" Outrageous ! " Dominic's temper flared , his fist striking the rough bark of a pine . The pain barely registered , drowned by his wounded pride . Margaery paid him no heed . She ate a quick meal , sipped her tonic , and set off for the city's edge to find her mentor , When Avery came seeking her , Gracewind Garden stood empty , its halls as silent as a broken vow . " Where's Margaery ? " Avery asked Dominic , who was still fuming . " I need her help ! " Dominic's scowl deepened . " You'd get more from a stray dog . She stood there , lording it over us , saying Gracewind Garden's no place for scoundrels or cowards . She's mocking us both ! " Avery touched his bruised cheek , still sore from Craig's blow . He hadn't been her target - not at first . But Dominic's words stung , and shame colled in his chest . " How could she be so cruel ? Tessa's illness won't wait ! " Tessa's pale face , damp with sweat and twisted in pain , tore at Avery's heart . Dominic's gaze softened , but his voice was grim . " If there's no other way , we must beg Nolan's aid . But he's ancient , and even the queen's ladies rarely sway him . Only the king might . " " We'll try , " Avery said , dread heavy in his voice . Nolan , royal healer to the old king and now the king's own physician , was near impossible to reach . But for Tessa , he had no choice . " I'll go to the Royal Medical Hall now . " On Westview Street . " You're early , lass , " Craig said , his weathered face creasing as Margaery stepped into his warm cottage . " I expected you in two days , " " Craig , I've learned your last lessons , " Margaery said earnestly . " I'm eager for more , so I came early. Please , teach me . " She sank into a curtsy , her head bowed . " Mercy , girl " Craig leapt up , alarmed . " What's this grand bow ? " " I caused you trouble last night , " Margaery said , rising with a shy smile . " I came to learn and to apologize . " Craig tugged his beard , chuckling " Trouble ? Just a pair of pesky rats . A good thrashing sorted them . " His tone grew serious . " You should've come to me sooner , lass . " Margaery blinked , confused . " What ? " A voice , smooth as moonlight on snow , drifted from the shadows . " He means you should've sought his help before enduring the Wallen family's cruelty . " 1/3 23:41 Wed , 20 Aug 1:41 Chapter 15 68 % Margaery turned , her breath catching Dashnell glided forward in his wheelchair , its wheels carving tracks through the snow - dusted floor . He sat with quiet grace , like a winter prince cloaked in frost , both commanding and serene . " Your Highness , " Margaery said , curtsying . " Why are you here ? " Her eyes flicked to Craig , curiosity alight . If a prince visited this humble cottage , it was no ordinary place . In old past life , her heart had been too caught in the Wallens ' schemes to know Craig well . Now , wonder stirred within her . Dashnell's lips curved faintly . " I came for medicine ," he said . " I didn't expect to find you , Lady Margaery . " His gaze softened , and she faltered , unsure how to reply . Her eyes fell to his legs , and she asked , " Your Highness … your injury . Has it never healed ? " He smiled , wistful as a winter breeze . " If Craig can't mend me , no one can ." Sensing her unease , he nodded toward the cottage . " It's cold . Come inside . " " Thank you , Your Highness , " Margaery murmured , following him . She'd heard tales of Dashnell's cold pride , but this man was kind , gracious - a far cry from the rumors . By the heartb's glow , Craig shot her a sly look . " Word is , last night you asked your brother for that old recipe , and he took you for a spirit , swinging a wooden sword . " Margaery's eyes widened . " How did you- " " Caught him muttering to Dominic ," Craig said , his eyes twinkling as he poured tea for Dashnell , though his tone hinted at a half - truth . Margaery nodded , her resolve firm . " It's true . I was foolish , sharing your remedies to win favor . I want them back . " Craig paused , teacup in hand . " The Royal Medical Hall ? " " Yes , " she said . " But it's guarded , and I need a token to enter . I thought to ask someone for help . " Her mind turned to Phillipa Eames , the bold daughter of the Lord of Warfare . As a palace guard , Phillipa passed freely through the gates . She could surely guide Margaery inside . But before Margaery could dwell on it , Dashnell spoke , his voice calm . " I'm off to the Royal Medical Hall for some remedies . I'll go with you . " Margaery blinked , surprised . " You would escort me into the palace ? " " It's on my way ," Dashnell said with a slight nod . " My thanks , Your Highness , " she replied , her heart lifting . Since it was merely convenient , she thought little more of it . 2/3 23:41 Wed , 20 Aug Chapter 15 Craig , however , shot Dashnell a knowing look , which the prince ignored , his face serene . 68 % " Those remedies are priceless , " Craig said . " A waste on a bastard like Avery . Since His Highness is kind enough to guide you , Margaery , reclaim them , Let some learn their place . " Margaery hesitated , worry flickering in her chest . " Craig , I want this , but I fear it might trouble you . " " Don't test me , lass ," Craig said with a sly chuckle . " I'm a beggar , but Raul can't touch me . " His bold words carried weight . Margaery wasn't sure she believed him , but with Dashnell there , Craig's confidence hinted at royal ties . She nodded . " Then I'll go boldly . " " Here's your remedy , Your Highness , Craig said , handing Dashnell the folded packet , a shadow crossing his eyes . " Thank you , " Dashnell replied , tucking it away . He glanced at Margaery . " Shall we ? " " Yes , " she said softly . Margaery followed , keeping a respectful few steps behind as snow fell in thick flakes . But Dashnell's voice cut through the hush . " The snow's too deep for my chair . Could you help me , my lady ? ". Her heart skipped . She hurried forward , grasping the chair's handles . Up close , a cool scent of winter plum drifted from him , soft and stirring . Her cheeks flushed , and she dipped her head , hoping he wouldn't see .