Chapter 7 in Margaery's old life , Craig had longed to take Margaery under his wing as his apprentice . But back then , her heart was consumed with winning back the favor of the Wallens . Every tonic and remedy Craig shared with her , she passed on to her second brother , Avery , desperate to reclaim the affection he'd already given to Tessa In the end , Avery had the nerve to demand Craig's stomach soothing elixir for Tessa , acting as if it was his due , The remedies she'd quietly slipped to Avery from Craig's stores ? They won no one's heart . Avery took her sacrifices for granted , and if she dared refuse him , he'd flare with anger . Yet , with those same remedies , Avery rose swiftly , securing a place as head of the Royal Infirmary . Tessa bloomed into a vision of beauty , while Margaery was cast out , left to wander the streets , reviled by all . Looking back , Margaery cringed at how blindly she'd humbled herself . What a fool she'd been . From the courtyard , Craig's voice rang out , warm and teasing . " Well , bless my soul - has the sun gone and risen in the west ? You , coming to visit an old codger like me ? " Before the echo of his words faded , a tall , wiry figure appeared at the threshold . His face was sharp but kind , his eyes twinkling with gentle mischief . When he caught sight of Margaery's roughspun linen dress , his brows arched in surprise . " What's this , now ? With the bond we share , you don't need to dress like a pauper to tug at my heart for a potion , do you ? " Craig folded his arms , cocking his head with a playful grin . Margaery's cheeks flushed with guilt . She sank to her knees . " Mr. Eastwick , I'm not here for potions this time . " " Oh ? " His eyes glinted with a knowing light , as if he could read her very soul . " Then what's brought you to my door ? " Margaery knew Craig was no ordinary man . The scandal at the Chancellor's manor had spread through the city like wildfire - surely , he'd heard the whispers . She drew a steady breath . " I've come for two things . First , I'm plagued by rheumatism , and I need your skill with the needles to ease it . " Second , I want to be your apprentice . I want to learn the art of healing and the ways of combat , to care for you in your later years and honor you always . " Craig's face softened , a faint smile tugging at his lips . " Seems you've finally opened your eyes ." He reached down , gently lifting her to her feet . " Come inside , lays . " " Thank you , Mr , Eastwick ," Margaery'said , rising . " You can call me Craig now , " he said with a chuckle , pressing a warm cup of water into her hands . " But mind you , this path isn't easy . 1/3 699 Chapter 7 Learning medicine and fighting will take gut and time . You ready for the hard work ? " " Lam . " Margaery answered , her voice fum as stone . She was determined to break free from the Wallen family . Her first step was to forge a life of her own . Healing would give het purpose and a livelihood . Combat would keep her safe . She wouldn't faller . Craig gave a nod of approval , retrieving a set of silver needles , " Right , then . Let's start with your treatment . We'll drive out the cold and dampness in your bones . Today , we'll tend to fourteen points , beginning with … Margaery followed his guidance , listening intently as he worked . " Feel those points ? " he asked . " Get a sense of where them sit on you . When we're done , I'll show you sketches to learn how to find them on others . " Tonight , go home and commit these points to memory - their places and their purposes . Come back in three days . " Margaery nodded , etching every word into her heart . After the fourteen needles , the cold in her bones had eased , her stiff joints warming with life . She couldn't resist - she stood , stretching her arms with a soft sigh . " Hold there , " Craig warned gently . " The needles need an hour to settle , or the cold will creep back worse than before ." He handed her a cup of honeyed water , eyeing her plain , homespun gown . " The Chancellor's feast is the talk of the city tonight . They're naming a second lady of the house , aren't they ? " His gaze sharpened . " And you , dressed so plain - you were slighted there , weren't you ? You want to cut ties for good . " I Margaery couldn't deny it . She nodded softly . " It's not just the slight . Hard lessons teach wisdom . I want to be free , but it's a path I must tread slowly . " Craig gave a slow nod . " Wise words . Wait for the right moment . " His brow furcowed . " But this chill in you runs deep . " What did that old fox Raul do ? " Margaery froze . Craig's bluntness was no surprise , but to call her father - the Chancellor - an " old fox " ? That was new . For a moment , she sensed a hidden rift between them , something old and bitter . But such matters weren't hers to probe . She sighed , sharing the past few days in brief , then looked up . " Craig , I didn't push Tessa down the hill . Do you believe me ? " " You say you didn't , and I trust you , " Craig said , his eyes warm but firm . " I know your heart . ר Chapter " But Raul ? He's grown blind . A Chancellor who can't see truth from lies will ruin the realm ." Margaery's heart swelled . Even her kin doubted her , but Craig stood by her . " Your trust means everything . " she said . She hesitated . " But my father's power is vast . Speak freely here , but outside , don't cross him for my sake . I'd never forgive myself if he turned against you . " Craig snorted . " He may be high and mighty , but I'm no pushover . Let Raul try me he'll regret it . " He waved a hand . " Ease your mind , lass . I'll give you two tonics . Rest well and return in three days . " Margaery nodded , settling by the hearth to study the acupuncture charts . A question lingered , one she'd always held . " Craig , your healing skills are unmatched . Why live so humbly ? Why not open a practice ? " Craig chuckled . " A practice ? I've no time for that . " Margaery blinked . " No time ? What keeps you so busy ? " 0 Comment 田 Send gift