Russell's blood boiled - not just at Margaery's thoughtless ways , which stung like a fresh wound , but at Avery , always playing the saint with that smog , peacemaking air , Margaery's health had been frail of late . He'd heard rosewood could calm the spirit , so he'd trudged to Cloudveil Abboy to fetch her a blessed charm . He'd even carved a tiny hollow in a hairpin to hide it - a delicate job for his rough hands . By the time he'd etched half a phoenix into the wood , his fingers were nicked and raw . For two weeks , he kept it secret , hiding it from Margaery's eyes . Now , the memory brought a bitter pang to his heart . " Russell , " Avery said , stepping close , his voice soft but sharp , " you can swear you're done with her , but we both know you've never let Margaery go . Out of all of us , you care for her most . " " How about I set something up ? " he went on . " We'll grab some plum cakes , just us three . You two can talk , clear the air . " " No chance ! " Russell snapped , his voice hot with anger . " I don't have a sister with a heart that cruel ! Tessa fell from that rockery , and whether Margaery pushed her or not , she wanted her gone ! " " And you , " he spun on Avery , eyes blazing , " quit poking your nose in my business ! You're no better . She asks for help , you take her trinkets and walk off . When've you ever really had her back ? The mess she's in ? That's partly your doing ! " " Enough of your high - and - mighty airs ! " Russell's voice shook with scorn . " I'm done with the lot of you ! " With a rough push , he brushed past Avery and fled into the gathering dusk . Avery's cheeks burned , his breath stuck in his throat . "I only wanted to mend their bond , to keep this family whole , he thought , stung . " Why am I the villain ? Fine ." He let out a weary sigh . ' It's Margaery's doing , stirring up this storm . " Tomorrow , he'd make her apologize to Russell , so he'd stop shooting Avery those bitter looks . ' Margaery's too much ,' he thought , irritation flaring . ' A hairpin's one thing , but Russell's gift ? That one held the charm he prayed over for her . To give it away so carelessly - who wouldn't be wounded ? ' Not Margaery . She swept into Gracewind Garden , all smiles . Her maid , Amber , stepped forward , her voice low but firm . " My lady , how could you give away Lord Russell's hairpin ? It's got the charm he had blessed for you , to keep you safe . " Margaery's smile cooled . " It's fine , Amber . Let it keep Tessa safe now . That's just as well . " 23:39 Wed , 20 Aug Chapter 6 " But , my lady ," Amber pressed , " it's not the same . The priest blessed it for you . It won't protect her , even if you gave it to Lady Tessa . " Margaery's gaze softened at Amber's frostbitten hands . " It's just a charm , " she said gently . " What hurts more is how I've dragged you into this , sent off to do rough work . " Amber , the daughter of Margaery's late nursemaid , had stayed loyal since the old woman's death . There'd once been three other maids , but when Tessa arrived , their father sent the two eldest to serve her , leaving only Amber and Paige at Gracewind Garden . Paige had since turned to Tessa , leaving Amber as Margaery's only true friend . In her old life , Margaery had failed to protect herself or Amber . This time , she'd make it right . She slipped a jar of healing salve into Amber's hands . " Hold on a little longer , " she said . " I promise , we'll leave this place soon " My lady … Amber's voice wavered , torn between fear and hope . Margaery patted her hand . " Go tend your hands . Don't fret about the charm . " She knew full well what that hairpin held . In her old life , Tessa had coveted it , spinning a tale for Russell . " Brother , I've had such a hard life , always picked on . Here in Sinderin City . I'm scared to step out , afraid I'll never see you again . " Not like sister - she's got your charm to keep her safe . The heavens must guard her ." Swayed , Russell had stormed back to Margaery , demanding , " Give me that hairpin . The charm's for Tessa now . You don't deserve it . Margaery's heart broke , tears spilling over . That hairpin was more than a trinket - it was Russell's love , a brother's promise . She gripped it tightly , voice shaking . " No ! You gave it to me , Russell . You can't take it back ! " But Russell didn't care . He tore the hairpin from her head , yanking out a strand of hair . Margaery gasped , pain and tears overwhelming her . He sneered , unmoved . " If I'd known you'd act like this , I'd have tossed that charm to the dogs . From now on , I pray for Tessa , not you . You've made your mess - live with it . " Margaery vowed never to trust Russell again . She'd cut ties with everyone in Chancellor's house and forge her own path . But a woman alone needed skill and strength to survive . Craig could teach her both . Margaery packed lightly , swapping velvet for rough linen . Heart heavy , she slipped out the estate's back gate into the Chapter 6 snowy unknown . But as she stepped forward , she nearly collided with a wheelchair , stumbling to catch herself . " Oh , I'm so sorry- " she began , flustered . A steady hand caught her arm . The voice that followed was calm , almost otherworldly . " No harm done . " Margaery looked up and froze , dropping into a curtsy . " Margaery greets Your Highness . " The young man was striking - his features sharp , like carved marble , his skin pale as frost . A white fox - fur cloak draped his shoulders , giving him an ethereal glow in the snow . Everyone knew that wheelchair in Sinderin City . Prince Dashnell Sutherland , the kingdom's brightest star , cursed by fate . His legs , useless since childhood , had stolen his claim to the throne . A flawed prince could never rule . Up close , he was breathtaking . Margaery couldn't help but wonder what brilliance he'd have shown if fate had been kinder . " Well , now , " Dashnell said, his voice light with curiosity as he let go of her arm . His eyes studied her plain clothes . " The Chancellor's daughter , dressed like a commoner . Where're you off to in such a hurry ? " Margaery's chest tightened , but she kept her voice steady . " Just some urgent business , Your Highness . I didn't mean to offend . " " Go on , then , " he said , his tone soft as moonlight on snow . Margaery thanked him and hurried off . Craig lived at the city's edge , a long trek through heavy snow . The icy roads slowed her , and by the time she reached his home , noon was near . The frozen cobblestone path was empty . She paused at a weathered door , breath clouding in the chill , and knocked softly , " Mr. Eastwick , it's Margaery . Are you there ? " Ө 田 AD Chapter 7