Chapter 13 Dominic felt the sting of his own words turned against him , his cheeks burning with shame . 681 Unable to linger , he let out a cold huff and stormed toward the door , flinging a final barb over his shoulder . " I will never ever come back to you . " Avery lingered , his brow furrowed . " Why provoke him ? You'll need the Hadley family's favor to secure your future . " " My future is my own , brother , " Margaery said , her tone icy. " Tend to Tessa . You said she's in agony ." Avery's jaw tightened , torn between duty and frustration . After a pause , he muttered , " Fine . Rest well . " He turned to leave . Margaery's voice stopped him . " One thing . Return my recipe . I need it to make amends. " Avery froze in the courtyard , spinning back , his face dark with anger . But Margaery pressed on , her voice steady . " This confinement taught me Father's wisdom . I'll walk an honest path - no more deceit . " She bowed low . " Will you not aid me ? " Avery stared , fists clenched , his temper simmering , Margaery held her bow , unwavering , as if challenging him to answer , " Those recipes are with the Royal Medical Hall , " he snapped . " They're gone. " He turned to go . " Then don't fault me when I seek them myself ," Margaery called , her voice clear and resolute . " The Royal Medical Hall . serves the crown , and the crown is just . They'd not keep a commoner's work without due credit . " " You wouldn't dare ! " Avery whirled back , eyes wide , his voice trembling with disbelief . Margaery met his gaze , unflinching , each word deliberate . " No one should gild their name with stolen goods . I'm heeding Father's counsel - righting my wrongs , returning what's not mine , and offering amends . " Shouldn't you commend me for it ? " Avery's fists tightened , a flush of shame creeping up his neck . Words failed him , and at last , he growled , " Margaery , if I ever defend you again , I'll carve my name backward in the dust ! " With that , he stormed off , his boots crunching heavily in the snow , expecting her to chase after him as she always had , to soothe his pride with apologies . Instead , Margaery stepped forward , closed the door with a soft thud , and slid the bolt firmly into place . Avery froze , staring at the sealed door in stunned silence . ' She didn't follow ? " Always before , when he turned his back , Margaery would hurry after , pleading until his anger softened . But now , she'd shut him out without a backward glance . 1/4 23:41 Wed , 20 Aug Chapter 13 Fury surged in his chest . Rage flared in his chest . Inside , Margaery doused the lamp and went to bed , the windows falling dark . " Tell me she's not bewitched , " Avery muttered to Dominic , his face pale . Dominic , still stinging , shook his head . " She's a mystery . But what now ? Without those recipes , Tessa's We can't … steal , can we ? " pain won't ease . They stood in the snow , weighing their choice . Finally , Avery relented . " We know the apothecary's place . Shall we try ? " Dorginic nodded . " So be it . " They set off for the city's western alley , their steps hushed in the cold night . Margaery , hearing their footsteps fade , let out a cold chuckle . She'd seen Craig's skill - how he'd toppled a dozen fighters with one move , leaving them stunned . Those two ? They were doomed . With a smirk , she rolled over and slept . Under night's cover , Dominic and Avery crept toward Craig's courtyard , leaving their carriage at the alley's mouth . The house was dark , no light to hint at life within . They whispered as they neared . " Warmth's coming from this room , " Dominic said . " The remedy's got to be here . " " You take the window , " Avery said . " I'll take the door . " Avery drew his sword , its blade glinting faintly , Dominic eased the door open with his dagger . " We're in , " he whispered . They slipped inside , the room black as pitch . Before Dominic could guess where the remedy lay , a hand grabbed his collar . A flurry of slaps stung his face , and he was thrown into the snowy courtyard . " Dominic ! " Avery shouted , glimpsing shadows and hearing blows before Dominic flew out . Before he could react , he was seized , his face smarting from rapid slaps . The house's master had caught them . " Who Avery started , but he was hurled out , landing beside Dominic in a bruised heap . A pile of straw from a chicken coop saved them from broken bones . " Thieving brats ! " a voice sneered from the dark . " If you weren't the Chancellor's and Lord of Rites ' sons, I'd have beaten you senseless ! " The scornful voice mocked them and their families . " Get lost ! " A roar shook the air , sending them scrambling to their carriage . 2/4 23:41 Wed , 20 Aug Chapter 13 Inside , Dominic , feathers in his hair , gasped , " This place is for beggars ! How's he that strong ? Avery's face burned , smeared with filth . " He knew us in the dark . He's no ordinary man . We can't return. " " But Tessa … " Dominic said , his swollen face pig like , yet his heart still hers . Avery's jaw tightened . " We've no choice but Margaery " " She can't fight a stray dog , " Dominic scoffed . " But she's got remedies . That old man must favor her . " Dominic's heart twisted . ' Why her ? " Inside , a fire warmed the room . Margaery slept soundly . Come morning . her maid Paige crept in , hesitant . " My lady , did you hear ? Lord Avery and Lord Dominic were hurt last night . " Margaery wasn't surprised , but Paige's betrayal still stung - when she'd lied , claiming Margaery pushed Tessa off the garden steps . Turning , she said coolly , " I hadn't heard . But I know you vouched for Tessa's lie . " Paige's eyes darted , but Margaery cut her off . " You're here for Tessa , aren't you ? Tell her I know . " " My lady- " Paige stammered , shocked . Last time , Margaery fought to clear her name . " Isn't this what Tessa wants ? " Margaery said with a sharp smile . " Stay with her , You're not needed here . " Paige paled . She'd backed Tessa , banking on her favor in the Wallen family . But Tessa keeping her would admit Paige's disloyalty . Besides , Tessa's retinue - maids and governesses handpicked to shape her into a lady - had no room for her . Paige dropped to her knees . " My lady , you can't cast me out ! I serve the whole Wallen family , not just you . You've no right ! " Her words , though from the floor , held a bold edge . " Send me away , and Lord Chancellor will think you're petty , punishing a maid for speaking truth about Lady Tessa . " " it'll reflect poorly on you . " 3/4