Reborn I Refuse To Save The Traitors (Margaery) novel Chapter 55

**TITLE: Whispers Shape Distant Tomorrows by Aren Cole Vale**
**Chapter 55: I’ll Heal Your Legs**

Inside the carriage, Dashnell exuded an air of nobility, his features sharp and distinguished even in the dimming light. “The sun is setting, and these roads can be treacherous. Allow me the honor of escorting you home,” he offered, his voice a soft caress against the encroaching darkness.

His gaze fell upon Margaery, and in that moment, she felt a warmth spread through her cheeks, a blush igniting her skin. “I need to bid farewell to Craig first,” she replied, her heart fluttering with anticipation.

But just then, the door to the house slammed shut with a resounding thud, echoing in the evening air.

“Since Prince Dashnell is kind enough to offer you a ride, you should hurry along,” Craig’s voice rang out from within, tinged with a hint of impatience. “I’m off to bed.”

Margaery paused, caught off guard by his abruptness, but soon shook off the momentary surprise and smiled brightly.

Without further hesitation, she stepped into Dashnell’s carriage, her heart racing. “Thank you, Your Highness. Are you feeling cold?” she asked, her concern genuine.

As she spoke, she pressed the hand warmer she had been clutching into his palm, a small token of warmth.

“I was a bit chilly, but with this, I feel much better,” Dashnell responded, glancing down at the hand warmer. A smile broke across his face, illuminating his features in the dim light.

In an unexpected gesture, he reached out, drawing Margaery into his embrace, enveloping her in the warmth of his cloak. “You don’t mind this, do you?” he asked softly, his voice a gentle whisper.

Margaery nestled against his chest, her ear attuned to the rhythmic thumping of his heart. In that moment, she realized that the sound of a heartbeat shared between two people in love could outshine any melody the world had to offer.

“Not at all. You promised to take care of me,” she murmured, her eyes dropping to their entwined hands.

With a tender touch, Dashnell guided her hand over to the hand warmer, ensuring their hands shared its comforting heat.

Margaery felt the warmth radiate from the hand warmer, seeping into her skin, and her heart began to race in response. “I’ve decided to break off my engagement with Dominic during his grandmother’s birthday celebration in just a few days,” she declared, her voice steady yet filled with resolve.

A soft chuckle escaped Dashnell’s lips. “In that case, I shall make sure you seize that one precious opportunity.”

“Will you agree to whatever I ask of you?” Margaery’s cheeks flushed as she gazed up at him, her heart fluttering with hope.

The darkness deepened around them, obscuring the details of his features, yet the smile that graced his lips seemed to radiate a light of its own, illuminating her heart. “Yes,” he replied, his voice barely above a whisper. “Yes.”

Margaery’s heart raced, and her lips curled into a smile that felt like it could stretch from ear to ear.

Seeing her joy, Dashnell’s smile widened, and for a moment, the bleakness of the future melted away, revealing a horizon filled with hope and infinite possibilities—a future she could genuinely look forward to.

As night enveloped the world outside, the carriage ambled along the winding road, Margaery nestled comfortably in Dashnell’s embrace. For a fleeting moment, she wished this journey could last forever.

In that instant, she recognized the truth: she had genuinely fallen for him, and her heart was honest in its declaration.

When the time came to disembark from the carriage, Margaery felt a surge of determination. “Your Highness, I’m studying medicine. I truly believe that one day, I will be able to heal your legs,” she said, her voice filled with conviction.

Lifting the curtain, the lantern at the gate illuminated the carriage, casting a warm glow that highlighted Dashnell’s features, making him appear both mysterious and captivating.

He smiled gently, his eyes sparkling with encouragement. “Yes,” he affirmed, the word hanging in the air like a promise.

A man who could not walk could never inherit the throne, and thus, his life had been relatively peaceful, untouched by the machinations of court intrigue.

But for her, he would find the strength to stand again.

“Then I will work hard and wait for that day,” Margaery declared, her voice firm with resolve. “I’ll learn everything Craig knows, and one day, I will surpass him.”

“I have faith in you,” Dashnell replied, his expression tender as he regarded her. “Now, you should go inside. The skies are clearing, but the chill is settling in.”

The snow had finally ceased its descent, and the sky was beginning to clear, the moonlight spilling down like a gentle embrace, casting a serene glow over everything.

Dashnell’s voice, calm and soothing, floated through the air like a soft breeze over still water, filling her with a sense of peace.

Margaery hesitated, reluctant to part ways. She lingered a moment longer, her gaze fixed on him before she finally dashed toward the back gate, her heart racing with newfound clarity.

His only course of action now was to arrange Margaery’s marriage to Dominic as swiftly as possible.

Once she bore a child or two, he believed she would be tethered to them, and her life would revolve around Dominic, ultimately benefiting the Wallen family.

Otherwise, if she ever broke free of his control, the repercussions would be dire.

Margaery met her father’s gaze, fully aware of his intentions.

With everyone playing their parts, she decided to join the charade. She stood tall and curtsied gracefully. “Thank you, Father. I apologize for any trouble.”

Turning to the seamstresses, she gestured for them to enter. “Please, come in.”

“Go ahead and take Lady Margaery’s measurements.” Observing her gentle demeanor, Raul felt a slight easing of his tension and motioned for the seamstresses to proceed.

They entered and began to take Margaery’s measurements, and she remained perfectly composed, not revealing the slightest hint of displeasure.

Raul observed her in silence, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. “Margaery, I know I’ve wronged you. But your mentor was right. What happened to Tessa is on me and your brothers. It has nothing to do with you.”

“It was our mistake, so please don’t let it weigh on your heart. If there’s anything you desire, just let me know. I’ll ensure you have it,” he added, his tone earnest.

Margaery felt a surge of laughter bubbling within her.

She had voiced similar sentiments to Raul before, during moments of desperation and tears, only to be met with slaps and confinement within Gracewind Garden.

Yet now, when it came from Craig, Raul seemed to listen. That was simply because Craig was a man he couldn’t afford to offend.

Margaery smirked, her voice laced with sarcasm. “I don’t want anything. As I’m about to be married off, I merely hope that the Chancellor’s estate thrives in my absence, and that you get everything you desire.”

And deep down, she wished for Tessa to send this entire family straight to ruin.