Chapter 8 Craig laughed , brushing off his slip " Snowy days are for hearing the snow fall , sunny days for soaking up the sun . And now . Ive you to teach medicine , combat . That'll keep me wandering , mark met " He leaned back , grinning . " Besides , there's sleep at night , naps at noon - time's a treasure , girl " Margaery shook her head , chuckling . " You're right , Craig ," she said warmly . Craig's weathered face softened . " That's my lass . I only wish to pass on my craft and live my days in peace . Let others wony over life and death . " Margaery's heart swelled . She had no kin left in this world . " From now on , Craig , you're my only family . I'll care for you always . " " There's my good girl , " Craig murmured , patting her head gently . Tears stung Margaery's eyes . A memory flickered - Raul cradling Tessa , ruffling her hair with a warmth Margaery had once craved . No more . She was done chasing the whole Wallen family . Craig was her family now . As dusk fell , Margaery bid Craig farewell , clutching the chart , and started for home . Craig , ever vigilant , trailed her silently to the Chancellor's estate , ensuring her safety before slipping away . Unaware of his care , Margaery reached the manor's gates and spotted her betrothed , Dominic Hadley , with Avery and Dashnell . " Where have you been , dressed so plainly ? " Avery snapped . " It's late , and you haven't even greeted His Highness ! " He'd meant to be kind , but her simple attire - nothing like the fine gown he'd sent - stung his pride before the prince . His face darkened . " Is she trying to shame us ? No wonder Russell is furious . Dominic's eyes flashed with scorn , " Margaery , you're thoughtless ! Apologize to His Highness - now ! " He gestured sharply toward Dashnell , who sat composed in his wheeled chair . Margaery bit back a smile . She knew Dominic cared little for Dashnell's offense . Her true fault was eclipsing Tessa's radiance at the feast , wounding her pride . Dominic and his brother Avery , bound by vanity , cherished nothing above their own egos . Ignoring them , she stepped forward and curtsied gracefully . " Your Highness . " Before Dashnell could speak , Avery rushed in , his smile forced . " Your Highness , forgive my sister's manners . As her 1/3 Chapter S brother . I've failed her . I beg your mercy His words faded into awkward silence Dashnell's gare rested on Margaery alone , as if Avery's voice were a passing breeze . When quiet settled , Dashnell spoke , his voice gentle . " Where were you this afternoon , Lady Margaery ? " No anger colored his tone - only a soft warmth that stirred her heart . minic and Avery exchanged a glance , startled . They hadn't expected Dashnell , ever aloof , to speak so gently to Margaery ' Doesn't he shun women ? " they thought . Margaery clutched a small bundle of herbs , her reply steady . " A chill sent me to fetch medicine . I never dreamed I'd meet Your Highness twice today ." In her old life , she and Dashnell had nearly been wed . The king had chosen Tessa for him , but she scored his crippled legs and the cruel rumor of his barrenness . Already carrying Dominic's child in secret , Tessa schemed to push Margaery into the marriage . Her father and brothers , eager for favor , called Margaery from the streets . But she uncovered Tessa's lie - she was no the Wallens ' daughter . When the truth broke , Tessa staged a kidnapping , demanding Margaery's life as ransom . Betrayed by her family and betrothed Dominic , Margaery died that day , her bond with Dashnell lost to fate . The memory chilled her now . This time , she'd never marry Dominic So she met Dashnell gaze , her heart fluttering . " My encounters were unintentional , Your Highness . If I've offended , I beg your pardon . " Dashnell's name bore a shadowed repute . Nephew to a general , son of the king's favored concubine , he was cherished yet marked by his crippled legs , rumored barrenness , and icy demeanor . To wed him meant a life as his caretaker , adorned with a hollow title . Or so Margaery had once believed . Now , she saw differently . Kindness mattered more than gossip . Dashnell , flaws and all , outshone Dominic , that false - hearted rogue . With the king's concubine Lady Serena Higgins to shield her , life with him promised far more than one with Dominic . Chapter 8 if only she'd known this before . Margaery lowered her eyes , pondering his heart . bashnell studied her in silence , his gare deep as a still lake . " Twice in one day is no mere chance He drew a gemstone from his sleeve and tossed it to her . " For you . " Startled , Margaery caught it , its warmth lingering like a spark in her palm . " My thanks . Your Highness , " she said , curtsying as she held it close . Dashnell said no more , turning his wheelchair and gliding away , a shadow of mystery trailing him . Margaery watched him o her thoughts tangled with hope . ' What did this mean ? " " Why do you stand there ? " Dominic's voice cut through , sharp with irritation and a hint of jealousy . " Change those rags ! You may be the chancellor's daughter , but you look like a beggar . " Before she could speak , he sneered . " Think that trinket makes you his treasure ? " Margaery faced him , her brow faintly furrowed . Dominic faltered , then scoffed . " It's a crumb for a stray . If he cares for anyone , it's Tessa - not you , you wretched thing . " AD