Chapter 8
Craig laughed, brushing off his slip “Snowy days are for hearing the snow fall, sunny days for soaking up the sun. And now. Ive you to teach medicine, combat. That’ll keep me wandering, mark met”
He leaned back, grinning. “Besides, there’s sleep at night, naps at noon–time’s a treasure, girl”
Margaery shook her head, chuckling. “You’re right, Craig,” she said warmly.
Craig’s weathered face softened. “That’s my lass. I only wish to pass on my craft and live my days in peace. Let others wony over life and death.”
Margaery’s heart swelled. She had no kin left in this world. “From now on, Craig, you’re my only family. I’ll care for you always.”
“There’s my good girl,” Craig murmured, patting her head gently.
Tears stung Margaery’s eyes. A memory flickered–Raul cradling Tessa, ruffling her hair with a warmth Margaery had once
craved.
No more. She was done chasing the whole Wallen family.
Craig was her family now.
As dusk fell, Margaery bid Craig farewell, clutching the chart, and started for home.
Craig, ever vigilant, trailed her silently to the Chancellor’s estate, ensuring her safety before slipping away.
Unaware of his care, Margaery reached the manor’s gates and spotted her betrothed, Dominic Hadley, with Avery and Dashnell.
“Where have you been, dressed so plainly?” Avery snapped. “It’s late, and you haven’t even greeted His Highness!”
He’d meant to be kind, but her simple attire–nothing like the fine gown he’d sent–stung his pride before the prince.
His face darkened. “Is she trying to shame us? No wonder Russell is furious.
Dominic’s eyes flashed with scorn, “Margaery, you’re thoughtless! Apologize to His Highness–now!”
He gestured sharply toward Dashnell, who sat composed in his wheeled chair.
Margaery bit back a smile.
She knew Dominic cared little for Dashnell’s offense. Her true fault was eclipsing Tessa’s radiance at the feast, wounding her pride.
Dominic and his brother Avery, bound by vanity, cherished nothing above their own egos.
Ignoring them, she stepped forward and curtsied gracefully. “Your Highness.”
Before Dashnell could speak, Avery rushed in, his smile forced. “Your Highness, forgive my sister’s manners. As her
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brother. I’ve failed her. I beg your mercy
His words faded into awkward silence
Dashnell’s gare rested on Margaery alone, as if Avery’s voice were a passing breeze.
When quiet settled, Dashnell spoke, his voice gentle. “Where were you this afternoon, Lady Margaery?”
No anger colored his tone–only a soft warmth that stirred her heart.
minic and Avery exchanged a glance, startled. They hadn’t expected Dashnell, ever aloof, to speak so gently to
Margaery
‘Doesn’t he shun women?” they thought.
Margaery clutched a small bundle of herbs, her reply steady. “A chill sent me to fetch medicine. I never dreamed I’d meet Your Highness twice today.”
In her old life, she and Dashnell had nearly been wed.
The king had chosen Tessa for him, but she scored his crippled legs and the cruel rumor of his barrenness.
Already carrying Dominic’s child in secret, Tessa schemed to push Margaery into the marriage.
Her father and brothers, eager for favor, called Margaery from the streets.
But she uncovered Tessa’s lie–she was no the Wallens‘ daughter.
When the truth broke, Tessa staged a kidnapping, demanding Margaery’s life as ransom.
Betrayed by her family and betrothed Dominic, Margaery died that day, her bond with Dashnell lost to fate.
The memory chilled her now. This time, she’d never marry Dominic
So she met Dashnell gaze, her heart fluttering. “My encounters were unintentional, Your Highness. If I’ve offended, I beg your pardon.”
Dashnell’s name bore a shadowed repute.
Nephew to a general, son of the king’s favored concubine, he was cherished yet marked by his crippled legs, rumored barrenness, and icy demeanor.
To wed him meant a life as his caretaker, adorned with a hollow title.
Or so Margaery had once believed.
Now, she saw differently. Kindness mattered more than gossip.
Dashnell, flaws and all, outshone Dominic, that false–hearted rogue.
With the king’s concubine Lady Serena Higgins to shield her, life with him promised far more than one with Dominic.
Chapter 8
if only she’d known this before. Margaery lowered her eyes, pondering his heart.
bashnell studied her in silence, his gare deep as a still lake. “Twice in one day is no mere chance
He drew a gemstone from his sleeve and tossed it to her. “For you.”
Startled, Margaery caught it, its warmth lingering like a spark in her palm.
“My thanks. Your Highness,” she said, curtsying as she held it close.
Dashnell said no more, turning his wheelchair and gliding away, a shadow of mystery trailing him.
Margaery watched him o
her thoughts tangled with hope. ‘What did this mean?”
“Why do you stand there?” Dominic’s voice cut through, sharp with irritation and a hint of jealousy. “Change those rags! You may be the chancellor’s daughter, but you look like a beggar.”
Before she could speak, he sneered. “Think that trinket makes you his treasure?”
Margaery faced him, her brow faintly furrowed.
Dominic faltered, then scoffed. “It’s a crumb for a stray. If he cares for anyone, it’s Tessa–not you, you wretched thing.”
AD
