DANIEL SAT SILENTLY AS HE READ THROUGH THE DOCUMENTS. Paula waited for him patiently while fidgeting with her dress. She had wanted to tell her nephew everything for a long time, but she knew he would need concrete evidence to believe it.
After she had received word from Henry about Magnolia's plans and what happened between her and Daniel, she decided to step forward with the information she had.
Her heart ached that he had to find out about the past like this, especially while going through his recent loss, but he needed to know where his loyalty should be.
“And you have interrogated this man yourself?” Daniel asked.
“Yes, he was the only survivor,” Paula said. “Everyone else involved in your parents’ accident is dead. It appears this man fled before the king’s men could reach him.”
“You have put yourself through great danger to get this information, Aunt Paula.” Daniel clenched his jaw.
“I don’t regret anything, he
“HIS MAJESTY WILL SEE YOU NOW,” the guard announced. Daniel nodded at Henry before stepping toward the open doors. Laya and his knights were on alert close by. They already had their orders, in case things got out of hand. “My goodness, Duke Van Konigl, it has been too long,” the king said as soon as Daniel entered. “It has, Your Majesty.” Daniel bowed. “Thank you for accepting to meet me, even in such a short notice.” “Nonsense, I always enjoy your company. Please, have a seat.” Daniel complied. He was surprised that the king was alone in the room, apart from the footman serving the tea. He was sure the rooms surrounding them were filled with royal knights though. “Thank you,” Daniel uttered when he placed a cup of Earl Grey in front of him. “I’m sorry to hear about what happened with your adopted son.” The duke clenched his jaw at the mention of Geoffrey, especially the word ‘adopted’. Even if the
DANIEL HAD TAKEN ONE OF THE HORSES FROM THE ROYAL PALACE STABLES. He was not going to ride the carriage back to the house, it would have taken too long. He was almost frantic. Titus had said that Geoffrey was alive and that he would find him at his house. Daniel nudged his horse to go faster. The people in the streets were making way for him, it was the wiser choice when someone was riding that fast in the city. ‘Could he have lied to me?’ His thoughts were scrambled. ‘But he has no reason to, we all believed and accepted that Geoffrey was dead.’ Then, he thought of Magnolia. The way her eyes looked at the funeral had haunted him. She looked like everything inside her had withered and died. ‘I need to tell her as soon as I see Geoffrey.’ “You have a choice, Daniel.” The king’s words resonated in his head. “You saw how easy it is to lose everything, right? Especially now that your wife turned out to
“STILL NOTHING?” Daniel asked as he entered the library. He was finally able to step away from Geoffrey after he fell asleep. He made sure there were knights guarding him, both inside and outside the room. “They are definitely using a blockage spell,” Laya answered. “I can’t locate either of them.” Daniel sighed. “Geoffrey has been asking for his mother, is there any other way we can use to locate them?” “I’m afraid that if they don’t want to be found, the only way would be to break that blockage spell.” Laya shrugged. “Can you?” “I am not a God.” Laya sighed. “I can try, but I have very little to work with here, Daniel.” “Please, just do your best.” Daniel knew that he was asking too much of his old friend. She even postponed her return to the Tower for his sake, knowing that she would be scolded when she finally went back. But he really needed to find his wife, to tell her about Geoffrey and warn her about
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
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
- 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
“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
“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
“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