Whispers Shape Distant Tomorrows by Aren Cole Vale ` 90 Summary
In Chapter 90 of “Whispers Shape Distant Tomorrows,” titled “Joyful Pulse,” the narrative unfolds with Raul, the Chancellor, grappling with the serious injuries sustained by Lord Clyde. Despite his usual detachment from idle chatter, Raul finds it necessary to convey the gravity of Clyde’s situation, revealing that the young officer’s martial prowess may be forever compromised due to a severe tendon injury. This news weighs heavily on Raul, as Clyde was not only a promising military leader he had personally trained but also a key figure in his aspirations for influence within the court.
As Raul processes this distressing information, he shifts his focus to Tessa, his daughter, who is struggling with her own emotional turmoil regarding her relationship with Dominic. Tessa’s confusion and disappointment at Dominic’s apparent shift in affections toward Margaery create a palpable tension in the air. When Nolan arrives to check on Tessa’s long-standing health issues, the atmosphere becomes charged with unspoken implications, particularly as Tessa inadvertently creates a scandalous misunderstanding about her relationship with Dominic.
The scene intensifies when Tessa’s health is examined, revealing that her chronic ailment is more severe than anticipated. Doctor Nolan’s grim diagnosis—that her condition could complicate her ability to have children—leaves Tessa in disbelief and despair. Raul’s heart aches for his daughter as he seeks answers, only to learn that there is no simple remedy for her suffering. The weight of her illness and the implications it carries for her future add to the emotional burden Raul carries.
In a moment of vulnerability, Raul contemplates Tessa’s potential lack of biological connection to him, which momentarily lightens the pressure he feels regarding her fate. However, the chapter closes with a sense of foreboding as Nolan hints at undisclosed matters that could further complicate the already tangled web of emotions and relationships surrounding them. The interplay of personal struggles, familial bonds, and the looming uncertainties of the future create a rich tapestry of emotion that resonates throughout the chapter.
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**TITLE: Whispers Shape Distant Tomorrows by Aren Cole Vale**
**Chapter 90: Joyful Pulse**
Nolan caught the fleeting expression on Raul’s face, and it was clear to him that the Chancellor was merely going through the motions of conversation.
Despite the gravity of the situation, Raul had never been one to indulge in idle gossip or meddle in the complexities of the Chancellor’s household, so he deftly shifted the topic.
“Lord Clyde has sustained serious injuries,” he began, his voice steady but tinged with concern. “With the right care, it shouldn’t pose a significant threat to his life. However, it’s unfortunate that his martial arts practice may suffer irreparably. That sword wound has damaged his tendons. I managed to reattach them, but he won’t be able to exert much force in the future.”
Raul continued, his brow furrowing as he spoke, “Typically, recovery from tendon and bone injuries takes around a hundred days, but in Clyde’s severe case, it could extend to six months or more.”
A heavy knot formed in Raul’s heart as he absorbed this news.
Clyde was more than just a military officer; he was the very man Raul had personally trained and envisioned leading the army with distinction.
With the backing of Sullivan Travis, a respected figure from Lakeburgh, and his lineage as the Chancellor’s son, Clyde was poised to rise to the rank of general. Raul had dreamt of a future where his influence would permeate both civil and military spheres, his voice echoing through the court.
But now, with Clyde unable to fight, the title of military officer felt hollow.
He wouldn’t even be able to pass the palace martial examination, a crucial rite of passage for any officer.
And with Margaery also injured, Raul found himself grappling with how to relay this disheartening news to the King.
Unwilling to dwell on such heavy matters any longer, Raul cast his gaze toward Sunbeam Court and forced a smile for Nolan. “Tessa is upstairs. Please, go ahead.”
Nolan nodded, his expression still somewhat pensive, and ascended the staircase to the upper floor of Sunbeam Court.
Inside, the maids had just completed their task of tidying up the room, the faint scent of fresh linen lingering in the air.
Tessa sat perched on the edge of her bed, a frown etched on her face as she gazed out the window. No matter how many times she replayed the events in her mind, she couldn’t fathom why Dominic, who had once been so devoted to her, had suddenly turned his affections toward Margaery and seemed ready to cast her aside.
The sound of footsteps from downstairs caught her attention, and her heart raced with hope. Could it be that Dominic had reconsidered?
She took a deep breath, deliberately adopting a sulky expression, and called out toward the door, “Sophie, haven’t I told you already? Men and women should not be alone together. Don’t let him in again!”
Raul, who had just reached the top of the stairs, was taken aback by her words.
Nolan’s expression shifted to one of discomfort. He exchanged a glance with Raul, his brow furrowing in confusion. “Lord Chancellor, this…”
What was happening here?
Tessa was still unwed. Surely, this admonition about men and women being alone together wasn’t meant for her own father, was it?
Or was there something more intricate at play?
Raul’s face flushed with embarrassment as he processed the implications of her words.
Sophie, sensing the tension, hurried to clarify from within the room, “Lady Tessa, it’s not Lord Dominic; it’s Lord Chancellor…”
With a respectful bow, she turned to Raul, “Lord…”
“Out!” Raul barked, his temper flaring as he felt an overwhelming wave of frustration wash over him.
Nolan stood beside him, his mind racing. Could the scandal between Tessa and Dominic truly be spoken of so openly? Although the incident had circulated through Pero Cela, was it merely an unfortunate accident? Now, with Tessa making such declarations, it was impossible to avoid speculation.
Chapter 90: Joyful Pulse
Nolan understood the complexities of the situation but chose to feign ignorance.
He couldn’t help but feel a surge of sympathy for Margaery, especially considering the implications of Tessa’s actions.
Inside the room, Tessa was momentarily stunned by the commotion outside.
How could it be Raul?
Once she regained her composure, she rushed to open the door, her earlier bravado crumbling as she called out tearfully, “Father, what brings you here on such a cold day?”
Raul’s heart ached at the sight of her distress.
Despite the myriad of doubts swirling in his mind, he found himself softening at her vulnerable expression. “Tessa, this is Doctor Nolan. I asked him to come and check on your stomach. Please greet him.”
Though the intricacies of Tessa’s relationship with Dominic were not meant for public discussion, it was clear that Dominic held feelings for Tessa, and Margaery owed her a debt of gratitude. It only made sense to grant Tessa some leeway in this tangled web of emotions.
Moreover, Tessa was undeniably enchanting; it was hard for anyone not to be drawn to her charm.
Raul’s heart swayed once more toward Tessa, and his gaze softened.
A sense of pride surged within Tessa at that moment.
She was well aware that when it came to navigating the hearts of men, she was far more skilled than Margaery. Regardless of the Wallen family’s doubts, they would always side with her in the end.
“Thank you, Father.”
Tessa performed a graceful curtsey, her voice imbued with a delicate fragility that stirred sympathy in those who heard it. “Hello, Doctor Nolan. I truly apologize for troubling you on such a cold day.”
Nolan, having served two generations of the King and witnessed countless women vying for royal favor, regarded Tessa with a discerning eye. He understood her motives almost instantly.
His gaze turned distant, and he replied with a cool detachment, “No need for such formalities. Let me check your pulse.”
Raul quickly interjected, “Of course.”
He guided Tessa to sit opposite Nolan, her heart racing with a mixture of anticipation and apprehension.
Tessa lifted her sleeve and extended her hand toward him.
However, Nolan placed a handkerchief over her wrist, taking her pulse through the cloth, which left Tessa feeling slightly embarrassed.
Raul observed Nolan intently, eager to provide context for Tessa’s condition. “She has suffered from this stomach ailment for many years. The midwife mentioned she was born this way. Since her arrival at the Chancellor’s estate, we’ve consulted numerous physicians, but none have been able to offer a solution…”
They had hoped that Nolan would bring good news.
But as Nolan’s brows knitted together, his expression grew increasingly serious, leading him to steal a glance at Tessa’s face.
“Doctor Nolan, how is my stomach?”
Tessa felt a strange unease at the way he regarded her.
“What exactly is going on with Tessa’s stomach?” Raul pressed, anxious for answers.
After a moment of contemplation, Nolan shook his head slowly. “Her chronic cold in the stomach must have persisted for many years. Now, the cold has penetrated to the bone and marrow. This will not only impact her stomach but could also complicate her ability to have children in the future.”
Chapter 90: Joyful Pulse
“I’m afraid this illness cannot be cured.”
He stood up, leaving Tessa frozen in disbelief. “Even you can’t cure it?”
Her voice quivered as she spoke.
She had believed that her arrival at the Chancellor’s estate, with its connections and resources, would lead to a solution for her long-standing ailment. Yet, even the King’s esteemed physician had no remedy.
Raul’s heart sank at the sight of her tear-streaked face, torn between despair and determination. “Is there truly no remedy at all?” he asked Nolan, desperation creeping into his voice.
Nolan shook his head gravely. “I can only prescribe medicine to dispel wind and cold, but this illness requires nurturing rather than treatment. Even with medication, it would take eight to ten years for it to truly heal. And even if it is cured, a single exposure to cold could trigger a relapse.”
“What should we do then?” Raul’s worry was palpable.
Nolan paused, contemplating his next words. “By the way, doesn’t your eldest daughter know of a miracle doctor? With his skills, he should be able to cure it within half a year. Lord Chancellor might consider seeking him out.”
Raul stood there, momentarily speechless.
That old beggar had grown to despise him; there was no way he would come forward to treat Tessa. If there had been any other options, Raul wouldn’t have resorted to bringing Nolan here in the first place.
He had never anticipated that Nolan would be unable to provide a cure.
With no other alternatives, he nodded perfunctorily. “Alright, I’ll look into it another day…”
Not in the mood for further discussion, Raul escorted Nolan out, leaving behind a comforting promise. “Tessa, don’t be upset for now. Father will return later and think of another solution for you.”
Coincidentally, he could ask Mark to assist with a blood test.
Raul closed his eyes for a brief moment, forcing himself to adopt a more positive outlook.
What if Tessa wasn’t his biological daughter?
In that case, he wouldn’t feel the weight of pressure, regardless of whether she lived or died.
As they stepped outside the main gate,
Nolan suddenly halted, a hesitant expression crossing his face. “Lord Chancellor, there are some matters I am uncertain whether I should disclose, but since you requested I check the pulse, I feel compelled to mention this…”
“Speak.”
Raul snapped back to reality, a sense of foreboding rising within him.
Conclusion
In the aftermath of the tumultuous revelations and emotional upheavals, both Raul and Tessa found themselves at a crossroads, their lives intertwined by a shared sense of vulnerability and uncertainty. For Raul, the weight of his aspirations for Clyde and the future of his family clashed with the painful realities of injury and illness, leaving him grappling with his role as a father and a leader. Tessa, on the other hand, faced the stark truth of her own health and the potential implications on her future, her spirit momentarily dimmed by the gravity of her condition. Yet, amid the despair, a flicker of resilience shone through; Raul’s promise to seek alternative solutions for Tessa hinted at a father’s unwavering love, while Tessa’s grace in the face of adversity revealed her inner strength and determination to navigate the complexities of her relationships.
As the chapter closed, the emotional arc of both characters culminated in a poignant moment of connection. Raul’s internal struggle to reconcile his ambitions with the harsh realities of his family’s situation paralleled Tessa’s journey of self-discovery amidst her health challenges. The whispers of uncertainty that surrounded them also served to strengthen their bond, as they learned to lean on each other in their darkest moments. The future remained uncertain, yet there was a sense of hope that together, they would confront whatever lay ahead, forging a path through the shadows toward the light of understanding and acceptance. In this delicate dance of emotions, they discovered that even in the face of adversity, love and resilience could shape distant tomorrows into something beautiful.
What to Expect in Next Chapter?
In the next chapter of *Whispers Shape Distant Tomorrows*, readers can expect the tension to escalate as Raul grapples with the implications of Tessa’s mysterious ailment and the potential consequences of seeking out the elusive miracle doctor. As he navigates the delicate balance of familial duty and the weight of his political ambitions, the stakes will rise higher than ever. Will Raul find the courage to confront the past and seek help from the beggar he once scorned? The looming specter of Tessa’s health could force him to reconsider everything he thought he knew about loyalty and love, setting the stage for unexpected alliances and heart-wrenching choices.
Meanwhile, Tessa’s emotional turmoil will deepen as she wrestles with her feelings of abandonment and betrayal, particularly in light of Dominic’s shifting affections. The chapter promises to explore her inner strength as she seeks to reclaim her agency amid the chaos surrounding her. With her father’s intentions shrouded in uncertainty, Tessa may find herself at a crossroads, where her decisions could alter the course of not only her own life but also the fates of those around her. As secrets unravel and new revelations come to light, the intricate web of relationships will be tested, leaving readers on the edge of their seats, eager to discover how love, ambition, and destiny intertwine in the unfolding drama.
