Chapter 39 " Joshua's harsh words masked deep panic . He had no idea what truly transpired upstairs to cause this disaster . He stared at Margaery , his pupils trembling slightly . Margaery saw through his fear . A cold laugh escaped her lips . " Instead of questioning me , Joshua , perhaps you should explain what you put in my food today . " The moment I went upstairs , I felt dizzy with a stomachache and broke out in rashes . I had no choice but to rush to the toilet . " She stepped forward calmly , locking eyes with him . " Are you unaware of my allergy ? Why was peanut butter in the salad ? " Margaery pushed up her sleeve , revealing an angry , widespread rash . " She really is having a reaction . Doesn't look like she's lying , " murmured someone nearby , peering at her arm . " Those rashes look severe . " Joshua also saw inflamed skin on her arm . He hadn't expected Margaery to actually have an allergic reaction . Margaery moved closer , her gaze piercing . " Joshua , answer me . Why did you try to hurt me ? Have you forgotten I nearly died from this allergy before ? " " You ! " Joshua couldn't answer , momentarily . The peanut butter in the salad was his oversight . Preoccupied with trapping Margaery , he'd neglected to instruct the kitchen about her dietary restrictions . He hadn't expected it would cause such a violent reaction and send her fleeing . Now , he had no plausible explanation . Seeing Joshua flounder , Avery jumped in . " Who believes you were just in the toilet ? Even if you were ill , would it take that long ? We finished an entire round of drinks before you returned . " " Exactly . We didn't see her when we arrived . That was at least half an hour ago , easily , " another guest concurred . Dominic adopted a wounded expression . " Margaery , I only came upstairs to fetch you for the party . I never imagined this would happen . " Nathaniel looked at Margaery . " Lady Margaery , you need to explain where you've been during that extended period . Otherwise , suspicion remains . " Dominic immediately echoed , voice trembling with feigned hurt , " Margaery , we grew up together . Even if you don't wish to marry me , must you scheme against me like this ? " Dominic's eyes were red - rimmed , looking extremely aggrieved , as if Margaery had wronged him . " I schemed against you ? " Margaery almost laughed at the absurdity . " You defile my wet nurse's memorial tablet with Tessa in this vile act , and you dare smear me ? " Margaery's hand shot out , landing a stinging slap across Dominic's face . Crack ! Dominic reeled from the unexpected blow , his cheek instantly reddening . He stared at her , stunned . " You struck me ? " " I strike a man without shame , Margaery retorted , her other hand swinging to deliver a second , equally forceful slap to his other cheek . " Margaery ! " Joshua finally reacted , lunging forward to seize her wrist . His pupils shook with panic as he clung to the time discrepancy . " You still haven't explained where you were all that time . " Margaery turned her head to meet his gaze . Her tone dripped with sarcasm . " I met Prince Dashnell downstairs . We talked for a while . Would you like me to invite him to testify , Joshua ? " 1/3 11:02 Thu , 21 Aug 3D Chapter 39 46 % If it hadn't been for Dashnell today , she truly would have been destroyed . A sharp glint flashed in Margaery's eyes , a mix of tears and determination . Joshua paled under her stare . " You mean Prince Dashnell is downstairs ? " Anxiety surged . He released her wrist involuntarily . Purple bruises were already blooming on Margaery's skin , the clear imprint of five fingers stark evidence of Joshua's brutal grip . Margaery looked at the marks , her heart turning to ice . In her previous life , she'd been a fool , trying to win back this viper's nest of a family . She would not repeat that mistake . Margaery lifted her head , her gaze sweeping over Dominic and Tessa . She said , " These two committed this act before my wet nurse's memorial tablet . Today , I demand an explanation . Otherwise , I will go pound on the palace gates and demand justice , and then no one will know a moment's peace . " " Margaery , this is a family issue . Why involve the court ? " Joshua flew into a rage , roaring sharply . But Joshua was already putting on a bold front to hide his weakness , and no sooner had he spoken than his gaze drifted involuntarily to the floor below . If Dashnell truly was below , this ceased to be merely a Chancellor's estate scandal . It could explode into something far greater . Joshua knew he couldn't contain it if Dashnell intervened . Joshua's brow furrowed deeply . Desperate , he cast a pleading look towards Estelle . Estelle frowned , then turned her gaze on Margaery . " Margaery , have you lost your senses ? Why would your wet nurse's tablet be in a place like Pero Cela ? " She pressed on , accusation sharp . " It seems clear to me , you set this trap . You changed the incense and drugged Lord Dominic and Tessa . Honestly , does your flimsy excuse hold any water ? " Estelle , daughter of Angelina but raised by Alicia after Angelina's death , naturally sided with the Chancellor's faction in this crisis . Estelle leveled a threatening glare at Margaery . " Margaery , if you can't provide a clear account of today's events , you will explain yourself to the Clan Court . Let's see how long your defiance lasts . " Margaery looked up at the well - dressed Estelle . She was the daughter of Angelina and blood - bonded sister to Nathaniel . But after Angelina's passing , she'd been shaped by Alicia , the Chancellor's ally . Her defense of Joshua and Avery was predictable . In Margaery's previous life , Estelle had constantly wielded her status as a weapon , using any occasion to elevate Tessa and crush Margaery . Back then , intimidated by her power , Margaery would flee rather than confront her , allowing the slander to fester . But this time , she would not retreat . Margaery met Estelle's gaze steadily , her expression unflinching , her voice calm and measured . " Firstly , it was Joshua himself who claimed my wet nurse's tablet was here . " Were it not for his coercion and deceit , I would never have gone upstairs , and thus avoided being smeared with your filth . " " Secondly , " Margaery continued , " whether I go to the Clan Court is not yours to decide , Princess Estelle . Today hinges on evidence , not on who shouts the loudest . " She held Estelle's gaze , utterly fearless . Estelle , coddled and revered since birth , had never been so openly defied . " You! " she hissed , fury contorting her features . 2/3 11:02 Thu , 21 Aug Chapter 39 " Estelle's hand rose , poised to deliver a vicious slap to Margaery's face . Margaery didn't flinch . As the blow descended , a cold , knowing smile flickered in her eyes . " Hold on ! " Nathaniel's urgent command cut through the tension . He seized Estelle's wrist , pulling her back . His expression was grave as he shook his head . " Look at what she wears on her head " He'd never imagined that Margaery was wearing the jeweled hairpin hairpin the late king had bestowed upon Serena . Estelle froze . Her gaze fixed on Margaery's head . Her face darkened with shock and fury . " How is it that you're in possession of the hairpin granted by the late king ? " AD