Whispers Shape Distant Tomorrows by Aren Cole Vale ` 20 Summary
In Chapter 20 of “Whispers Shape Distant Tomorrows,” the playful interaction between Dashnell and Margaery reveals their growing connection. Dashnell’s lighthearted chuckle and Margaery’s compliment about his gentleness create a warm atmosphere, highlighting her attraction to him. Despite her past heartaches, Margaery finds solace in Dashnell’s calm demeanor, which contrasts sharply with her previous experiences. This moment of intimacy is abruptly interrupted by Adam’s astonishment at Margaery’s boldness in calling Dashnell gentle, suggesting a budding romance that both characters are hesitant to fully acknowledge.
As they approach a fork in the road, Margaery expresses her desire to disembark, feeling the weight of their connection yet not wanting to impose. Their brief farewell is tinged with hope, as Margaery embarks on her mission to learn medicine, symbolizing her resilience and determination to reclaim her life. The warmth she feels amidst the winter chill signifies her emotional rejuvenation, while Dashnell’s possessive feelings surface, hinting at deeper emotions he struggles to express.
Meanwhile, Adam’s concern for Margaery’s future looms large as he discusses the political ramifications of her actions at the Royal Medical Hall. Dashnell’s demeanor shifts from gentle to cold when he realizes the potential fallout from Margaery’s bold move against Lord Avery. The tension builds as Adam urges Dashnell to express his feelings for Margaery, but Dashnell remains cautious, aware of her pre-arranged marriage and the complications it brings. This internal conflict sets the stage for a deeper exploration of their relationship.
The chapter also shifts to Margaery’s confrontation with the Chancellor, where she faces the cold treatment reminiscent of her past. This time, however, she refuses to be a victim, symbolizing her growth and determination to stand her ground. The juxtaposition of her inner strength against the Chancellor’s manipulative tactics highlights the stakes involved in her fight for agency.
In parallel, the Chancellor’s inner circle discusses the political fallout from Margaery’s actions, revealing the lengths they will go to maintain their power. The tension between personal ambition and the consequences of their actions creates a charged atmosphere, foreshadowing future conflicts. Overall, this chapter intricately weaves themes of love, resilience, and the harsh realities of political maneuvering, setting the stage for Margaery’s journey of self-discovery amidst external challenges.
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**Whispers Shape Distant Tomorrows by Aren Cole Vale**
**Chapter 20**
A soft chuckle escaped Dashnell’s lips, a lighthearted sound that filled the air between them. “It doesn’t really count, does it? I offered it this time,” he remarked, a playful glint in his eyes.
Margaery’s gaze softened as she replied, “Your Highness is truly… gentle.” Her words hung there, suspended like delicate threads woven into the fabric of their conversation, each syllable weighted with unspoken truths.
Despite the brief time they had spent in each other’s company, Margaery felt an undeniable connection blossoming within her. She had endured so much heartache, both emotional and physical, that the thought of a man’s roughness was unbearable. Yet here was Dashnell, with his warmth and calm demeanor, effortlessly winning her heart.
Deep inside, she recognized her desires. There was an authentic attraction to him that she could not ignore.
Dashnell’s eyes widened slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing his features—no one had ever labeled him as gentle before. “If you think so, milady?” he replied, his tone betraying a hint of disbelief.
Just outside the carriage, Adam nearly lost his balance on his horse, caught off guard by the unexpected compliment. “Gentle? The Wallen girl is the first living soul to ever call Prince Dashnell that,” he mused silently. It was a bold declaration from Margaery, and even bolder for Dashnell to accept it. “A match made in heaven… of sorts,” he thought, a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth.
Unbeknownst to Margaery, Adam’s astonishment was brewing just outside the carriage door. Although Dashnell caught the sound of Adam’s cough, he chose to feign ignorance, focusing instead on the warm atmosphere that enveloped them. Inside the carriage, it felt almost surreal, a cozy haven amidst the swirling snowflakes outside that danced like romantic whispers in the air.
As they approached a fork in the road, Margaery felt the urge to step away, not wanting to impose any longer. “Your Highness, let me get off here,” she suggested, her voice steady yet tinged with reluctance.
“Of course,” Dashnell replied, nodding as he watched her disembark. A pang of reluctance tugged at him, and possessiveness stirred within, yet he managed to keep his feelings in check.
“Thank you for today at the Royal Medical Hall,” Margaery said, standing outside the carriage in her rough-spun linen attire. Despite the simplicity of her clothing, she radiated beauty that no coarse fabric could diminish.
As Dashnell gazed at her, it felt as if the snow falling outside had transformed into blossoms, drifting gently from the heavens. That fleeting moment stretched into eternity, a silent connection that spoke volumes.
“See ya,” she said, the two simple words laced with a hopeful promise of their next encounter.
A flicker of happiness ignited within Margaery as she turned to walk toward the Chancellor’s residence. She had a mission—to retrieve the prescription from Craig and to learn the art of medicine from him. It was a small step, but it felt monumental, like a flower blooming in her heart that had long been dormant.
Even in the depths of winter’s chill, she felt a warmth spreading through her, a sensation akin to coming back to life after a long, dark slumber.
Meanwhile, Dashnell and Adam watched her retreating figure, both remaining still for a moment, lost in their thoughts.
“Your Highness, she just dismantled Lord Avery’s career today,” Adam remarked, his voice low and serious. “She cut clean through the ties that bound the Chancellor’s faction to Lady Alicia and Prince Marcus. The backlash she’ll face… I wouldn’t want to be in her shoes.”
Adam’s gaze drifted toward the palace as he spoke. “The Chancellor will be cutting through state affairs any moment now. Whether Margaery simply wanted her prescription back or not, she has already disrupted the Chancellor’s interests.”
With family ties taking precedence, Raul would not let her off the hook easily. Neither would Joshua.
A sense of worry crept into Adam’s heart.
In an instant, Dashnell’s gentle expression vanished, replaced by an icy coldness. His eyes sharpened, radiating an intimidating pressure. “In a moment, you’ll go to the Chancellor’s estate and deliver this to her,” he commanded, pulling a purple sandalwood box from his robe and handing it over to Adam.
Adam’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Your Highness is going to give this to her?” he stammered, fully aware of the extraordinary contents within that box—something not just anyone could handle or deserve.
“This was meant for her anyway,” Dashnell replied, his tone indifferent. “It’ll be hers eventually; giving it to her early makes no difference.”
Adam’s expression shifted, the weight of Dashnell’s words sinking in. It seemed that Margaery held a significance in Dashnell’s mind that he had not fully comprehended before.
“But if that’s the case…” A hesitant thought crossed Adam’s mind, prompting him to ask, “Your Highness, since you’re interested in Lady Margaery, and I believe she feels the same way about you… why haven’t you expressed your feelings? If you make them clear, I’m certain she wouldn’t refuse.”
Dashnell fell into a contemplative silence, the air thick with unspoken thoughts. “Not now; it’s not yet time,” he finally replied softly.
There were complications—Margaery was bound by a pre-arranged marriage. If he were too overt with his feelings, it might reflect poorly on her. And deep down, he wanted to be absolutely certain of her feelings before risking rejection.
Even though a part of him believed he was the man she spoke of, the uncertainty loomed large. This time, he resolved to take things step by step. No rushing, no retreating.
Yet, when Adam indicated that Margaery liked him, a flicker of delight ignited within Dashnell.
Seeing the shift in his mood, Adam couldn’t help but inquire, “Your Highness, when did you start having feelings for Lady Margaery?”
Dashnell chose silence in response, allowing the question to linger unaddressed.
*****
Not long after Margaery returned to the Gracewind Garden, Paige appeared at her side. “Miss, Lord Chancellor wishes to see you,” she announced, her eyes glinting with a mixture of malice and delight, as if she were waiting for Margaery to stumble into misfortune.
Margaery had anticipated this encounter, offering Paige only a fleeting glance before making her way toward Raul’s courtyard.
However, upon reaching the entrance, she was halted by a voice. “My lady, Lord Chancellor requests that you wait outside.” It was Astrid Dunham, currently in service to Tessa, her tone as cold as the winter air.
With that, Astrid turned and retreated inside, locking the door behind her.
Margaery stared at the shut door, a bitter smile creeping onto her face. In her previous life, she had endured this treatment countless times—summoned only to be left waiting outside, tears streaming down her face as she begged for forgiveness.
They had forced her to accept false accusations, only to grant her a hollow pardon later, accompanied by a sweet reward. She had gone through this cycle far too many times.
But not anymore.
Margaery cast one last glance at the door before resolutely turning away to leave.
*****
Meanwhile, in Raul’s study, he, Joshua, Avery, and Tessa were engaged in a serious discussion. The atmosphere was tense, their faces etched with concern.
“What transpired at the Royal Medical Hall has reached the King. I just spoke with him. The King agrees with Nolan’s statement and has requested Avery’s resignation,” Joshua stated, his expression heavy with the weight of the news.
“Father, the King has indicated that it will be challenging for Avery to return without a compelling reason.”
Raul’s face flushed with anger, his blood pounding in his ears. “That wretched girl—she should’ve rotted in the lumber room!” he spat, frustration spilling over as he cursed Margaery.
Gasping for composure, he turned to Joshua. “Go on.”
Joshua nodded, continuing with his analysis. “The only way forward is if Margaery personally admits her mistake to the King, claiming she deceived Prince Dashnell by giving those prescriptions to Avery and agreeing that he send them to the Royal Medical Hall.”
He paused, gathering his thoughts. “That entire scene at the Royal Medical Hall today? It was pure spite—all because her pride was bruised after her apology to Tessa yesterday. She’s taking it out on Avery.”
“If she does that, the King might allow Avery back into the Royal Medical Hall. Then we can apologize again to Prince Dashnell, and this issue will be resolved without truly offending him.”
Joshua met Raul’s gaze as he spoke. “When that time comes, even if the King remains upset, he’ll likely just place Margaery in the Laundry Bureau for a few months. She’ll have to endure some hardship there.”
“Regardless, he won’t actually kick Avery out of the Royal Medical Hall over a girl’s tantrum; that would make him appear petty,” he concluded.
Raul nodded, a glimmer of agreement in his eyes. “That’s a solid plan.”
Inside, Tessa felt a surge of delight at the prospect of Margaery facing consequences.
Yet, on the surface, she feigned concern, clutching Joshua’s sleeve with wide, worried eyes. “If it means suffering, maybe it’s not worth it? I fear they might dare to bully Margaery in the Laundry Bureau.”
Conclusion
As the chapter draws to a close, both Margaery and Dashnell stand at the precipice of their evolving relationship, each grappling with their own fears and desires. Margaery, having faced a lifetime of heartache, feels a fragile hope take root within her, ignited by Dashnell’s gentle demeanor and unexpected kindness. This burgeoning connection, however, is shadowed by the looming threat of her pre-arranged marriage and the political machinations that surround them. In her heart, she knows she must navigate the treacherous waters of court intrigue and familial obligations, yet the warmth she feels in Dashnell’s presence offers her a glimpse of a brighter tomorrow—a life where she is not merely a pawn in someone else’s game but a woman capable of shaping her own destiny.
Meanwhile, Dashnell wrestles with the weight of his own feelings, caught between the desire to protect Margaery and the uncertainty of their future. His reluctance to express his emotions stems from a deep-seated fear of rejection and the complications that come with their social standings. Yet, as he watches her walk away, a flicker of hope ignites within him, a promise of what could be if only he dares to take a step forward. The snow continues to fall around them, a reminder that even in the coldest of winters, warmth can be found in unexpected places. In this moment, both characters stand on the threshold of change, their hearts whispering of possibilities that lie ahead, each determined to carve out their own path in a world that seeks to bind them.
What to Expect in Next Chapter?
**What to Expect in the Next Chapter?**
As the tension in the palace escalates, readers can anticipate a gripping confrontation between Margaery and Lord Chancellor Raul. With the stakes higher than ever, Margaery’s resolve will be put to the test as she navigates the treacherous waters of court politics. Will she stand her ground against the manipulative forces aligned against her, or will she find herself ensnared in a web of deceit and false accusations once more? The emotional turmoil she faces may lead to a pivotal moment where she must decide whether to sacrifice her pride for the greater good or risk everything to assert her newfound strength.
Meanwhile, Dashnell’s internal struggle will deepen as he grapples with his feelings for Margaery amidst the chaos surrounding her. His protective instincts will clash with the court’s expectations, forcing him to confront the implications of his affections. Will he finally find the courage to express his feelings, or will the looming threat of Margaery’s pre-arranged marriage keep him silent? The chapter promises to unveil the complexities of their connection as they both strive for autonomy in a world that seeks to bind them.
As the characters’ paths intertwine, expect revelations that could alter the course of their lives forever. Secrets will be unearthed, alliances tested, and the whispers of the past will shape the distant tomorrows they all face. With each turn of the page, readers will be left on the edge of their seats, eager to discover how love, ambition, and resilience will collide in the face of adversity.
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
