Whispers Shape Distant Tomorrows by Aren Cole Vale ` 46 Summary
In Chapter 46 of “Whispers Shape Distant Tomorrows,” Margaery grapples with the emotional weight of her situation, feeling the tension in the air as she prepares to leave Lord Bernard’s company. Despite the heaviness in her heart, she maintains her composure and expresses gratitude to Bernard for his support. He offers her a place of refuge should she need it, which evokes a sense of gratitude in Margaery, but also leaves her feeling overwhelmed by the complexities of her relationships, particularly with her family and the looming presence of Tessa.
As Margaery rides home, she reflects on her life and the shifting dynamics within her family. She acknowledges that her fixation on reclaiming her father’s and brothers’ affections has blinded her to the broader connections available to her. The vibrant world outside her carriage contrasts sharply with her internal chaos, and thoughts of Dashnell bring her a flicker of hope amidst her turmoil. However, upon arriving at the Chancellor’s estate, she is met with Dominic, who seems eager to explain his recent actions involving Tessa.
Their interaction quickly escalates into a confrontation, with Margaery resisting Dominic’s attempts to re-establish their relationship. She dismisses his betrothal gifts, asserting that they are meant for her father and not for her. Dominic struggles to understand her coldness, desperately trying to convince her of his commitment to their future together, but Margaery remains resolute in her disillusionment. She recalls her past experiences of being sidelined and feels little desire for the grandeur that once excited her.
Dominic, sensing the urgency of the situation, insists on the importance of their union and the respect she would command within the Hadley family. Margaery, while playing along with his delusions, reveals her growing detachment from the idea of their marriage. She adopts a calm demeanor, reflecting on the societal norms that allow men to have multiple wives while women are expected to share their husbands. This moment of clarity seems to surprise Dominic, who is captivated by her newfound composure and maturity.
Ultimately, Margaery’s resolve to distance herself from Dominic solidifies as she acknowledges the complexities of her emotions and her sister’s situation. She cleverly deflects his attempts to draw closer, maintaining a facade of generosity while harboring her own bitterness. As Dominic clings to the hope of winning her back, Margaery embraces her independence, recognizing that her past desires no longer hold the same significance in light of her current reality. The chapter closes with a sense of tension, as both characters navigate their complicated feelings and the stakes of their intertwined fates.
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**Chapter 46**
Margaery was acutely aware of the tension that hung in the air, a palpable weight that pressed against her chest.
But she maintained her composure, stating firmly, “Whether they accept it or not, that’s their concern. It has nothing to do with me.”
She rose from her seat, placing the coins for the coffee on the table with a deliberate motion. “Thank you once again for today, Lord Bernard. I should really be heading back now.”
Bernard, however, was quick to push the money back toward her. “No, no, the coffee is on me. Besides, it’s nothing between us,” he insisted, his voice earnest.
He stood, his gaze locking onto hers with an intensity that made her heart flutter. “I’ve more or less pieced together what’s happening between you and Dashnell. But let me be clear—if you find yourself unable to stay in Sinderin City any longer, seek me out. I’ll ensure you’re out of here in no time.”
“You’ll always have a place to stay at Morales’s estate,” he added, his tone softening.
Margaery nodded, a sense of gratitude washing over her. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
As Bernard escorted her to the door, he seemed to wrestle with unspoken thoughts, wanting to say something more yet holding back.
With her home situation weighing heavily on her mind, he finally released her with a gentle reminder. “If you ever need anything, just have Amber reach out to me. Don’t be a stranger. Even if circumstances keep us apart, we’ll always have our friendship.”
“Okay,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
Margaery hadn’t anticipated Bernard’s candidness. A wave of emotions surged within her, and she hurriedly climbed into the carriage, feeling overwhelmed by the weight of his words.
As she settled into the seat, she realized how she had been so fixated on her immediate troubles that she had overlooked the broader landscape of her life. Tessa had usurped her place in the affections of her father, her brothers, and even Dominic. In her frantic attempt to reclaim their love, she had forgotten that the world was vast, filled with people eager to connect with her.
The vibrant life outside the carriage window was a stark contrast to her internal turmoil, a reminder of the possibilities that lay beyond her current struggles.
And then there was Dashnell…
Just the thought of him ignited a warm glow in her chest, a flicker of hope amidst the chaos.
Before she realized it, the carriage had arrived at the gates of the Chancellor’s estate.
As she stepped down, she was taken aback to find Dominic waiting there, his stance tense as if he had been anticipating her arrival. The moment their eyes met, he rushed over, a troubled expression etched across his features. “Margaery, about what happened today, please, let me explain…”
“Explain what?” Margaery interrupted, her tone sharp.
She instinctively stepped back, creating a physical barrier between them.
Dominic’s expression faltered, his surprise evident, but he pressed on, “I swear, I never intended for any of this to unfold today. What transpired between Tessa and me was purely accidental. I never imagined it would escalate like this.”
Holding onto the distance, he locked eyes with her, determination in his voice. “But regardless of what happened, I will still marry you as planned. These are the betrothal gifts that arrived this morning. Take a look and see if they meet your expectations.”
He produced a sheet of paper, displaying it for her to see.
Margaery nearly laughed at the absurdity of it all.
She merely glanced at the paper, refusing to take it, and did not step closer. Her voice was flat, void of any enthusiasm. “Those betrothal gifts are meant for the Chancellor’s estate, not for me. I’m not the one who will be taking them, so what’s the point of showing me this? You should be presenting them to my father.”
With that, she brushed past him, her resolve unyielding as she strode into the estate.
Dominic’s brow knitted together in confusion. For a moment, he struggled to comprehend her words.
But then he recalled the purpose of his visit—to gauge her feelings and smooth over their relationship, to persuade her to marry into the Hadley family. Regaining his focus, he hurried after her, his voice laced with urgency. “My father has already gone to the palace to request Lady Alicia to officiate our wedding. It may not be an imperial decree, but it’s nearly as significant. I promise you won’t lose face. I’ll ensure you receive all the respect you deserve.”
Margaery responded with a casual “Oh,” not bothering to glance back as she continued her path toward Gracewind Garden.
In the past, the Hadley family had invited Lady Alicia to preside over Dominic and Tessa’s wedding, transforming it into a grand spectacle. Yet, during that time, Margaery had been cast out of the Chancellor’s estate, left to wander the streets, fighting with beggars for scraps of bread.
‘All that grandeur? What does it matter to me now?’ Margaery mused, a cold smile flickering across her lips.
‘Isn’t he still planning to wed Tessa as well?
What I once yearned for means nothing to me now!’
A silent, bitter laugh echoed in her heart as she quickened her pace.
Dominic remained behind, his expression tense and bewildered.
He had humbled himself, trying every tactic to win her back, uttering the right phrases, extending every possible benefit.
He had been certain that Margaery would feel moved, forgive him, and commit to their future together.
But he never anticipated her reaction would be so dismissive.
Yet, he could not allow her to marry Dashnell.
He had no choice but to pursue her once more, following her to the entrance of Gracewind Garden, where he finally managed to intercept her path.
“Margaery,” he said, his voice low and urgent, “once you marry into the Hadley family, I swear I will ensure you are treated with the utmost care. Regardless of what occurred between Tessa and me… You are the elder sister. In front of you, she will have to bow her head and act with humility…”
Dominic knew he had to secure Margaery’s marriage into the Hadley family above all else.
Otherwise, if she were to marry Dashnell and pursue the Hadley family, he would find himself in a precarious situation.
Dashnell was in an entirely different league compared to Marcus.
Neither of them had any real claim to the throne. Above them both was Prince Nathaniel.
But since Dashnell was not even a contender against Nathaniel, the King had no reason to worry about his ambitions. In fact, he trusted Dashnell, treating him with a certain favor. In contrast, Marcus was always under the King’s scrutiny, feared as a potential threat to Nathaniel.
In any conflict between Dashnell and Marcus, the King would almost invariably side with Dashnell. Marcus had little chance of prevailing.
Dominic was well aware of the stakes, having entangled himself in matters that could lead to dire consequences. At that moment, securing Margaery’s loyalty was paramount.
Margaery, willing to let him maintain his delusions, smiled faintly. “Well, that’s quite generous of you. Thank you.”
Dominic’s face brightened immediately. “So… you’re not angry with me anymore?”
“It’s not as if being angry would change anything,” Margaery replied, glancing back at him from the threshold of Gracewind Garden, her smile soft yet distant.
She had no intention of getting further entangled with him, but she was willing to play along for the time being.
“Besides, ever since Father confined me to the lumber room last time, I’ve had a lot of time to think. It’s always been the same—women sharing a husband, while men take multiple wives and concubines as they please. Tessa’s presence is just part of the norm. Go on and keep her company. I’m the elder sister, and I won’t hold it against her.”
Dominic rarely witnessed her in this light—not crying, not creating a scene, simply calm and composed.
For a fleeting moment, he found himself entranced by the tranquility of her smile, feeling a long-buried flutter in his chest. “Margaery…”
He stepped forward, reaching out to grasp her hand.
But Margaery deftly evaded him. “We shouldn’t be getting too close. Besides, the wedding is approaching quickly. You should return now. As for Tessa…”
Her smile remained, gentle yet laced with mockery. “After what happened today, her reputation is in tatters. She likely needs your comfort more than ever. And isn’t she still unwell? Given how she dressed today, I wouldn’t be surprised if she caught another chill.”
Dominic reached out again, but found nothing but air.
A nagging feeling of unease lingered within him, yet as he listened to her, he convinced himself that she was making sense.
He nodded, saying, “Margaery, you’ve really matured. You actually care about your sister now.”
“I was just too young and naive before,” Margaery replied, her thoughts darkening. ‘That’s why I once idolized you all.’
Dominic felt a swell of satisfaction, already plotting that once matters settled at the Clan Court, he would approach Marcus for a favor.
If Margaery could maintain this façade of generosity and virtue, he could have her oversee the household in the Hadley family, allowing Tessa to focus on her health and perhaps bear him a child or two.
He could relish the blessings of having both women—a rather sweet deal, all things considered.
So he said, “Margaery, once you’re part of the Hadley family, I promise you will not be treated unjustly. Even if Tessa has children, they will be raised as yours. Your status will remain unshaken.”
Conclusion
As Margaery stepped into the Gracewind Garden, the weight of her emotions settled like a heavy cloak around her shoulders. The juxtaposition of her internal turmoil against the vibrant life blooming around her was stark, yet it served as a reminder of the choices that lay before her. She felt a flicker of hope ignited by thoughts of Dashnell, contrasting sharply with the bitter reality of her entanglement with Dominic and Tessa. The calmness she projected was a fragile mask, barely concealing the storm of feelings that swirled within her. Margaery’s resolve had crystallized; she would no longer be a pawn in the games of others. The realization that she could forge her own path, outside the constraints of familial expectations and societal norms, began to take root in her heart.
Dominic’s desperate attempts to reclaim her affections only fueled her determination to break free from the past that had once defined her. Margaery’s journey toward self-empowerment was just beginning, and with each step she took away from Dominic, she felt lighter, as if shedding the skin of her former self. The promise of friendship from Bernard lingered in her thoughts, offering a glimmer of connection that she had long overlooked. As she moved forward, she embraced the uncertainty of the future, ready to explore the possibilities that awaited her. The whispers of distant tomorrows beckoned her, urging her to embrace her own narrative, one where she would no longer be overshadowed by the choices of others, but rather, would stand brightly in her own light.
What to Expect in Next Chapter?
**What to Expect in the Next Chapter?**
In the upcoming chapter, Margaery’s internal struggle is set to intensify as the consequences of her choices loom larger than ever. With Dominic’s relentless pursuit and his insistence on their betrothal, she must navigate the treacherous waters of familial loyalty and personal desire. Will she continue to play the role of the dutiful sister, or will her heart lead her astray towards the enigmatic Dashnell, who represents both danger and a flicker of hope? As Margaery grapples with her emotions, the stakes rise, and the tension between her past and future threatens to unravel the very fabric of her existence.
Moreover, the dynamics between Margaery, Dominic, and Tessa will take center stage, revealing the complexities of their intertwined fates. As the wedding approaches, secrets will surface, and alliances will be tested. Will Margaery’s newfound resolve hold strong against the pressures of her family’s expectations? Or will the haunting memories of betrayal and loss push her to make a choice that could alter her destiny forever? With the Chancellor’s estate buzzing with preparations and the whispers of political machinations echoing through the halls, the next chapter promises to be a whirlwind of emotions, revelations, and the tantalizing possibility of unexpected alliances. Prepare for a rollercoaster of tension and drama as Margaery’s journey unfolds further into the heart of Sinderin City.
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.
