Whispers Shape Distant Tomorrows by Aren Cole Vale ` 34 Summary
In Chapter 34 of “Whispers Shape Distant Tomorrows,” Margaery’s skepticism is palpable as she engages with Avery, who has come to invite her to a new restaurant, Pero Cela. Despite her initial reluctance and suspicion regarding his motives, she reluctantly agrees to accompany him. Their interaction is marked by a sense of tension, with Margaery feeling a growing distance from Avery, who offers her a piece of candy that she declines due to a toothache. This rejection signifies a shift in their relationship, leaving Avery feeling disappointed and reflective on their past camaraderie.
As they travel to the restaurant, Avery attempts to discuss Margaery’s upcoming wedding to Dominic and the arrangements that need to be made, but his efforts are met with Margaery’s cold responses. She dismisses his offers of help and expresses her desire for a specific silk for her wedding gown, which Avery cannot provide. This exchange highlights the emotional chasm that has developed between them, with Margaery feeling frustrated by Avery’s empty promises and Avery grappling with the realization that their bond is deteriorating.
Upon arriving at Pero Cela, Margaery is approached by her friend Amber, who shares alarming news about a potential trap set for her by the Wallens, involving Lord Dominic and other high-profile guests. Margaery quickly devises a plan to ensure her safety, instructing Amber to seek help from Craig. This moment underscores Margaery’s resolve and the gravity of the situation as she prepares to face the unknown dangers awaiting her.
As Margaery enters Pero Cela, she is greeted by Dominic’s unexpectedly warm demeanor, which confuses her given their previously strained interactions. This shift in his behavior adds to her unease, as she senses that something is amiss. The chapter closes with a sense of foreboding, as outside forces conspire against Margaery, and the stakes of her situation become increasingly perilous. The emotional complexity of the characters and the tension surrounding Margaery’s predicament create a compelling narrative that leaves readers anxious for what will unfold next.
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**TITLE: Whispers Shape Distant Tomorrows by Aren Cole Vale**
**Chapter 34**
Margaery raised an eyebrow, her gaze sharp as she assessed Avery. “So, Lady Christina gave Russell a hard time. What does that have to do with me?” She was trying to decipher the real reason for his unexpected presence today, her mind racing with possibilities.
Avery, caught off guard by her question, hesitated for a moment. He recalled the task he had been assigned and restrained the urge to reprimand her. Instead, he said, “Just get in the carriage. There’s a new restaurant, Pero Cela, that just opened. I thought we could try it out.”
“Let’s go and give it a shot. Dominic’s already ordered food and is waiting for us there. Oh, and about that prescription issue—I owe you an apology.”
Margaery’s eyes flickered over to him, suspicion dancing in her mind. *If he’s behaving this oddly, there’s definitely a scheme at play. What are Avery and Dominic plotting?*
Noticing her reluctance, Avery pressed on, “Come on, it’s freezing out here.” His tone held a genuine note of concern, as if he truly cared about her comfort.
“Fine.” With a resigned sigh, Margaery climbed into the carriage, choosing silence over further discussion.
Avery felt a slight wave of relief wash over him, and he offered her a piece of candy, a small token of goodwill. “I made this myself. Give it a try.”
“No, thanks. I have a toothache,” Margaery replied, shaking her head firmly. She had grown weary of such trivial gestures, no longer willing to be swayed by them.
Avery’s brow furrowed in disappointment. The Margaery he remembered was someone who would have eagerly accepted anything he offered, regardless of its taste or quality. This was the first time she had turned down his kindness, and it stung more than he cared to admit.
*So the distance between us is real now,* he thought, an uncomfortable pang tightening his fists on his knees. In frustration, he turned and tossed the candy onto the snow-covered ground, the gesture feeling like a silent farewell to their former camaraderie.
Margaery caught the movement from the corner of her eye and let out a cold, humorless laugh. *Now, he can’t even pretend anymore,* she mused, feeling a strange mix of satisfaction and sadness.
The atmosphere within the carriage thickened with an awkward silence. Avery, desperate to fill the void, finally said, “Lord Dominic’s birthday party is in ten days. Have you thought about what gift you’ll bring? Do you need any assistance?”
“It’s all handled. Don’t trouble yourself,” Margaery replied, her voice flat and devoid of warmth.
“Alright then.” After a brief pause, Avery ventured further, “Your wedding to Dominic is fast approaching. This morning, the Hadleys sent their formal proposal.”
“We need to start making arrangements. Since Mother passed away early, the responsibility for your dowry falls to you.”
He continued, “If you don’t want to handle it all yourself, consider hiring someone. They can work through the night; I’m sure they’ll have everything ready before the big day. What style of bridal gown do you prefer?”
As he spoke, Avery couldn’t shake the thought that after the wedding, Margaery would likely be forced to confess about the prescription in front of Cillian, leading to her punishment in the Clan Court. The thought of her suffering made him feel a bit better; he wanted to make her remaining time as pleasant as possible before that grim reality set in.
“I am your brother, after all,” he added, trying to convey sincerity. “If there’s anything else you truly need, just let me know. I’ll make sure you have it.”
Sitting so close to him, Avery’s words grated on Margaery’s nerves. She turned her head sharply, her voice laced with skepticism. “Is that a promise? Anything I want?”
“Of course,” he nodded earnestly.
“Then I want nothing else,” Margaery declared, her tone firm. “I want that bolt of silk Queen Angelina gifted us two weeks ago. I’ll use it for my wedding gown.”
Avery’s expression darkened at her request. “Impossible. That silk has already been given to Tessa.”
Margaery let out a cold laugh, sharp with disdain. Avery found himself momentarily speechless, his frustration bubbling beneath the surface.
“In that case, Avery,” she said, turning her gaze back to the window, “spare me the empty promises. It saves me the trouble of pretending to believe you.”
Avery studied her profile, his brows knitting together in concern. *It seems there’s no mending things with her,* he thought, a sense of defeat washing over him. *So be it. The plan goes ahead today. She leaves me no choice.* With a determined grip, he tightened his hold on the vial of medicine tucked away in his pocket, steeling himself for what was to come.
As they disembarked from the carriage, he casually mentioned, “Oh, Margaery, about your birthday last time… We were all so caught up with Tessa that we didn’t celebrate you properly. We felt terrible about it, so we arranged a little surprise for you upstairs. Why don’t you go take a look?”
“A little surprise?” Margaery’s curiosity piqued as she glanced up at Pero Cela. The establishment had three floors: the ground floor for meals, the second for refreshments, and the third seemed to be for lodging. What kind of surprise could possibly await her here? She felt a twinge of wariness.
“You’ll see when you get there,” Avery said, forcing a warm smile and gesturing vaguely toward the upper levels. “Last room at the end of the third-floor corridor.”
“Alright.” Margaery nodded but hesitated to move towards the stairs. “I need to use the restroom first.”
Avery instinctively reached out to stop her, but then he realized there was no reason to prevent her from doing so. He relented, allowing her to go.
Margaery quickly made her way around the building to the back courtyard restroom. There, Amber, who had been anxiously waiting near the rear entrance, rushed over as soon as she spotted her.
“Lady Margaery!” Amber whispered urgently, glancing around to ensure they were alone. “I followed Lord Dominic here, but I didn’t dare get too close.”
She continued, her voice low and frantic, “But I overheard Lord Joshua planning to host other guests here later. Even Prince Nathaniel and Princess Estelle are expected. I don’t know what they’re up to, but it sounds serious.”
Amber’s grip tightened around Margaery’s hand, worry etched across her face. “Lady Margaery, you asked me to keep an eye out. Do you think they mean you harm?”
Margaery’s expression turned grim, her mind racing with the implications. “Harm or not, I can’t say for certain yet. Listen carefully. Go to the outskirts of the city and find Craig. Tell him I’m having a party at Pero Cela and that I might get into trouble when I’m drunk. Ask him to come and help me as soon as possible.”
Amber nodded fervently, determination shining in her eyes. “I’ll go right away, Milady.”
Margaery pressed some coins into Amber’s hand. “Get something warm to eat on the way.” Amber accepted the money and dashed off, leaving Margaery to take a deep breath as she steeled herself for what awaited her at the front entrance of Pero Cela.
*****
At that moment, a figure emerged from the balcony on the second floor of Pero Cela, stepping into the teahouse. He approached the man seated by the window, addressing him with urgency. “Your Highness, the Wallens have set a trap for Lady Margaery at Pero Cela. They intend to force Lord Dominic and Lady Margaery into an irreversible situation. They’ve even invited Prince Nathaniel and Princess Estelle to witness it. This could spell trouble.”
The man by the window, Dashnell, narrowed his eyes dangerously, a cold glint in his gaze. “Is that so?” he murmured, his voice chilling. “Then find someone. Inform Tessa.”
“Right away, Your Highness,” Leandro replied, leaving in haste.
A sinister smile crept onto Dashnell’s lips. “Push me downstairs.”
Adam stepped forward, shoving Dashnell out through the rear exit. Once settled in the waiting carriage, Adam inquired, “Where to now, Your Highness?”
“I’ll wait here. Fetch me another carriage. We’re going to the alley behind Pero Cela.” Dashnell’s voice, even in the biting cold of winter, carried a chill sharper than the frosted air around them.
Meanwhile, across the street, Margaery returned to Pero Cela. As soon as she entered the room, she spotted Dominic descending the stairs. Avery and Joshua were already seated, but the other promised guests had yet to arrive.
Seeing her, Dominic’s face lit up with a warm smile. “Margaery, there you are! We’ve been waiting for you. Come, take a seat.” His friendly demeanor felt disarming, almost surreal.
Margaery felt a momentary daze wash over her. Ever since Tessa had come into the picture, Dominic had never smiled at her like this. Their encounters had been fraught with tension; he often expressed disdain, forced her to apologize to Tessa, or accused her of jealousy and malice. Today, however, was unexpectedly different.
Conclusion
As the evening unfolded at Pero Cela, Margaery found herself caught in a whirlwind of emotions. The warmth emanating from Dominic’s smile felt foreign, a stark contrast to the coldness that had defined their interactions for so long. Yet, beneath the surface of his charm, she sensed the undercurrents of manipulation and expectation that had become the backdrop of her life. The fleeting glimmer of hope that perhaps this night could be different was quickly overshadowed by the weight of her own reality—an imminent wedding, looming consequences, and the palpable distance that had grown between her and Avery. The tension in the air was thick with unspoken words and unresolved feelings, leaving her to grapple with the choices that lay ahead.
Avery, too, felt the chasm widen as he watched Margaery navigate the complexities of her new world. The realization that their once unbreakable bond had frayed left him grappling with a profound sense of loss. His attempts to reach out to her, to bridge the gap with gestures of kindness, had been met with coldness that cut deeper than he anticipated. As he sat in the shadows of Pero Cela, he understood that the path forward was fraught with uncertainty, and the plans he had set in motion may only serve to further entrench the divide between them. In that moment, both siblings faced the haunting truth that their lives were no longer intertwined in the way they once were, and the whispers of their past echoed ominously as they prepared to confront the distant tomorrows that awaited them.
What to Expect in Next Chapter?
In the upcoming chapter, the tension between Margaery and Avery reaches a boiling point as the stakes grow higher at Pero Cela. With the looming threat of a carefully orchestrated trap set by the Wallens, readers can expect a heart-pounding sequence of events that will test Margaery’s resolve and cunning. As she navigates the treacherous waters of court politics and familial obligations, the arrival of unexpected guests like Prince Nathaniel and Princess Estelle will add layers of intrigue and danger, forcing Margaery to confront not only her own feelings but the manipulative forces at play around her.
Moreover, the dynamics between Margaery and Dominic will shift dramatically as hidden agendas come to light. Will Dominic’s seemingly warm demeanor be a facade masking ulterior motives? As Margaery grapples with her suspicions, she will need to rely on her instincts and the loyalty of those around her, such as Amber and Craig. The chapter promises to delve deeper into the intricate web of alliances and betrayals, leaving readers on the edge of their seats, eager to uncover whether Margaery can outsmart her adversaries before the trap springs shut around her. With every decision she makes, the shadow of her past choices looms larger, and the consequences may be more dire than she ever anticipated.
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.
