Reborn I Refuse To Save The Traitors (Margaery) novel Chapter 7

Chapter 7 Craig

In Margaery's old life, Craig had longed to take Margaery under his wing as his apprentice.

But back then, her heart was consumed with winning back the favor of the Wallens. Every tonic and remedy Craig shared with her, she passed on to her second brother, Avery, desperate to reclaim the affection he'd already given to Tessa.

In the end, Avery had the nerve to demand Craig's stomach-soothing elixir for Tessa, acting as if it was his due.

The remedies she'd quietly slipped to Avery from Craig's stores? They won no one's heart.

Avery took her sacrifices for granted, and if she dared refuse him, he'd flare with anger.

Yet, with those same remedies, Avery rose swiftly, securing a place as head of the Royal Infirmary.

Tessa bloomed into a vision of beauty, while Margaery was cast out, left to wander the streets, reviled by all.

Looking back, Margaery cringed at how blindly she'd humbled herself. What a fool she'd been.

From the courtyard, Craig's voice rang out, warm and teasing. "Well, bless my soul—has the sun gone and risen in the west? You, coming to visit an old codger like me?"

Before the echo of his words faded, a tall, wiry figure appeared at the threshold. His face was sharp but kind, his eyes twinkling with gentle mischief.

When he caught sight of Margaery's roughspun linen dress, his brows arched in surprise. "What's this, now? With the bond we share, you don't need to dress like a pauper to tug at my heart for a potion, do you?"

Craig folded his arms, cocking his head with a playful grin.

Margaery's cheeks flushed with guilt. She sank to her knees. "Mr. Eastwick, I'm not here for potions this time."

"Oh?" His eyes glinted with a knowing light, as if he could read her very soul. "Then what's brought you to my door?"

Margaery knew Craig was no ordinary man. The scandal at the Chancellor's manor had spread through the city like wildfire—surely, he'd heard the whispers.

She drew a steady breath. "I've come for two things. First, I'm plagued by rheumatism, and I need your skill with the needles to ease it.

"Second, I want to be your apprentice. I want to learn the art of healing and the ways of combat, to care for you in your later years and honor you always."

Craig's face softened, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Seems you've finally opened your eyes." He reached down, gently lifting her to her feet. "Come inside, lass."

"Thank you, Mr. Eastwick," Margaery said, rising.

"You can call me Craig now," he said with a chuckle, pressing a warm cup of water into her hands. "But mind you, this path isn't easy.

"Learning medicine and fighting will take grit and time. You ready for the hard work?"

"I am," Margaery answered, her voice firm as stone.

She was determined to break free from the Wallen family. Her first step was to forge a life of her own. Healing would give her purpose and a livelihood.

Combat would keep her safe. She wouldn't falter.

Craig gave a nod of approval, retrieving a set of silver needles. "Right, then. Let's start with your treatment. We'll drive out the cold and dampness in your bones. Today, we'll tend to fourteen points, beginning with…"

Margaery followed his guidance, listening intently as he worked.

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