So , Donnink's heart simmered with envy over Tessa Margaery's lips curved into a way smile . " Well said , Lond Dominic , Tessa's a rare pearl , a heavenly vision nothing like a wirtched creature like me . " keep your distance , my lord , lest my shadow dims your honor , " she murmured , clutching her gemstone as she brushed past . " What's that supposed to mean ? " Dominic scowled , catching her arm , his eyes dark with irritation . " I meant you , not Tessa ! " They'd been childhood sweethearts , bound by years of shared laughter , She once called him " Dear Dominic " with such warmth This stiff " Lord Dominic " stung , stirring an uneasy pang in his chest . Was that what he meant ? No - he meant the ninth prince would never want Margaery . Only he was her true match . Yet his words sailed past her . She turned , slipping her arm free and stepping back with a cool gaze . " A gentleman minds his manners , Lord Dominic . -Pray , do the same . " Dominic stared at his empty hand , his face clouding . Those were his words , once used to chide her . They'd been close as children , hands brushing , arms linked , even stealing a rare embrace . Before Tessa , he'd thought Margaery was his heart's choice . Then Tessa arrived , soft and delicate , stirring a protective ache with a single glance . To him , Margaery , sharp and envious , no longer fit his dreams . So he'd drawn back , rebuffing her with , " A lady keeps her distance , Lady Margaery . Show some propriety ! " Now , the tables had turned , and Margaery eyed him with weary disdain . " You'd spur me ? Dominic's voice tightened as he followed her retreating figure . " We're still betrothed , or have you forgotten ? " " I haven't ," Margaery said , pausing to meet his gaze . " But we're not wed yet , are we ? You've taught me a lady guards her honor . I've listened . " Her eyes lingered , a faint smile teasing her lips . " Are you not pleased ? " It sounded like a bid for praise , but it cut him like a blade . " Margaery Wallen ! " he growled , her name sharp on his lips . 1/3 23 : 40 / Wed 20 A00 Chapter bilazed , the spoke cality . " I'll ask the tutor at inkwell Academy if it's proper for a man to dote so on his betrothed's sister , embracing her heely so , perhaps I'll find another's arms to match my future husband's virtue " " What - Dominic trembled , his lace flushed with rage . " I held Tessa because she's frail ! Must you be jealous of that ? " His voice boomed , but guilt flickered in his eyes , His moments with Tessa weren't wholly innocent . The secrets he shared with Tessa were not the kind to be aired in polite company . How did Margaery turn so cold ? ' he wondered . ' She used to cling to me , jealous and pleading , begging me to leave Tessa for her " What's gotten into her to speak so sharply now ? " " Well , aren't you a saint , Lord Dominic ? " Margaery scoffed , her voice laced with disdain . With a bitter laugh , she turned and swept away , leaving him behind . In her old life , Dominic had already secretly pledged himself to Tessa by now . He'd waited for the family banquet , where Margaery's tears would give him cause - her lack of grace , her cruel heart - to break their betrothal with righteous case . She still saw it clearly : ten days from now , at the Minister's estate feast , Dominic had cast her aside before all , leaving her a mocked and abandoned fiancée . Not this time . She'd outwit him . She'd make Dominic choke on his schemes . Margaery gripped the warming gemstone and hurried into Gracewind Garden . Dominic stood in the biting wind , glaring after her , his blood boiling . " Is she bewitched ? Prating about ' proper conduct ' ? She , who used to trail me like a shadow ! " Now she dares scorn me ? Has she lost her senses ? " in his His anger smoldered , a quiet fire in his heart . ' Yes , I favor Tessa now , but is that not because Margaery has turned so bitter , ever stirring trouble ? ' And if we are to part , should it not be by my will ? Since when does Margaery hold the right to judge me ? " The thought burned , and then there was Dashnell , gifting her that jade for no reason . It left a bitter taste , like biting into Sour sloes . ' What makes her so special ? ' he fumed inside . Avery caught up , breathless . " Dominic , why'd you rush off ? I blinked , and you were gone ! " He glanced around . " Where's Margaery ? " -231400 Wed No Chapter 8 " Don't mention hel " Dominic snapped , his temper flaring . " You wouldn't believe how she snubbed me . If she's not possessed . I don't know what she is ! " He turned to Avery , fuming " She shrank from me , muttering about manner Her ! Can you believe it ? " " That's what she said ? " Avery's eyes widened . " Wasn't she always chasing you ? " " Exactly ! " Dominic cried , as if Avery had voiced his very soul . " And now she acts like I'm beneath her ? " Avery frowned , pondering . " She's been odd lately - apologizing to Tessa , giving away our gifts , treating us so coldly . It's not her . " He stepped beside Dominic , staring toward Gracewind Garden . " No one changes that fast . What if a spirit's taken her ? " Avery's face lit with resolve . " Here's a plan , Dominic . Let's visit the Hall of Divinity , borrow the High Priest's walnut - wood sword , and test her tonight . " If a dark spirit's at work , the priest will know what to do ." " Done , " Dominic agreed , nodding sharply . He'd meant to see Tessa , but the thought had soured . And Dashnell's gift gnawed at him . " What was Prince Dashnell thinking ? " he muttered , irritation rising . " He shuns women . Why give her jade ? " The more he dwelled , the hotter his resentment burned . ' A woman I discard should be scorned , fit only for a butcher's hand . ' But now Prince Dashnell favors her ? It makes me look unworthy ! " The thought was a spark to kindling , setting his heart ablaze . AD Comment Chapter 10