Chapter 10 Avery , too , was puzzled . He rubbed his jaw , muttering , " Surely Prince Dashnell hasn't taken a fancy to Margaery ? " The notion seemed absurd . To Avery , Margaery was spoiled , all airs and no grace , unfit to hold a candle to Tessa . There was no way she could catch a prince's eye " No , we're overthinking it , " he said , shaking his head . " Prince Dashnell's seen every noble lady in the realm and turned them all away . Why her , of all people ? " " Perhaps the gemstone was a mere whim , " he added , clapping Dominic's shoulder . " A trinket means nothing to a prince- forgotten by sunnse , likely . " He gave a reassuring nod . " Don't dwell on it , friend . You and Margaery grew up together . Her heart's always been yours ." " It's just a fleeting spat , " Avery continued . " Give it a day or two , and she'll come back to you . She's the one who can't let Dominic nodded , but doubt gnawed at him . Once , he'd been certain Margaery's devotion was unbreakable . He held the power to turn away , not her . Now , that certainty faltered . Avery's words eased him , but unease lingered like a shadow . " Something feels wrong , " Dominic murmured . " Let's go to the Hall of Divinity ." He wondered if some ghostly force had swayed Margaery's heart . " I'm with you , " Avery said, resolute . Through swirling snow , they trekked to the Hall of Divinity . They secured a walnut - wood sword , but not without the high priest Simon Browning's scorn . " A living soul possessed by a specter ? Is she raving ? Senseless ? " the priest mocked . " I expected better from the Wallen family than a fool with a head full of mist ! " " No saving you , " he sneered . Avery fumed but held his peace . The Wallen family's power ruled the court , but the high priest answered to the heavens . One wrong, word could spark whispers of treason against the stars . Swallowing their pride , they took the sword and returned , their goal met , if stung . They went straight to Tessa's chamber . " Avery , Dominic , " Tessa whispered , curled on a cushioned bench , her voice faint as a dying breeze . " Why brave such bitter cold ? 1/3 Chapter 10 To see you , Avery sald , rushing to steady her . " You're pale as frost . Is your stomach troubling you again ? " " Don't fret . " Tessa said softly , though tears gleamed before she finished . " Father sent for medicine . I've taken it . " Her tear - streaked face , fragile as a fading blossom , stirred pity . Dominic's heart softened . " How long must you endure this pain ? " he said , urgency rising . " We can't go on like this . We need a cure - how . " He sat beside her , taking her trembling hand . Her fingers , cold and delicate , quivered like a newborn fawn . " If Margaery wished , she might know a remedy , " Tessa murmured , eyes downcast . " But she's never cared for me . I'd rather not vex her . " A tear fell , her frail form seeming to wane before them . Dominic's heart twisted . " Don't cry , Tessa , " he said firmly . " You'll hurt your eyes . Whatever it takes , we'll get that remedy tonight . " His voice held a fierce resolve , as if he'd storm a castle for it . Tessa's heart danced secretly . She knew a single tear could draw Dominic back , like a star to its sky . Still , she played her part . " Is that … wise ? " she asked , her voice soft as she tugged his sleeve , fanning the flames . " What if Margaery takes offense ? " " Leave it to us , " Dominic vowed . Even Avery's blood rose against Margaery . " She's gone too far ! " he snapped . " She knows Tessa's suffered for years , wracked with pain , yet she hoards the cure ! " " Does she even care to be a sister ? " he fumed . The more he thought , the more he blamed Margaery for Tessa's plight . " Tessa , rest now , " Avery said . " We'll find Margaery and demand that remedy ." With that , they gathered the walnut - wood sword and a spirit - warding bell , then strode toward Gracewind Garden , their purpose alight . In the drafty , dilapidated chamber of Gracewind Garden , Margaery swallowed the last of her bitter tonic and reached for the bowl of dregs to toss outside . As she neared the door , a sword flashed through the gap , its point aimed at her heart . She gasped , stumbling back and crashing to the floor , pain flaring through her spine . Avery , her brother , and his shadow , Dominic , loomed in the doorway . 2/3 Avery's sword wavered as he glared . " Speak ! Who are you ? Where's Margaery ? Leave her body , or I'll show no mercy ! " Dominic shook a brass hell , its sharp chime cutting the chilly air . Ghost hunters , of all things . Margaery stifled a bitter laugh . " If you want me dead , Avery , just say it . No need for ghost stories . " Wincing , the hauled herself up , brushed past them , and emptied the dregs in the courtyard . Dominic , still jangling his bell , frowned . " A spirit would be thrashing by now . She seems … herself . " Margaery shot him a glare , setting the bowl aside . " Lord Dominic , go fuss over my sister and let me rest . " She turned to Avery , arms crossed against the cold . " I'm taking medicine for a chill . Is that a crime ? If you don't trust me , test the dregs yourself . Stop skulking like I'm a wraith . " With a swift move , she pushed him toward the door . " Shut it . This room's freezing enough . " Avery faltered , his walnut - wood sword drooping . Before he could speak , Margaery snatched it and flung it into the frost- dusted courtyard with a clatter . He stared , stunned , from the blade to her face . " Are you … really Margaery ? " " It's cold , Avery ! " she snapped . " Can't you see there's no fire here ? Or do you want me to freeze all night ? " Avery's face darkened as he scanned the stark , icy room . " No coals ? " he murmured , almost to himself . Margaery's glare was answer enough . Winter had gripped Gracewind Garden weeks ago . Even the servants ' quarters glowed with coal fires , yet no one had spared her a single ember . Tessa had crowed about it , vowing that as long as she ruled the Chancellor's house , Margaery would shiver in her crumbling corner . Her heart stung at the memory . She'd swallowed her pride , handing Avery the tonic recipe from Craig , pleading for him to charm a few coals from the steward . He'd taken it and done nothing . And now , he dared ask why her room was so cold . B AD