Reborn I Refuse To Save The Traitors (Margaery) novel Chapter 96

**Chapter 96: Ice And Fire**

Bernard couldn’t shake the feeling that Dashnell had transformed into a relentless shadow, trailing Margaery through every corner of their world. It was as if the prince had made it his life’s mission to follow her every move. Whether it was at the Royal Medical Hall, the bustling Pero Cela, or even Craig’s place just the day before, Dashnell seemed to be everywhere she was.

Now, here he was again, at the Chancellor’s estate, as if he belonged there.

‘His audacity is astonishing,’ Bernard thought bitterly, a storm of frustration brewing within him.

Dashnell, however, wore an air of nonchalance, as if the Chancellor’s estate was merely an extension of his own home. “Ah, Bernard! Just returned from the palace. I didn’t expect to find you here,” he announced with an easy smile, as if they were old friends sharing a casual chat.

Without waiting for a response, he reached out and took the ointment from Bernard’s hand. “Thanks,” he added, the word dripping with casual familiarity.

Bernard stood there, momentarily dumbfounded. He had brought the medicine with the intention of helping Margaery, and yet here was Dashnell, effortlessly snatching away the credit.

‘Well, what can I say? He is Prince Dashnell after all,’ Bernard sighed, crossing his arms tightly over his chest as he stepped back, feeling like an unwilling spectator in a play he hadn’t signed up for.

“Everyone out. I need to apply the medicine for Margaery,” Dashnell commanded, his voice leaving no room for argument. The order was directed primarily at Joshua, who stood at the threshold, ready to protest.

Joshua opened his mouth to speak, but before he could voice his concerns, a firm grip on his sleeve made him turn. It was Raul, his expression dark with worry.

“Let’s go,” Raul murmured, his tone brooking no dissent. Joshua swallowed his protest and followed Raul out into the courtyard, where the cool air felt like a balm against his rising anxiety.

“Father, what’s happening? Why is Prince Dashnell here again?” Joshua whispered, his brow furrowed with concern. The propriety of the situation weighed heavily on him; it was hardly appropriate for a prince to be alone with Margaery while administering her medicine. If Dominic found out, the fallout would be difficult to manage.

Raul sighed, casting a cautious glance back at the room. “Let’s discuss this once everyone has left. It’s complicated, but the Hadley family wouldn’t dare to challenge Prince Dashnell,” he replied, his voice low and serious.

Joshua felt a knot tighten in his stomach. It was true; even the Chancellor’s estate would hesitate to confront someone of Dashnell’s stature. The phrase ‘the King’s favorite son’ carried a weight that was not easily dismissed.

He was burning with curiosity about the palace’s affairs, eager to learn what had transpired between Dashnell and the King that day. Yet, with Dashnell still inside, he could only stew in silence, frustration bubbling just beneath the surface.

“Bernard is still in there. Do you think they’ll start arguing?” Joshua asked reluctantly, a hint of dread creeping into his voice.

Raul pressed his lips into a thin line, his gaze fixed on the doorway.

Inside, Bernard remained, leaning against a worn cabinet, his posture defensive. “It’s just a shoulder, for heaven’s sake! Why are you all making such a fuss? No one bats an eye at the bare-chested wrestlers in the training grounds. It’s just medicine application. If you’re too squeamish to do it, I’ll supervise,” he declared, trying to mask his discomfort with bravado.

Dashnell shot him a look, his expression unreadable. “Bernard has a point,” he replied, his tone surprisingly agreeable.

Bernard was momentarily taken aback, rendered speechless by the unexpected support.

Meanwhile, Dashnell’s fingers moved deftly, untying the knot of Margaery’s collar with a gentle touch. Margaery’s gaze fell upon his long, elegant fingers, and an inexplicable warmth surged within her. Her heart raced, a flutter of emotions igniting within her.

She stole another glance at him, but his face was serious, focused, devoid of any flirtation. There was a cool, restrained intensity about him that captivated her.

‘So this is what it means for fire to collide with ice,’ Margaery thought, her cheeks flushing at the realization.

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