All Chapters of Magnolia: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

85 Chapters

Chapter 1

"IF YOU GET ANY CLOSER, I will kill you,” the woman roared, hiding her son behind her. Her hand squeezed the dull knife as she tried to control her shaking. “Do you know who you are talking to?” The knight took another step closer. “You are under arrest for stealing. You better surrender or you will just make your situation worse.” “Do not come any closer,” she screamed again, she waved her knife around. She looked at the second knight who reached for his sword. He looked impatient. She had hoped that she and her son would make it to the river before the knights caught up to them, but her injury made her too slow. She pushed little Geoffrey behind her and prayed that he would not see any blood, but she had no time to dwell on the thought. The knight charged at her and swung his sword. She dodged and planted her knife in the side of his left thigh, then twisted it. He cried in agony and fell to his knees. The woman then picked up his

Chapter 2

Magnolia/Meriem R.

MAGNOLIA OPENED HER EYES to a dark room. As she came to her senses, she sat up quickly. ‘Where the bloody hell am I?’ The incidents from before caught up to her quickly. “Geoffrey,” she whispered. She put her hand on her left side and when she did not feel any pain, she pulled up her nightgown. The wound was completely healed. Not even a scar was left. ‘What in the world?’ She left the bed and walked to the door, but when she tried to open it, it was locked. Her heartbeat rose. If she was confined here, Geoffrey was probably locked somewhere, or worse. “I have to find him.” She hurried to the windows and opened one of them. She found herself looking down from the third floor at a flower garden. It was high, but the edges of the windows were wide enough to walk on. She noticed a veranda on the second floor, just a few windows away. Without wasting time, Magnolia slipped out and cautiously walked on the narrow stone edge.

Chapter 3

Magnolia/Meriem R.

IT HAD ALREADY BEEN A FEW DAYS since the duke had brought Magnolia and Geoffrey to his house. Their stay had been the most comfortable and luxurious. They had warm beds, good meals, clothes, they even had servants helping with everything. Magnolia could not have asked for more. ‘But I cannot get used to this. Soon, we will go back to our old life.’ She took a sip of the tea Clara had made for her. She closed her eyes as the flavors exploded in her mouth, then smiled. ‘I guess we can just enjoy the duke’s hospitality until we have to leave.’ Magnolia looked over to her son who was playing with Lady Green. She was an older woman, in her late fifties. The duke had summoned her to take care of Geoffrey while they were his guests. She was so gentle and patient with him that Magnolia felt quite comfortable leaving her son with her. A feeling that she had never had before. Ever since she gave birth to Geoffrey, she could not e

Chapter 4

Magnolia/Meriem R.

“LADY DE SOLANGE, would you mind joining me in my office? I have an important matter to discuss with you.” ‘This is it. After he took care of those crooks yesterday, it is time for us to leave this house.’ Magnolia swallowed. “Not at all, my lord.” She gave him a weak smile before she turned to Geoffrey. “You be a good boy now and finish your breakfast. I will be right back.” “Yes, Mama.” Geoffrey smiled as he took a bite of his bread with jam. Magnolia followed the duke to his office and sat across from him. He stared at her for a moment, which made her very self-conscious. “Your Grace?” she finally uttered under his gaze. “I have a proposition for you, Lady De Solange.” He leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms. “From what I have gathered so far, you are having a hard time providing a stable life for your son.” Magnolia got defensive right away. “With all due respect, Your Grace—” “You have t

Chapter 5

Magnolia/Meriem R.

THE NEXT FEW DAYS passed in a blink of an eye. Everything was prepared so fast. With the duke’s influence and riches, he only needed to give his orders and everything he desired would be presented to him on a silver platter. On the day of the ceremony, Clara knocked and entered Magnolia’s room. “I apologize, my lady, His Grace asked that you move to the room beside his.” “Why is that? I am perfectly comfortable here.” “Well, that is the Duchess’ Room, my lady.” ‘Oh. I guess we still have to appear as a real married couple.’ The maid guided Magnolia to her new chambers. A much bigger and more extravagant room. “You can leave after you prepare the bath Clara. I will call for you when I am ready to get dressed.” “Yes, my lady.” “Thank you.” Magnolia soaked in the rose petal bath. She washed her body and then her hair. ‘Who would have thought that I would marry again, and

Chapter 6

Magnolia/Meriem R.

ON THE WAY BACK, Daniel noticed that Magnolia was absentmindedly touching her left wrist. He wondered what she was thinking about. “My mother’s necklace looks great on you.” He broke the silence. “You did not have to give me something so precious, Your Grace.” “Please, call me Daniel from now on. I know it is not an ordinary marriage, but there is no reason not to be friends.” Magnolia pondered his suggestion for a moment. ‘A friend. I have never had one before.’ She looked at him for a bit longer before she answered. “Then, you call me Magnolia.” “Deal, Magnolia.” She smiled. “Daniel,” she barely whispered as she looked out the window, but he heard her. When their carriage arrived at the castle, all the servants and knights of House Van Konigl were standing outside to greet them. “Why is everyone out here?” “They are congratulating their Duke and Duchess.”

Chapter 7

Magnolia/Meriem R.

IT IS STRANGE, being called duchess. Magnolia had never imagined, even in her wildest dreams, that she could ever become a duchess. She wondered what that horrible woman would think if she learned of her new title. Her jaw tensed at the thought of that monster. “Mama?” Geoffrey brought her back from her unsettling thoughts. “Yes? Did you say something, honey?” Magnolia pushed her emotions to the side and smiled at her son. “I called you a few times, Mama,” he said with a frown. “I thought you fell asleep.” Magnolia chuckled. “I am sorry, Geoffrey. I was just thinking about something,” she reassured him. “Did you need something?” “I was wondering when papa is coming home.” Magnolia unconsciously looked to the chair where the duke usually sat. Over the past couple of weeks, they have been having every meal together. It felt odd that they were having lunch without him. “He has some important wor

Chapter 8

Magnolia/Meriem R.

DANIEL’S HANDS were on Magnolia’s wet back and her chest was pressed against his. His face was so close, she could feel his warm breath on hers. Her ears were ringing with embarrassment. “I need you to get out so that I can put some clothes on,” Magnolia said through gritted teeth. Daniel helped her stand straight and then turned away to leave the bathroom. Her body was shivering from the whole situation. With shaking hands, she put on her robe and took a few deep breaths to calm down. It was in vain. She walked to the room and found Daniel looking out the window. When he saw her reflection in the glass, he turned to face her. He held her gaze for a moment. Her eyes were frightened, wild, like a cornered animal. Magnolia looked away as she hugged herself. She cursed herself. She had always made sure to cover her body after her baths. Even Clara did not notice her scars. She did not want anyone to see them, especially the duke. She felt vul

Chapter 9

Magnolia/Meriem R.

“SO, EVEN THOUGH I FORBID YOU from leaving your room, you still did?” Serena Lasen was not mad. On the contrary, she was ecstatic because she was going to punish Magnolia. She took an excited deep breath. “Bring me the whip from the drawer.” Magnolia walked to the table and with shaking hands, opened the drawer. She took out the black whip. “No, not that one. The one with stones.” Magnolia’s twelve-year-old body shuddered. She grabbed the other whip and brought it to Serena. It had five braided leather pieces hanging from it, and each braid had a small stone attached to its end. Magnolia swallowed hard as she handed the whip to her guardian. “Uncover your back,” she ordered the little girl. She obeyed silently. She unbuttoned her dress and turned her bare back to Serena. Her breathing quickened and she squeezed her eyes shut, waiting for the pain.

Chapter 10

Magnolia/Meriem R.

MAGNOLIA ARRIVED FIRST at the dining room. She took her usual seat as the footman poured her tea. A moment later, the duke entered and for some odd reason, Magnolia’s eyes automatically traveled to his groin area. Daniel noticed immediately and chuckled. “I am alright now, you don’t have to worry,” he teased. Her eyes widened and she looked away. “Papa.” Geoffrey ran to Daniel, saving his mother from embarrassing herself any further. “Have you grown since the last time I saw you?” He picked up Geoffrey. “Do you think so, Papa?” The boy beamed. “Well yes, I believe you have grown.” Daniel nodded. “Did you hear that, Mama? I have grown.” “Yes, great job. You have been doing great finishing all your food.” She smiled. Daniel placed Geoffrey in his chair, then he took his at the head of the table. As soon as they started eating, Henry showed up at the door. “I apologize, Your Graces.” He greeted. “I am

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