Reborn I Refuse To Save The Traitors (Margaery) novel Chapter 48

**Whispers Shape Distant Tomorrows by Aren Cole Vale**
**Chapter 48**

“Alright,” Joshua said, his voice steady, yet a hint of uncertainty lingered beneath the surface.

He had harbored suspicions about Margaery’s intentions, but hearing her voice once more, making yet another request, surprisingly eased the tension in his chest. “As long as you marry Dominic properly—this isn’t just about these few days, mind you—but even after you become Dominic’s wife, you can still visit Craig whenever you wish.”

In truth, Craig was not merely a skilled physician; he was also a formidable martial artist, a rare combination that could prove invaluable. Having someone of his caliber aligned with the Chancellor’s estate would undeniably bring prosperity and security.

Joshua scrutinized Margaery, a plan forming in his mind. *If I can leverage her connection to persuade Craig to serve the Chancellor’s estate and Prince Marcus, it would be the most advantageous outcome I could hope for.*

With determination, he continued, “I’ll go and apologize to Craig on Avery’s behalf regarding the prescription incident. When do you intend to see him next? I’d like to accompany you. And what does he enjoy? I’ll make sure to prepare something special for him.”

Margaery responded thoughtfully, “He doesn’t really have any particular preferences. If you’re keen to join, Joshua, I can visit him this afternoon.”

“Just because I’ve forgiven Avery doesn’t mean Craig feels the same,” she thought, an undercurrent of caution in her mind. *Joshua should brace himself for that reality.*

“Alright,” Joshua nodded, a flicker of resolve lighting his features.

“I’ll bring proper gifts, as if I’m visiting a respected elder,” he added, his tone shifting to one of earnestness.

Margaery remained silent, her gaze fixed on the flickering flames of the fireplace, lost in her thoughts.

The room fell into a contemplative silence, the crackling of the fire the only sound breaking the stillness.

Joshua rubbed his fingers together, a nervous habit, then ventured, “By the way, Tessa has lost her virginity. She faced the brunt of the fallout today, so she will be marrying into the family alongside you… but ultimately, the final decision will rest with you…”

“I don’t mind,” Margaery interjected, her voice firm. “Honestly, she took the fall for me today. I owe her my gratitude.”

Joshua nodded repeatedly, relief washing over him. “It’s good to hear you feel that way.”

As he spoke, he instinctively reached out as if to pat her head, a gesture of camaraderie. “Margaery, you know, Father and your brothers have always held you dear in our hearts…”

“I know,” Margaery replied, her eyes averted, refusing to meet his gaze.

She understood the unspoken implications: the mistreatment she had endured stemmed from their misguided belief that she was too naive. Just the thought of it made her stomach churn, and she had no desire to hear any more of their justifications.

In the end, Joshua hesitated, pulling his hand back, unsure of how to proceed.

The hairpin adorning Margaery’s hair was not just an accessory; it was a trophy from the previous king’s campaigns, forged from a rare fiery gem unearthed in Emberfall. Only one such stone existed in the entire world. Although it had been gilded to protect it from damage, its value was immeasurable.

This particular war had cost Lady Serena’s father dearly.

The former king, devastated by the loss of his sworn brother, had bestowed the hairpin upon Lady Serena, orchestrated her marriage to the current king, and issued an imperial edict: no matter the circumstances, Lady Serena’s position as the imperial consort would remain unassailable.

The hairpin was steeped in history, a tangible symbol of power and protection.

With it resting upon Margaery’s head, it felt like an imperial token of immunity, a shield against the world’s harsh judgments.

Thus, Joshua couldn’t help but assert, “Margaery, what’s happening with Avery isn’t solely his issue. It impacts the entire Chancellor’s estate. Our fates are intertwined. We share in each other’s fortunes and losses.

“Father sent you to explain matters to the King not because he dismisses your grievances, but because there’s no other option. Only you can safeguard the Chancellor’s estate. We need someone within the Royal Medical Hall, or we’ll remain in the dark within the palace.

“Margaery, with the hairpin bestowed by the previous king upon your head, even if you approach the King to explain, he will not hold it against you.”

Margaery lifted her gaze to meet his.

*He truly has no shame,* she thought bitterly.

When Raul had forced her to take the blame for Avery, she hadn’t even possessed the hairpin yet. If it hadn’t been for this hairpin, she might have been cast into the cellar long ago, and who could say if she would even still be alive?

*And now he has the audacity to mention it?* she scoffed inwardly, her frustration bubbling just beneath the surface.

Margaery clenched her jaw, itching to voice her true feelings.

Finally, she spoke, her tone resolute, “Let’s put Avery’s issue on the back burner for now. After all, he attempted to drug me and frame me today—even if he failed. I’m not made of stone. I do have a temper.”

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