LOGINShare
Chapter 37
Last Updated:
2021-10-09 20:30:24“WAIT,” MAGNOLIA SCREAMED, disoriented. Her arm was stretched in front of her and she was drenched in sweat. “A dream,” she whispered before she tried to relax her tense body.
She pushed the covers off and walked to the table to pour herself a glass of water.
“It was definitely a memory from my childhood, from before the accident—or the murder,” she rectified.
Magnolia put her glass back on the table at once. She hurried to her closet and quickly changed her clothes. She packed the fruit that Clara had left for her on the table and headed to the stables.
“Hey, you,” she greeted Thunder. He recognized her immediately and inched closer to nuzzle against her face. “Let’s go for a little trip, shall we?”
Magnolia grabbed a blanket and a saddle. She had never put one on by herself before, but she had watched enough people do it to remember. She tightened the girth and checked that the saddle was fastened in place, then, she mounted the
Related chapters
Magnolia Chapter 38
“WHAT DO YOU MEAN SHE IS GONE?” Daniel’s voice was low and dangerous. He glared at his friend. “The stable boy said that Thunder is missing, and the duchess is nowhere to be found,” Henry told him. “You know that your horse would never let a stranger approach him.” Daniel pinched the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes. ‘Could it be that she ran away?’ The thought made his blood boil. ‘But she would never leave Geoffrey behind.’He shook his head. ‘Of course, she did not run away. But then where did she go? And why in the middle of the night?’ Henry watched his friend struggle with his thoughts. “Let’s prepare to track her right away,” Daniel ordered. “Tell Victor to only bring a handful of men.” ‘I hope she is not going to do something foolish because of what Aunt Paula told her.’ In no time, horses and dogs were prepared to track the duchess. Of course, no one in the ca
Last Updated : 2021-10-10Magnolia Chapter 39
“ARE YOU SURE IT’S ALRIGHT to just walk away from them?” Magnolia asked while looking back at the knights they left behind. “It is,” Daniel answered. “We will not get that far, and the horses need a break anyway,” he added. “We will spend the night in town and leave in the morning.” They both took a few steps in silence, each of them trying to catch up with their racing thoughts. They followed a hidden path through the trees until they found themselves standing in front of a huge pond. The reflection of the afternoon sun on the water made it sparkle like diamonds. “Beautiful,” Magnolia whispered. They took in the breathtaking landscape for a few minutes before Daniel reached for his wife’s hand to get her attention. “Magnolia,” he started. “First of all, I need to apologize for my behavior on that day after the attack.” He squeezed her hand. “How could I ever think that you’re a monster, Magnolia? I was frustrated with myself. I
Last Updated : 2021-10-10Magnolia Chapter 40
MAGNOLIA SNUGGLED AGAINST DANIEL’S CHEST. They had made love for hours, the same as every night since they had returned from Hamelsta. He smiled. ‘How did it even feel before, without Magnolia sleeping in my arms?’ He pulled her tighter against him which got a moan out of her. But after a few minutes, her body jolted and she mumbled something. He could tell that she was having a dream. “Killian,” she called. “Don’t go, Killian.” Daniel frowned. ‘Who in the hell is Killian? Calling another man’s name while in my arms.’ Magnolia stretched her arm and called the name again. This time, it was a scream. She immediately opened her eyes, disoriented. “It’s alright, love,” Daniel whispered against her hair. “It was just a bad dream.” Magnolia nodded her head as she tried to slow her breathing. “You spoke in your sleep,” he told her after a long silence. “Did I?” She looked up. “Yes, you called
Last Updated : 2021-10-11Magnolia Chapter 41
“IJUST DON’T UNDERSTAND WHY I HAVE TO GO AS WELL.” Henry shrugged. He looked annoyed and bored by the conversation already. “We will be gone for two weeks, in addition to the traveling time,” Daniel told him. “Isn’t that a good reason for me to stay behind and take care of things here?” “Henry, my friend,” the duke started, “life is not all about work, you should take some time to enjoy life.” “Says the man who, only a few months ago, did not even know the color of his bed covers because he spent every night in his office.” Daniel chuckled. “Well, not anymore,” he grinned. “Are you boasting to your bachelor friend?” Henry raised a brow. “Not at all.” Daniel raised his arms in surrender. “I just want you to find someone who would make you happy, like I did. Besides, you were also invited.” “Please, I don’t need someone else telling me these things. My mother is doing an outstanding job reminding me that I nee
Last Updated : 2021-10-12Magnolia Chapter 42
“MAGNOLIA!” FLORENCE REJOICED WHEN SHE SAW THE DUCHESS. She rushed to her friend and hugged her tightly. “Oh Florence, I have missed you.” “I have missed you too.” Daniel watched with a smile. He had hoped that the trip would divert his wife’s mind from her family matters and help her forget about the dreams she had been having. He was relieved to see that meeting her friend had been a welcome distraction. She did not mention the search ever since she received Florence’s letter. Daniel would share any findings with her as soon as he got them from Marcus. But he was happy to see that his wife was enjoying herself right now. “Daniel,” Richard called as he stepped closer to him. “Richard, how have you been?” They shook hands. “Not bad at all, business is good,” he answered. ‘Leave it to Richard Kalwen to mention business not even ten seconds after meeting his friend.’ “I hope the jo
Last Updated : 2021-10-13Magnolia Chapter 43
DINNER WAS A WHOLE AFFAIR. Instead of the dining hall, it took place in the ballroom. Probably because they were not going to be able to fit fifty people in that hall. The dressed tables were too long to even clearly see the guests sitting on the other side. After Magnolia and Daniel checked on Geoffrey and bid him goodnight, they joined the guests just in time to enter the room. The duke was immediately greeted by many. Acquaintances waved and smiled at him, and people who were never introduced to him bowed, hoping that the event would be their chance to meet the Duke of Salicera. The couple were seated by Richard, which Magnolia was grateful for. She did not know anyone in the room except for the Kalwens. Most of her acquaintances arrived in the following few days. The birthday ball itself was in a week, but as the dowager countess had announced to her earlier, the festivities would last for days. After the bathtub earlie
Last Updated : 2021-10-14Magnolia Chapter 44
IT WAS FINALLY THE DAY OF FLORENCE’S BIRTHDAY BALL. Magnolia had watched her friend over the past few days as she struggled with her mother’s introductions to the lords who were attending. She wanted to help her, but there was nothing she could do. She even asked Daniel if he could intervene, as the duke. But he told her that only Richard could, but he listened to everything his mother said, unfortunately. At the ball, Florence was juggled from one arm to another. Every time the music started, she was dancing with a different partner, her mother made sure of that. She was finally relieved when everyone was invited to step out into the gardens. She immediately found her friend and told her that she was going to sneak away. “Would you like me to accompany you?” Magnolia asked. “I am only going for a walk to get some fresh air.” She shook her head. “Enjoy the show in your husband’s arms,” she whispered to her before winking. Then, she disap
Last Updated : 2021-10-15Magnolia Chapter 45
“I AM SURE SHE CAME HERE.” Richard said as they made their way toward the lake. “My sister always comes here when she wants to be alone.” “She did want to go for a walk alone, I think the ball has taken a toll on her,” Magnolia tried to start a conversation about Florence’s marriage plans. “She was very stressed when I saw her earlier.” She looked over to Daniel to try to get his help but ended up crashing into Richard’s back when he suddenly came to a halt. She gasped in surprise. “Are you alright?” Daniel caught her from falling. “What in the Gods names?” They heard Richard mumble. Then he took fast stomps to Henry and his sister. “What the bloody hell is this?” he roared, pulling Henry away from Florence. “How dare you?” His left fist landed on Henry’s face, sending him flying to the ground. “No, Rick,” Florence called as she tried to hold her brother back, but Richard pushed her with too much force. She yelped when she hit the ground.
Last Updated : 2021-10-15
Latest chapter
Magnolia Chapter 85
“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
Magnolia Chapter 84
“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
Magnolia Chapter 83
“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
Magnolia Chapter 82
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
Magnolia Chapter 81
“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
Magnolia Chapter 80
“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
Magnolia Chapter 79
- 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
Magnolia Chapter 78
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
Magnolia Chapter 77
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
