow. “Margaery, we grew up together. Even if you have no intention of marrying me, must you conspire against me like this?”

His eyes glistened with unshed tears, a performance of grievance that made it seem as if Margaery had committed a grave injustice against him.

“I conspired against you?” Margaery nearly laughed at the absurdity of his claim. “You desecrate my wet nurse’s memorial tablet alongside Tessa in this vile act, and you have the audacity to cast blame on me?”

With a swift motion, her hand flew out, delivering a stinging slap across Dominic’s cheek. *Crack!*

He staggered back from the unexpected assault, his face instantly flushed with shock. “You struck me!” he exclaimed, disbelief coloring his voice.

Margaery, undeterred, responded with a fierce determination. “I will strike a man without shame, Dominic,” she retorted, her hand swinging back for another equally forceful slap to his other cheek.

“Margaery!” Joshua finally reacted, lunging forward to grasp her arm, desperate to quell the escalating chaos. “You still haven’t explained where you were for so long!”

Margaery turned her head to meet his gaze, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “I was downstairs, speaking with Prince Dashnell. Would you like me to invite him up for a full disclosure?”

If it hadn’t been for Dashnell’s timely intervention today, she realized, her situation could have spiraled into utter ruin. Her eyes glimmered with a mix of determination and unshed tears, a fierce resolve hardening within her.

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