Daniel forced himself to break the kiss. If he had not, he reckoned the ladies who were bullying his wife would have had to witness an even more inappropriate scene. Magnolia’s forehead fell on his chest.
“Please, do not let go,” she murmured. “I think my legs will give in if you do.” Her revelation drew a smile on Daniel’s face, and he tightened his arms around her.
Magnolia was out of breath. It was not her first kiss, but she did not understand why the feelings were dramatically different.
In the past, when the baron kissed her, she felt revolted and cringed away from his touch. His kisses were violent and demanding. But why did she enjoy Daniel’s? Why did she want him to kiss her more? Why did she want to stay in his arms forever?
The thoughts created chaos in her head, they went against everything she had promised herself when she was finally free from the baron. Why was she letting a man touch her and worse, she enjoyed it?
“Can you walk
DANIEL KNEW THAT HE HAD BEEN AVOIDING MAGNOLIA. The feelings he had at the ball were so intense and confusing that he did not know how to deal with them. Staying away from her until he figured everything out was the only way he could think of. But Henry’s words have gotten him worried. Aurora was a spoiled child and always got what she wanted. She had been known for getting violent when she did not get her way. He groaned. For the next couple of days, Daniel continued to avoid Magnolia. He buried himself in work and spent his nights in his office. They finally met on the day of the princess’ tea party. When Daniel opened the door to the carriage and entered, he saw the surprise on Magnolia’s face. “I have to go to the palace for a meeting, going separately would be irrational,” he explained. “I see,” was all she said. Then she looked out the window as the carriage made its way through the streets of Throka. Daniel n
MAGNOLIA WAS TOO AFRAID to even look back. Just hearing that name made her skin crawl. The duchess had to grip the edge of the table as the waves of emotions crashed against her. She swallowed hard, trying to be rational about the situation. There was no way that the princess of the kingdom invited the one person Magnolia loathed the most to her afternoon tea. But as Serena joined the princess and greeted her, Magnolia’s optimistic thoughts vanished. ‘How is this possible? It takes a week to travel from Kerika to the capital? Unless she was already here. Or maybe the princess had invited Serena before she even invited me.’ “Duchess?” the princess called Magnolia as she was the only one still standing, lost in her thoughts. All eyes were on her, she looked around and sat instantly. Her head was in chaos. Her eyes traveled to Aurora, and she realized that this whole tea charade was for the princess to torment her by inviting t
“Victor, fetch the doctor and bring him to the house.” Daniel barked as he picked up his wife. “We are going first.” He rushed to the carriage with Clara closely behind. ‘What in the world happened?’ Countless thoughts scrambled in his head, most of them involved the princess hurting Magnolia in some way. “Jeremy, get to the house as fast as these horses can go.” “Yes, Your Grace.” The pale coachman rushed to his seat and got ready to race for his life. Once inside the carriage, Daniel held his wife on his lap, stroking her face gently. She was burning. “Magnolia, can you hear me?” Her eyes flew open. “You have to protect Geoffrey from that evil bitch,” she uttered. “Promise me.” Daniel was confused. “Who? The princess?” “No.” Magnolia groaned from pain. “Lasen—Lasen.” She clenched her fingers around his arm. “She almost killed me many times, do you understand?” She twisted in
MAGNOLIA’S HANDS SHOOK as she carried the heavy plate to the living room. Serena had been enjoying using her as a maid lately. She hurried back to the kitchen to bring the tea tray. It was even heavier than the plate. She took slow steps while being very careful. Unfortunately, as soon as she entered the living room, her small wrists gave in, and the tray fell to the floor. Every single cup and saucer were shattered. “Hurry up and clean that mess,” Serena ordered. Magnolia was too scared to even look up. She picked up all the broken pieces and rushed to the kitchen to fetch new ones. As she reached for the cups in the cupboard, a hand snatched her head and smashed it against the wall. “How dare you embarrass me in front of my guests?” Disoriented, Magnolia tried to stand, maybe run, but she fell back down. “What? Going
MAGNOLIA TOOK CONFIDENT STEPS TO THE DUKE’S OFFICE. She stopped in front of the door, took a deep breath, then knocked. “Come in,” Daniel called from the other side. She entered and found him engulfed in a pile of documents. “I can come back later, you look busy.” “No, you are fine. I need a break anyway.” He leaned back in his chair. “Have a seat.” Magnolia complied, but she did not utter a word. Daniel gave her a moment, but he became impatient. “So? Are you here to stare at my office rug?” Magnolia blushed and Daniel regretted his comment right away. “Yesterday—” She took a deep breath. “The princess invited a woman from my past,” she paused. “The woman who took me in after I lost my family. Her name is Serena Lasen.” Daniel remembered how she begged him to protect Geoffrey from that woman. She was so desperate. She was silent for a while again. This time, Daniel gave her all the time she
MAGNOLIA LAY IN BED, STIFF. She could not sleep, and her eyes were fixated on the canopy above the bed. She could hear Daniel’s deep breaths. He had fallen asleep right away. ‘How can he just fall asleep like that? Does he even see me as a woman?’ She rolled her eyes. She turned to her side and faced Daniel. He looked so peaceful. It was the first time she got the chance to study his face this close without the risk of being found out. His eyelashes were longer from this angle and his parted thin lips were so cute. His silver locks were falling on his face. Magnolia gently pushed his hair back, but Daniel violently grabbed her hand, she yelped in surprise. Daniel opened his eyes, they were cold, dangerous, and they were staring straight at her. A shiver ran through her body. “You are hurting me.” Daniel immediately released her hand. “I am so sorry, it is out of habit,” he said. “Are you alright?” “Habit?”
MAGNOLIA WALKED TO GEOFFREY’S BED AND LAY NEXT TO HIM. “I will protect you no matter what,” she whispered against his forehead and hugged him tightly. Magnolia felt the bed shift and opened her eyes. “Good morning, Mama.” Geoffrey greeted her. “Sorry, did I wake you?” “Was I sleeping?” Magnolia blinked at him a few times. “Yes, but that is alright. I was taking a nap too.” He smiled. “I know it is not morning, I was just being silly.” Magnolia caressed Geoffrey’s face. “You know, what happened earlier was not your fault.” Geoffrey looked down. “The knight will be fine, he was not hurt badly.” “Really?” A smile appeared on his face again. “Yes, your papa told me.” She paused. “You know what else he told me?” Geoffrey looked at her in anticipation. She quickly pulled him and started tickling him. “That you need to laugh a bit more.” Geoffrey giggled as he tried to break free, but he could not. They played for a whil
MAGNOLIA ENTERED THE DINING HALL, escorted by Henry. The room almost seemed to have a never-ending table. The plates and glasses glimmered under the light. The extravagant chandeliers hung from an intricately carved sealing. Large, beautiful paintings decorated the walls. It was the most beautiful dining hall Magnolia had ever seen. Not that she had seen many. Of course, Marquis Flock was sitting at the head of the table and to his right the princess, who was the most important guest of the night. The second most important guest was Daniel, who was seated to the princess’ right. Magnolia found herself facing her husband from the other side of the table. She was seated between the marquise on her right and Henry to her left. “Oh, I am so delighted to have you sit next to me, dear.” The marquise smiled sweetly at her. “The pleasure is all mine, my lady.” Magnolia returned the smile. Dinner seemed longer than normal, or maybe
“GOOD MORNING, LOVE,” Daniel greeted Magnolia as soon as she opened her eyes. “Good morning.” She smiled. “Let me just confess that, even though I have not held my wife in months and there is nothing more that I wanted to do last night, I am still happy with this situation.” Daniel motioned to Geoffrey who was sleeping between the two. Magnolia laughed until her eyes teared. “I look forward to when you do have the chance to hold your wife, Your Grace,” Magnolia teased. “Now you have me daydreaming about things a gentleman should not be daydreaming about.” Daniel raised a brow, making Magnolia laugh even harder. “Good morning, Mama. Good morning, Papa.” “Good morning, dear.” Magnolia showered him with kisses and hugs. The three of them got ready and headed to the dining hall. They were all excited to have breakfast together, like the old happy days. They joined Paula and enjoyed a peaceful family breakf
“I’M BUSY, MAG,” Killian said as he moved one of the crates from the cart. “You have not taken a break for hours,” Magnolia did not add a word, but she stared at him with determined eyes. The gray eyes that reminded Killian of their father every time he looked at them. He chuckled. “Fine.” He shrugged. “I guess I’ll take a break now.” Magnolia beamed and linked her arm through his. “I have made sandwiches.” She wiggled the basket she was holding. Killian smiled. “Good, I am starving.” He was so happy to see life back in his sister’s eyes. Ever since Laya found them and told her about Geoffrey, she was back to being herself again. She missed her son, but knowing that he was alive and safe was enough to make her happy. A picnic this time of the year would usually be impossible, but the day was quite hot for the season. The siblings walked a bit until they reached a vast plain. They spread a blanket and s
“ALRIGHT, I WILL TELL THEM. But I will come back as soon as I do.” Magnolia nodded at Daniel before giving her full attention to Titus. They both stared at each other for a moment. ‘The man who killed my parents and Daniel’s parents is standing before me.’ Her jaw clenched. She was going to bring him to justice, though. A public execution decided by his old allies would be an even more humiliating ending for this murderer. “That is exactly why no Gottanlich should have stayed alive,” Titus said, motioning toward the two mages still stuck to the wall. “Your powers are too strong and dangerous.” “It’s amusing that you are alright with people’s powers if they are serving you, but once they oppose you, they are too strong and dangerous.” Magnolia shrugged. “Do you really think that your decisions that led us here were the right ones?” The king was silent for a moment.“I don’t regret any of my decisions,” he fin
DANIEL WAS THE FIRST TO CHARGE AT THE MAGES. With incredible speed, he ran to the closest one to him and brought his sword down on him with everything he got. The mage had no time to put up a full defense. He flew across the room until he crashed into the wall next to Titus. The king watched with wide eyes. The shocked mages finally came back to their senses and moved to attack. Two Mages turned to face Daniel. They were ready to kill him for what he had done to their friend, especially the woman. The other two men faced Magnolia. One held a staff and the other had bolts dancing in his open palms. “I should warn you,” Magnolia said. “I have been practicing my magic every day for the past month.” The man with the staff scoffed. “We have been doing that for years.” He threw his partner a look and the latter grinned. “Alright then, give it your best shot.” “Enough with the chatting, just kill her already,” Titus screamed f
“YOUR GRACE,” the royal knights’ commander called. “My men cannot hold any longer.” Daniel knew it would come down to this, the majority of the royal knights could not use magic and physical strength was weak compared to magic, especially against the Tower of Gods’ Mages. “Where the hell are the knights?” the duke asked his commander. They had sent for them a while ago. At least more knights from House Van Konigl could use magic, and the rest had magical shields and swords. They could do more damage than the royal knights. “I will send someone else immediately, Your Grace.” Victor hurried away. “Do you not think that it’s time to give up, Duke?” Titus’ voice came from a balcony on the third floor. “I have about fifty Mages here, and more spread around the grounds. You should already know how this fight will end.” Daniel looked at the man who only weeks ago was a father figure to him. None of those feelings remained anymore though
“COMMANDER,” King Titus barked. “Yes, Your Majesty.” The commander turned to the royal knights who were encircling the king and queen. “Bring Their Majesties to safety immediately,” he ordered. The knights complied and escorted them away. Another swarm of knights rushed in to block the way behind the monarchs. “So predictable,” Daniel whispered with a smile. “No one shall pass,” the royal knights’ commander announced. “Royal Knights,” Daniel called. “I do not wish to clash with you, a blood bath is not necessary here. We are all children of the First Queen Magtig and I do not wish to harm my brothers.” Daniel looked around at the hard faces staring at him. “King Titus has let us all down. He has abandoned the values that make us who we are. Sadly, he does not have Malorenia’s best interest in mind anymore. He is too worried about making sure the Crown Prince, who is not a pureblood, inherits the throne. He cannot see reas
- TWO WEEKS BEFORE - “Your Grace.” Magnolia jumped in surprise. The voice came from the shadows of the trees, it sounded quite close, but she could not see anyone. Killian had warned her not to walk in these woods alone, but she really needed some time away from everyone. She has not been able to be alone since they had met with the Phoenix. Magnolia’s flames ignited. “Who goes there?” “It’s me, Magnolia.” Laya walked from behind a tree into the beams of the afternoon sun that filtered through the branches. “Laya? How did you find me?” They had been using a blockage spell ever since they left Salicera. It was impossible for anyone to find them through magic. “It took a lot of effort, so I’m glad you recognize that.” Laya smirked. “Did Daniel send you? I will not go back with you, so if that’s why you’re here, you have wasted your time.” Magnolia folded her arms in front of her ches
KING TITUS STOOD ON THE RAISED PLATFORM, ready to address the guests. Queen Monika and Princess Aurora were standing behind him. They looked as merry as he did. There were many people standing around. The men who were participating in the Hunt stood on the left, the spectators to the right. “It is with great pleasure that I welcome you all to this year’s Winter Hunt,” Titus announced. “We are honored to have many guests from neighboring countries, this year. I hope that you enjoy this tradition of ours that we have maintained for hundreds of years.” “I’m surprised he remembers this tradition and not the one where the king must be a pureblood,” Henry whispered to Daniel. “I also hope that this will be the first step to developing relations with our neighbors, for the prosperity of all,” the king continued. “May the Gods protect you and send preys your way. Let the Winter Hunt begin.” Titus raised a wine glass in the air before the guest mirrored his ac
THE SITTING ROOM WAS BRIGHT, which was not common in winter afternoons. It was surprisingly sunny. Of course, the winter sun only provided light, no warmth at all. The fire was blazing in the fireplace and next to it, Geoffrey played with Ben. “I do not appreciate being left in the dark, Daniel,” Paula reprimanded. The duke looked at his aunt for a moment. He felt guilty for lying to her, or rather, hiding his plans from her. But it would be better for her in case he failed. She would at least not be involved and hopefully be safe from any punishment. “You bring us to this hidden place and tell me to stay here until you come back to get us. What are you going to do, Daniel?” “Aunt Paula, it’s better if you don’t know. I want you to stay safe so please don’t ask me any questions.” Paula pressed her lips together but did not complain anymore. “This place is like a fortress, no one can sneak in so you will be safe as long as the g