Magnolia

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.

“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

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.” 

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

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