Reborn I Refuse To Save The Traitors (Margaery) novel Chapter 41

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

**Chapter 41**

Margaery stood there, momentarily stunned by the unfolding scene. It was not her first encounter with Simon Browning, the High Priest of the Eastvale Empire, yet something about this meeting felt profoundly different. A sense of déjà vu washed over her, though she couldn’t quite articulate why.

*Why has he descended from Fretilo Mountain today?* she pondered, a knot of unease forming in her stomach.

Despite her swirling thoughts, Margaery maintained her composure, bowing respectfully. “High Priest,” she greeted, her voice steady, yet laced with uncertainty.

Simon returned the gesture with a curt nod, his demeanor as imposing as ever.

He shifted his gaze towards Estelle and Joshua, a cold sneer curling his lips. “If I hadn’t appeared, were you two intent on twisting the narrative and laying all the blame at Margaery’s feet?” His tone was sharp, cutting through the tension like a knife.

As he stepped closer, positioning himself protectively beside Margaery, his piercing gaze swept over Joshua and Avery, his words dripping with disdain. “Both last night and the night before, you rushed to the Hall of Divinity, crying that Margaery was possessed by some malevolent spirit. I’ve already made it clear—she is the Star of Fortune. And now, you still wish to tarnish her name? What exactly are you attempting to achieve?”

The mention of the Star of Fortune sent shockwaves through Joshua and Estelle, their expressions shifting in disbelief.

The Star of Fortune was a revered figure, one who enhanced the King’s luck merely by existing.

In essence, Margaery was a living talisman for the monarchy, a shield against misfortune. Who would dare to provoke someone of such significance?

Especially the King’s own children; they should have been scrambling to curry favor with her, eager to demonstrate their loyalty to the throne.

Nathaniel’s voice cut through the silence, dark and accusatory. “Tessa, I truly didn’t expect you to be so deceitful,” he said, his eyes narrowing as he glared at her.

“So this is the authentic you—the so-called Lady Tessa of the Chancellor’s estate, who is supposedly a thousand times superior to Margaery! What a farce.”

He then turned his ire towards Joshua. “Lord Joshua, you have gravely disappointed me!”

In that moment, Nathaniel realized he had to align himself with the Star of Fortune, abandoning any hope of gaining favor with the Chancellor’s estate.

Joshua was reeling, caught completely off guard by the turn of events. He felt lost, unsure of how to navigate the chaos unfolding around him.

Dominic, too, was sweating profusely, anxiety knotting his stomach.

He refused to let Margaery walk away unscathed, so he scrambled for an excuse. “That’s not how it happened! The incense on the third floor was tainted with aphrodisiacs. Margaery was the first to ascend! She must have tampered with it, sending Paige to fetch Tessa!”

“She orchestrated this entire scheme to frame me and Tessa!”

Dominic glared at Margaery, his eyes wild with desperation.

He couldn’t fathom how Margaery could still talk her way out of this situation. No matter what, he was determined to ensure her reputation suffered today.

A flicker of malice danced in Dominic’s eyes, almost imperceptible, yet enough to send a chill down Margaery’s spine.

Her stomach churned as she faced him. “Why would I waste my time framing you? And even if I did send Paige to get Tessa, why would she bother to show up?”

“Are you suggesting someone as fragile as she would risk her own safety just to protect her would-be brother-in-law? Does that even sound logical?”

The spectators nodded in agreement, murmuring their support. “Margaery has a point. Even if her maid fetched Tessa, why would Tessa come here?”

Suddenly, Tessa broke into tears, her sobs cutting through the tension. “That’s not true! Paige told me Margaery was planning to poison Avery as revenge, so I came to stop her…”

“That actually makes sense,” one onlooker remarked, nodding thoughtfully. “She came to save Avery, and that’s reasonable.”

Avery seized the opportunity, his eyes wide with feigned hurt. “Margaery, what do you have to say for yourself?” he pressed, his voice dripping with mock sincerity. “I’ve cherished you like a treasure since childhood. Why would you attempt to poison me?”

As he spoke, he managed to squeeze out a few theatrical tears, his act almost convincing.

Margaery found herself cornered once more, the walls closing in around her.

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