Chapter 11 The memory of the remedy stung Avery's conscience , and shame colored his face . To cover it , he shifted the blame . With mock outrage , he snapped , " These servants have no shame ! Stinting your coals ? I'll have some brought at once ! " Grabbing Dominic , he strode out Margaery sighed with relief and bolted the door . Avery caught her wary glance , sharp as if warding off a curse , and a bitter pang twisted his heart , heavy with guilt . " We've been so caught up with Tessa , we've forgotten Margaory , Winter's gripped us for weeks , and no one sent her coals . How has she endured these bitter nights ? " " Everyone else has had fires for forty days , " he muttered . " She's been at us daily , and I thought her spoiled , picking fights with Tessa for sport . " But- He'd neglected something so vital . He couldn't admit he'd taken her remedy and done nothing . Instead , he grumbled , " That girl's too proud . No coals in her room , and she never said a word ! " Then it struck him - Margaery had shivered through forty days in Gracewind's icy halls . She'd knelt in snow for a day and a night , then been locked in the woodshed . Avery felt like a wretched fool . Once , Margaery had been their dearest sister . " How did it come to this ? ' he thought bitterly . His thoughts churned , leaving him restless . He'd meant to ask Margaery to make peace with Russell and share the remedy for Tessa , but the words wouldn't come . Dominic frowned . " The servants need a firm hand . If we don't deliver those coals today , we've no right to ask for the remedy . " Avery rubbed his brow . " Yes , Tessa's illness won't wait . Let's sort the coals first ." They stormed to the storeroom , scolded the steward soundly , and ordered coals prepared at once . Dominic lingered at the door , his face clouded . " We'll wait to ask for the remedy . " Avery nodded . " Yes , we'll bring the coals soon . Poor Tessa , waiting another half hour . " Truth be told , he wanted to beg Margaery for the remedy , but pride stopped him . She'd always offered her remedies freely before . A few days of his coldness , and Margaery would come with gifts to win him back . 23:40 Wed , 20 Aug Chapter 11 But Tessa's illness couldn't wait days . They'd bide their time until the coals were ready . Avery glanced at Dominic . " Let's check on Tessa . She must be heartsick , waiting . " 68 % Dominic nodded . " She's not like Margaery . Tessa's known such hardship . To come home to neglect - it's too much for any heart . " They hurried to Tessa's room . Avery stood by her bedside , guilt etching his face . " Tessa , dear , there's a slight delay tonight . Just a half hour more , and I'll fetch your remedy . " " Thank you , brother , " Tessa whispered , her voice frail but kind . Her hands clutched the quilts , though she forced a gentle smile . " It's so cold . You and Dominic have worked so hard . Please , rest . I'll be fine . " Her words were brave , but her brow creased with pain , and she pressed a trembling hand to her stomach , as if struggling to conceal her suffering " How can we rest when you're like this ? " Dominic said , his voice cracking . " Tonight , I'll stay with you . " " No , please , " Tessa murmured . " If Margaery hears , she'll be upset … " Her words broke into coughs . She reached for the water , nearly falling in her weakness . " Tessa ! " Dominic caught her gently in his arms , taking the cup and guiding it to her lips with tender care . His eyes brimmed with pity . " Dominic , my stomach aches , " Tessa whispered , tears glistening in her eyes .. " Let me help , " he said softly . Setting the cup aside , he warmed his hands and eased them beneath her gown to soothe her pain . In the chill of her bed , Margaery lay sleepless , the cold biting at her skin .. She lit a candle , its soft light dancing across the room , and pored over a worn chart of healing points , her fingers tracing each mark on her body . She murmured the day's lessons until they wore fixed in her heart , only then slipping into a heavy , restless sleep . But deep in the night , a commotion broke the silence , Avery arrived with servants , hauling charcoal and pounding on her door with a clamor that jarted her awake . Margaery steadied her breath , pushing down her irritation , and rose to open the door . Avery stood there , his smile sly as a fox's . " Margaery , my dear , " he said , his voice warm but laced with guile , " if you need anything , you only have to ask . We're family 23 23:41 Wed , 20 Aug Chapter 11 -why so distant now ? " A faint shadow of regret lingered in his eyes , softer than his usual sharp manner . If she didn't know him - how he'd do anything for Tessa - Margaery might have believed he cared for his sister again . But she saw through his game . His kindness was a baited hook , meant to draw her into doing his bidding . She was done biting . .68 % ) " Thank you , brother , " she said coolly , a yawn breaking her words as she turned back to her room , her face bare of even a polite smile . Avery stood stunned . ' Just ' thank you ' ? Nothing more ? " He'd expected her to soften , to fawn as she once might have for a scrap of his favor . A few warm words , and he could've easily asked for the remedy he needed , But this Margaery - cold , unyielding - left him at a loss . Tessa's pained cries haunted him . He'd promised her the remedy that evening , and now , ready or not , he had to ask . He signaled the servants to light Margaery's hearth , warming the chilly room , before forcing a smile . " Margaery , your apology to Tessa today set things right . " We're a family again , aren't we ? " Margaery sat on her bed's edge , her gaze steady , silent , offering ing Avery shifted , unease creeping in , but pressed on . " Tessa's ailing tonight - her stomach's in knots . I've tried every cure ! know , but nothing helps . Have you any old remedies ? Something to ease her ? " " None , " Margaery said , her voice sharp and final . Avery stiffened , his eyes narrowing " Truly ? Not one ? " In his mind , her reply had come too fast . It didn't sound honest . It sounded like defiance . 373