**Whispers Shape Distant Tomorrows by Aren Cole Vale**
**Chapter 52: I’m Glad To Hear That**
Margaery took a moment to smooth her dress, adjusting the fabric to ensure she looked presentable. With a deep breath, she stepped out into the world beyond her chamber, ready to face whatever awaited her.
Joshua caught sight of her and managed to muster a smile, albeit one that felt forced. “Come on, we’ll take my carriage,” he said, his voice attempting to sound cheerful but failing to mask the underlying tension.
Without hesitation, Margaery accepted his offer. She knew she had to tackle the tangled web of issues with the Wallen family, addressing each one methodically. Only when she had secured her own position of strength would she be ready to confront them directly.
From a distance, Raul observed their departure, a storm of emotions swirling within him. He felt a mix of concern and frustration, but he couldn’t quite pinpoint why.
Astrid approached him with a hint of urgency in her voice. “My lord, Lady Tessa has requested to see you. Would you like to visit her now?”
Raul, pulled from his reverie, shook his head decisively. “No, I have other matters to attend to.” He paused, contemplating Tessa’s well-being. “Tell her to rest. Joshua is already out searching for a remedy for her,” he added, hoping to reassure her.
It wasn’t that Raul had stopped caring for Tessa; rather, he sensed an unsettling shift in the air. Something felt amiss, and he couldn’t shake the feeling.
Astrid returned with the message, relaying it carefully. “Lady Tessa, Lord Chancellor said he’s busy and won’t be coming. He also mentioned that Lord Joshua has gone to find a remedy for you and wants you to rest.”
Tessa’s gaze fell to the ground, her spirit visibly deflating. “Father probably doesn’t like me anymore,” she murmured, tears welling in her eyes as she fought to maintain her composure.
Dominic, observing her distress, felt a pang of sympathy. “Tessa, don’t overthink it,” he said gently, his brow furrowing with concern. “You weren’t like this before. Are you starting to fuss over things like Margaery used to?”
His words hung in the air, and he found it peculiar. There was something undeniably different about Tessa, and it troubled him.
Tessa froze, quickly dabbing at her tears and forcing a smile that felt unnatural. “You must be joking, Dominic. Margaery was a proper noble lady in the Wallen family. I’m just a country bumpkin. How could I possibly compare to her?”
Dominic contemplated Margaery’s recent changes and replied, “She has matured significantly and is not the same as before. She won’t quarrel with you anymore; she’ll take care of you.”
Tessa regarded him with a mix of surprise and confusion.
‘Why is Dominic suddenly defending Margaery? Since when has Margaery become so accommodating?’ she wondered, her mind racing.
“Did Margaery really say that?” Tessa asked, her tone laced with skepticism. “She wasn’t being sarcastic, was she?”
“Don’t overthink it,” Dominic urged, recalling Margaery’s demeanor from the night before. “She’s become much gentler and more considerate. Just give her some time. She’ll be a wonderful sister.”
Tessa found herself momentarily speechless, then replied softly, “That’s wonderful. I’ve always wanted an elder sister.”
She looked at Dominic earnestly and continued, “Once I’m married into your family, I’ll treat her with respect and listen to her. I won’t be a source of trouble for you.”
Dominic’s face brightened with relief. “I trust you.”
With that, he rose from his seat. “Get some rest. I need to go see my father. The palace seamstress will arrive shortly to take your measurements. This is just for you. Lady Alicia sent her over specifically.”
“Thank you, Dominic!” Tessa exclaimed, throwing her arms around him in a grateful embrace.
Dominic savored the tender moment before finally taking his leave from Sunbeam Court.
As soon as he was out of sight, Tessa’s frustration boiled over. She seized the teacup on the table and hurled it across the room, shattering it against the wall.
Astrid, startled by the noise, rushed in, her eyes wide with concern. “Lady Tessa, what happened?”
“Nothing, I just wanted some water and accidentally knocked the cup over,” Tessa replied, her fingers clenched into a tight fist, yet she forced a delicate, understanding smile.
Astrid picked up the remnants of the broken cup and offered her comfort. “I’ll go fetch you some water. My lady, if you ever need anything, just let me or the other servants know.” She believed Tessa was simply being considerate of them.
Tessa managed a fake smile as she watched Astrid leave.
Once the door clicked shut, Tessa’s anger surged, and she felt her teeth grind together. ‘Damn it, what is Margaery up to?’
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