Chapter 14 Paige's words hung heavy as she glared at Margaery with righteous fire . " Should I thank you for your concern ? " Margaery's lips twisted into a wry smile , her voice dripping with mockery . " My name's already mud - do you think I care if it sinks lower ? " Her eyes flashed with cold resolve . Paige faltered , uncertainty clouding her face . " What are you plotting ? " she murmured . She knew Margaery was changed . No tears at the banquet , and this afternoon , she'd dared to challenge Avery , demanding her healing recipe back . She was not the Margaery of old . Paige's expression tightened with dread . " I can't banish you from this estate , Margaery said , her gaze sharp as winter frost , " but if I offered Tessa's cure in exchange , do you think Father would send you away - or me ? " In her old life , Margaery had groveled to please lords and servants alike , only to be scorned . Now , they'd crossed a woman forged anew . Paige's face paled . Tessa was the family's treasure . Last night , her ailment had kept the household awake , Raul standing vigil by her bedside till dawn . Avery and Dominic had raided the apothecary , only to be beaten back with warnings - they'd have been thrashed senseless but for Raul's name . If Margaery offered that recipe , Paige would be gone. Swallowing hard , Paige rose , her voice low . " I'll leave , my lady . You'll not see me again . " She covered her face and fled . Margaery clutched her herbs and headed to brew her remedy . But in the courtyard , a man approached - finely dressed , yet with a face so bruised it rivaled a butchered swine's . His gaze , locked on her , swirled with conflicted emotion . " Margaery , " he said warily , " who was that man you sent us to last night ? " Margaery eyed him , then smiled sweetly , her words laced with venom . " Why , Lord Dominic , is that you ? I nearly mistook you for a hog escaped from a winter feast . " Dominic's fists clenched . Her mocking " Lord Dominic " stung , and her insult - likening him to a swine - cut deeper . 1/3 23:41 Wed , 20 Aug 0 Chapter 14 But Tessa's need for the recipe forced him to swallow his pride . 68 % " When did we grow so distant ? " he asked , stepping closer , his brow furrowed . His voice softened , almost pleading , " Last night … was it revenge ? " Dashnell and a famed healer warrior had both set their sights on Margaery , stirring doubt in Dominic's heart . ' Have I misjudged her ? Why would such men pursue a woman I deemed unworthy ? " The thought fanned a possessive spark . He couldn't let her go - not yet . If she was to fall , it would be by his hand . Forcing a smile , he leaned closer . " Margaery- " " No , " she cut in , stepping back to keep her distance . " You wanted the recipe , didn't you ? I told you where I got mine . What's wrong with sending you there ? " Dominic frowned , her words a riddle he couldn't solve . For Tessa , he curbed his temper and coaxed , " Enough games , Margaery . Tell me who he is , I'm begging you ." " A beggar , " she said coolly . " Didn't you boast your skills were unmatched in Sinderin City ? Yet a mere beggar bested you ? " ' Begging me ? Too late , she thought . Margaery's lip curled in disgust as she stepped back again , widening the gulf between them . Dominic's gaze pierced Margaery , certain her words hid a barb meant for him . Each step he took toward her , she matched with a step back , her distaste plain as day. Yet , when he looked closer , her eyes were clear , her face innocent - as if she truly hadn't expected to best that Craig in their clash . He comforted himself that perhaps she wasn't spurning him after all . Maybe it was just his bruised , swollen face that made her wince - a mark that would fade with time . Bolstering himself , Dominic said , " That old begger was no mere rogue . His swordplay could rival the realm's finest . If you won that remedy from him , he must hold you in high regard . " " And what of it ? " Margaery replied , tossing herbs into the pot and kindling the fire beneath . Dominic pressed on . " Seek him out today , and I'd wager he'll give you the recipe without a fuss . " Margaery's lips curved in a faint , amused smile , as if he'd told a jest . " Lord Dominic , " she said , her tone light but firm , " two things . First , I owe you nothing , and you don't command me . Second , you're my betrothed , not Tessa's . " You can now . " She turned to stir the simmering brow . She'd have to end this engagement soun , before Dominic's meddling grew unbearable . 2/3 23:41 Wed , 20 Aug Chapter 14 68 % His face darkened , eyes fixed on her before he spoke , voice low . " Tessa's your sister , Margaery . She's ill , yet you won't help . Act like this , and you'll never grace my family as my bride . " He turned sharply and strode to the door . Margaery's smile was cold , private . Always the same tired game ! She ignored him . At the threshold , Dominic paused , waiting for her to call him back . When no plea came , he lingered , caught between pride and retreat . Finally , Margaery glanced up , her voice cool . " You're right , Lord Dominic . Your house's gates are too grand for me. But Gracewind Garden's are just as proud , and I'd thank you not to cross them again . Mind your step - I'd hate for you to trip and blame me . " " What's that supposed to mean ? " Dominic spun around , eyes narrowing . He'd sensed her scorn at the gate yesterday . Now , she laid it bare . " Exactly what you think , " Margaery said , eyes on the pot . " What you've wished for , perhaps . " Dominic froze . He had considered breaking their bond for Tessa , even as recently as this morning . Yet her sharp rejection stung his pride in a way he hadn't expected . Too stubborn to plead , he stormed off . Two steps out , he heard her call , " Amber , keep the door . Gracewind Garden bars rogues and cowards , lest some forget themselves . " Dominic whirled back , his glare venomous . Last night , in a fit of temper , he'd sworn he'd never returned to woo her . He thought she'd forgotten . She hadn't . She'd been waiting to throw it back at him . Margaery , heedless of his anger , slipped into the kitchen . Amber shot him a scathing look and slammed the gate with a resounding bang 3/3 Ө