Reborn I Refuse To Save The Traitors (Margaery) novel Chapter 49

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

Avery inhaled deeply, finally managing to regulate his breath, the tension in his chest slowly easing.

Raul, observing the shift in Avery’s demeanor, turned to Joshua with a knowing look. “Joshua, why don’t you assist Avery in gathering his belongings? Dominic and I will check on Tessa. And about Craig, you need to devise a plan. If you can win him over, that would be splendid.”

As he spoke, a sudden thought struck him, prompting him to pivot toward Joshua. “By the way, what is Craig’s full name?”

Joshua hesitated, caught off guard, then shook his head with a hint of embarrassment. “I didn’t think to ask…”

Raul nodded, understanding the oversight. “Alright then, make sure to inquire when you see him this afternoon.”

With that, Raul exchanged a meaningful glance with Dominic, and the two of them made their way toward Sunbeam Court.

*****

Inside Sunbeam Court, the atmosphere felt heavy with worry. Tessa’s stomach troubles reared their ugly head once again, leaving her in a state of distress.

Astrid, ever the attentive caretaker, handed her two warmers, hoping to alleviate the discomfort. Yet, instead of bringing relief, the warmth seemed to amplify the pain, as if a tempest of icy air swirled violently within her. One moment, the ache coalesced into a tight knot in one area, only to shift and flare up elsewhere.

When Raul entered the room, he found Astrid on the verge of tears, her voice trembling with urgency. “My lord, please, you must look at Lady Tessa! Her stomach is in turmoil again. She cannot endure this any longer!”

Raul rushed to his daughter’s side, helping her sit up. “Tessa, how are you holding up?”

In the past, he would often cradle her in his arms, oblivious to any signs of distress. But today, an unsettling sensation washed over him, a nagging feeling that something was profoundly wrong.

His mind flickered back to a harrowing memory—the image of Tessa drugged, vulnerable, lying beneath Dominic, clad in almost nothing. The thought sent a shiver down his spine, and he instinctively recoiled, releasing her.

Just as Tessa leaned toward him for support, she faltered and crumpled back onto the bed. “Father…”

Her gaze met Raul’s, confusion and tears mingling in her eyes, leaving her bewildered by his sudden withdrawal.

Realizing the gravity of the situation, Raul quickly called out, “Dominic, assist Tessa in sitting up. I’ll fetch her some water.”

With urgency, he turned to grab the kettle, his heart racing with concern.

Dominic stepped in, gently cradling Tessa in his arms, his hand soothingly rubbing her stomach. “Tessa, how are you feeling?” he asked softly.

“It hurts,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Tears streamed down her cheeks as she nestled into his embrace, feeling a mix of comfort and bitterness. A dark seed of resentment had already taken root within her.

‘All they ever do is ask how I’m feeling. Why can’t they see the truth? If they don’t have any effective medicine, then what’s the point of their endless questions?’ Tessa thought, her heart heavy with frustration.

Her anger simmered, particularly directed at Raul’s apparent annoyance with her.

Tessa clenched her fists, jealousy gnawing at her insides as she thought of Margaery. ‘Why does she have so many people rallying to protect her?’

When Raul returned with the water, Tessa gazed up at him, desperation etched across her face. “Father, how is Margaery? What happened today… it’s all my fault. I had no idea it would turn out this way. Paige told me someone was after Avery, and I believed her.”

As she spoke, her head drooped, tears cascading down her face, each drop a testament to her turmoil.

Raul’s temper flared at the mention of Paige. He turned sharply to Astrid and snapped, “That maid cannot remain here. She spins tales that only sow discord! Get her out of my sight!”

She hadn’t anticipated the chaos that would ensue. In a fit of panic, she turned and hurled herself toward the pillar.

“Tessa!” Dominic shouted, alarmed, rushing forward to catch her.

But her forehead collided with the pillar, leaving a painful bump and a scrape on her skin.

As Dominic enveloped Tessa in his arms, she finally broke down, sobbing uncontrollably. “If I had known it would come to this, I would have never returned… They said someone like me wouldn’t survive even two weeks in a noble household, and I didn’t believe them…”

Dominic’s heart ached at her vulnerability. “Tessa, please don’t say such things. Both your father and I believe you. That maid deserves punishment for her lies!”

Raul’s gaze fell upon Tessa, his second daughter, who was crying heart-wrenchingly, appearing fragile and delicate, as if she could shatter with a mere touch. Her tear-stained face tugged at his heartstrings.

In the past, he would have moved mountains to comfort her, but now he fought to maintain his composure.

Raul studied her for a long moment before finally saying, “Tessa, focus on healing. Joshua will visit Craig this afternoon to procure some medicine for you. You and your sister will be wed in just a few days. You need to recover and be the beautiful bride you deserve to be.”

Tessa looked up, her eyes wide with concern. “Will Margaery agree? What if she refuses…?”

She had been on the verge of disparaging Margaery, hoping to redirect Raul’s frustration toward her, but to her astonishment, he interrupted her. “Don’t worry; she’ll be getting married alongside you.”

Tessa felt her breath hitch, utterly taken aback. ‘Margaery actually agreed?’

She had always assumed Margaery would resist or create a scene, but instead of throwing a tantrum, Margaery had consented to marry Dominic alongside her.

‘What is she up to?’ Tessa pondered, her mind racing with confusion.