Reborn I Refuse To Save The Traitors (Margaery) novel Chapter 97

**Chapter 97: Marrying The Woman Who Rules Him**

Joshua stood there, momentarily struck dumb by the intensity of Dominic’s emotions. It was hard to reconcile the man before him with the one who had so adamantly rejected Margaery just six months prior.

Back then, Dominic had been utterly consumed by his infatuation with Tessa. He had made it abundantly clear that Margaery was beneath her, stating vehemently that if she didn’t change her ways, she wasn’t even worthy of kissing Tessa’s toes. He had warned her not to blame him if he eventually grew distant and chose Tessa instead. Those words had been like daggers, and Margaery had wept for days, her heart shattered by the harshness of his rejection.

Now, as he listened to Dominic lamenting his situation, Joshua couldn’t help but feel a pang of shared sorrow. As Margaery’s older brother, he was no stranger to heartache. Just as Dominic had once turned his gaze solely to Tessa, Joshua had found himself longing for a connection with Margaery, only to be met with her cold indifference.

“Hang in there, Dominic,” he offered, trying to inject some hope into the air. “It won’t be long now—just a few more days. Remember, even if Prince Dashnell shows up every single day, he won’t get anywhere with her. Margaery is seriously injured and can’t do much of anything. Bernard’s advice isn’t unreasonable; it’s simply about applying the right medicine to her wounds.”

He continued, trying to bolster Dominic’s spirits. “Once the wedding is over, she’ll be in the Hadley family’s backyard. You’ll have her all to yourself. Prince Dashnell and Bernard won’t dare to chase her into your family’s home.”

Yet, Dominic appeared unresponsive, his heart a tempest of jealousy, fists clenched in frustration. Joshua sighed, sensing the futility of his words. He needed a distraction, so he turned to Raul, asking, “Father, what news from the King?”

Raul furrowed his brow, clearly troubled. “The King has already issued a decree to bestow the title of Glowsend County Princess upon Margaery. I expect the official announcement will arrive in a few days.”

Joshua’s heart sank. “If I had known this would happen, we should have expedited the wedding arrangements! I thought we were already rushing, but now it seems we might still be cutting it too close.”

“County Princess?” Dominic echoed, his voice thick with disbelief. “So she’s a County Princess now…”

His mind raced with implications. *What does that make me? Am I to treat her like some kind of living deity once we’re wed?*

Raul’s gaze was piercing, as if he could sense the turmoil within Dominic. “Once she becomes part of the Hadley family, she will be your wife, and you must treat her with respect. Always prioritize the greater good; it’s vital for our family’s standing.”

His expression turned grave. “With this royal title, everything changes. After your marriage, you cannot entertain any other affections, especially not for Tessa. You must let that go.”

Raul closed his eyes for a moment, wrestling with the situation. “Today, the King referred to her as the Star of Fortune. If she is indeed the Star of Fortune, she may have to share her husband with others and be subject to their influence. Dominating her is akin to dominating the King himself, and it could affect the fate of the entire realm.”

Dominic was left in stunned silence, grappling with the realization that he was about to marry a woman who might ultimately hold power over him.

Joshua, sensing his friend’s despair, attempted to offer a different perspective. “Consider it this way: if you marry her, no one else will ever have the chance to dominate you. At worst, it will only be her.”

Dominic took a deep breath, trying to find solace in Joshua’s words. “You’re right. I’ll treat her well. After all, we were childhood friends.”

Yet, as he spoke those words, a sense of forced optimism washed over him. The warmth of their childhood bond felt like a distant memory, one that had faded over the course of the past year. He wondered if it could ever be rekindled.

“No matter what, the fact that she is still willing to marry you is the best possible outcome,” Raul remarked, casting a sidelong glance at Dominic.

Joshua had intended to bring up the recognition ceremony scheduled for that night, but it felt inappropriate to mention it in front of Dominic. Instead, he said, “The situation is quite serious. Prince Dashnell is here, and you can’t gain entry. Why don’t you head back and inform your father? We can’t afford to neglect the wedding arrangements.”

Raul continued, “Disciples of the Chapel of Wisdom are meant to traverse the world, seeking enlightenment for themselves and others, rather than merely reciting prayers. The King praised these sentiments and remarked on his own time spent at the Southern Abbey when he was a prince. Now, look at him—he has ascended to the throne! So, they all believe that Margaery inheriting the Chapel of Wisdom poses no issue.”

Joshua’s indignation flared. *Not taking monastic vows, not chanting prayers, spreading teachings among the people—am I not capable of doing the same? Why her?*

Raul shot him a knowing glance. “Don’t dwell on it. As for Prince Dashnell, it’s best we stay out of his affairs. He and Margaery may be bound together for life. Remember, he is not only Mr. Eastwick’s disciple but also Mr. Stonier’s. That creates a complex web of connections.”

He continued, “Now that the Chapel of Wisdom serves the King, both Prince Dashnell and Margaery will be closely tied to him in the future. Even if there are no personal matters at play, official duties will surely arise.”

Even Dominic would likely have to endure this new reality. Joshua fell silent, contemplating the implications.

Dashnell’s interest in Margaery felt more like a personal vendetta against Dominic than anything else, and Joshua couldn’t shake the feeling that he was merely a bystander in this unfolding drama.

What truly concerned him was what Margaery, in her current state, might bring into his life. If there was still a chance for reconciliation, he would seize it. Those who admired Margaery, even if they didn’t respect him, would have no choice but to acknowledge him due to their connection.

But with Margaery’s current demeanor, that seemed increasingly unlikely.

A sense of foreboding settled over him, and he turned to Raul, voicing his concern. “Father, do you think Margaery will eventually want to draw a line between herself and all of us? She has already cut ties with Clyde, saying he is no longer her brother. She’s also managed to offend Avery.”