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Chapter 43
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2021-10-14 20:00:25DINNER 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
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Magnolia 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 : 2021-10-15Magnolia Chapter 46
“I UNDERSTAND THAT WE WITNESED THE EVENTS FROM LAST NIGHT, but I would rather stay out of it.” Daniel shrugged. “It should be a family matter between the Flocks and the Kalwens.” “I would like to be there for Florence,” Magnolia said. “Honestly, love, she was the one who made this whole mess,” he told her. “Henry has sworn to me that there is nothing between them.” Magnolia was silent. She had suspected that the whole thing was orchestrated by her friend, especially after witnessing Henry’s reaction. But she could not bring herself to reprimand Florence. She knew that she was desperate. Of course, involving Henry like she did was wrong, but sometimes desperation blinds people. She sighed. “Mama, Papa, look.” Geoffrey ran toward them while holding a little white puppy. “Oh my, who is this?” Magnolia asked as she crouched to take a closer look. Daniel did the same. “His name is Ben, can I play with him?” Geoffrey’s ey
Last Updated : 2021-10-16Magnolia Chapter 47
“I KNOW MY HUSBAND IS NOT HERE, but I can assure you that whatever we agree upon he will also accept,” Marquise Flock said with a gentle smile. She was sitting next to Henry on the green settee facing Lady Kalwen and Marquis Galley. “That’s good to hear, Lady Flock.” Lady Kalwen nodded. “House Flock is ready to take responsibility for whatever happened between our children,” she added. Florence’s eyes were glued to the floor, she was too embarrassed to look up. “Which is nothing, nothing happened,” Henry said with an exasperated tone. “Are you telling me that what I saw with my own eyes did not happen?” Richard sat up in his chair. “I saw you kissing my sister with my own eyes.” “Maybe what you saw was your sister kissing me?” Henry shot back. “What?” The earl jumped from his seat. “What are you insinuating?” “Henry, stop this,” Lady Flock pleaded. “I am insinuating that I am a victim of your s
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“IT’S GOOD TO BE HOME,” Daniel said as he lay in bed next to his wife. “I think I have to agree.” Magnolia faced him. “It’s nice and quiet, it feels nice after the past couple of weeks we spent in Geiranger.” “It was quite exciting, was it not?” “I would not say exciting, Daniel,” Magnolia uttered. “Both your friend and mine are in a delicate situation.” “To be more accurate, ‘your’ friend put ‘my’ friend and herself in a delicate situation,” Daniel corrected with lifted eyebrows. Magnolia rolled her eyes at him. “Well, they are getting married so there is no need to blame anyone anymore.” “I’m afraid Henry will blame Florence forever.” They were both silent for a long time, each thinking about their friend. The result of the Flocks and the Kalwens’ meeting was that Henry and Florence would get married. It was decided that the wedding ceremony would take place in a month. They did not want to r
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MAGNOLIA WATCHED THE WOMAN who was sitting across the table from her with curious eyes. She was truly beautiful, her hair was black, long, and straight all the way to the bottom where small curls formed. Her skin was smooth and slightly sun-kissed, and her eyes were as dark as a moonless winter night. “I don’t recall that.” Daniel shook his head. “Oh, I do,” Laya shot back. “You almost passed out and I had to carry you back to camp.” “I will never admit to it, Laya.” He raised his eyebrows with a shrug. “I know you will not, it doesn’t mean it didn’t happen.” They both look at each other for a moment before they burst out into laughter. Magnolia cut another piece of her mutton while trying to keep her emotions from reaching her face. She knew she was jealous. Her mind understood that it was silly, that they were only friends, comrades from the war. But she could not control her feelings. They seemed to have
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MAGNOLIA SAT ACROSS THE TABLE FROM LAYA. She wished she did not have to lay eyes on her, but since she was in Salicera, there was no better person to teach her how to use her magic. ‘How ironic?’ The image of Laya saddling Daniel at the training ground and whispering in his ear tortured her again. Magnolia pressed her lips together in annoyance. “Daniel told me about what happened when you were attacked,” Laya started. “Would you mind telling me how you felt at the time?” Magnolia shrugged. “It was a really bad situation,” she said. “Daniel was injured, and the man was planning to kill him—kill us.” “Was it fear then?” Magnolia frowned. “I guess it was fear,” she answered reluctantly. “But I think there was something else, something I can’t really explain.” Magnolia did not share the part where she heard a voice that asked to let it out. “Alright, how about you start by trying to remember how yo
Last Updated : 2021-10-18Magnolia Chapter 51
OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF WEEKS, Magnolia had slowly been able to control her powers. She could finally call upon her magic without having to get angry first. Daniel had found an abandoned building about an hour ride from the castle. There was nothing around, so Laya went all out while training the duchess. It was quite exhausting for Magnolia though, especially that her mind was restless about her family. She felt a tightness in her chest every time she thought about them. “Would you like to go for a ride, Laya?” Magnolia asked with a hopeful voice. “You do realize that we ride for two hours every day to that Gods forsaken place Daniel found for us.” Laya expressed her dislike of that secluded building every chance she got. “I was thinking that maybe we could take a break from training today and visit a nearby town,” Magnolia suggested. Laya pondered the idea for a moment then smiled. The duchess had already made
Last Updated : 2021-10-19
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“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
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“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
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“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
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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
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“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
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“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
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- 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
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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
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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
