Chapter 6

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.” 

As soon as they exited the carriage, all the servants bowed and said in sync “Congratulations, Your Graces.” Then, the soldiers slammed their right fists on their chests and yelled, “Long live the Duke and Duchess of Salicera.” It was impressive with the large number of men. Magnolia did not know the duke had this many knights. It was an army, really. 

“Supper must be ready, so let’s eat. I know you did not even have breakfast,” Daniel uttered as he escorted her inside. 

This was all strange to Magnolia. Nobody had ever cared whether she had eaten or not. And why did the duke care anyway? This was only a marriage of convenience, so she had no expectations at all.

“Mama.” Geoffrey ran to her and hugged her. 

Magnolia picked him up and kissed his cheek. “Have you been a good boy?”

“Of course, Mama.” She kissed him again. “So, are you now married to His Grace?” 

Magnolia’s eyes traveled to the duke. “Yes, we are married.” 

Geoffrey turned to Daniel. “Then, are you my papa now?” 

Magnolia’s face lost all color. “Geoffrey—” she started but Daniel interrupted.

“Would you like that?” He took Geoffrey from Magnolia’s arms and carried him. 

The boy considered the question for a moment. “Yes, I would like that very much.” He nodded.

“Your Grace—” Magnolia tried to apologize, but Daniel stopped her again.

“Please, it’s Daniel, and I really don’t mind if Geoffrey considers me as his father. After all, I am adopting him.” 

“Yay! Papa!” Geoffrey hugged Daniel. He stiffened in surprise, but it did not take him long to loosen up again.

“Let’s go have some food, I am famished.” Daniel led the way to the dining room with Geoffrey in his arms. 

As Magnolia watched his back, a strange feeling filled her chest. It was so intense it almost hurt. 

After they ate their meal together, Lady Green took Geoffrey away and Daniel excused himself because he had work to do. 

Magnolia walked to her new room. She felt exhaustion taking hold of her, as if the fatigue of the last few weeks or even months had hit her all at once. Without even changing her clothes, she just fell asleep.

***

THE NEXT MORNING, Magnolia opened her eyes to Clara’s voice. “Good morning, Your Grace. I will prepare a bath right away.”

‘Oh my, is it morning already? I thought I would only take a short nap.’ 

She felt a bit embarrassed. She was still wearing her dress, so it was obvious that there was no wedding night. ‘The people working for the duke would not dare spread rumors, right?’

She bit her lip nervously. “Umm, where is the duke right now?” Magnolia asked with a low voice.

“His Grace left early this morning. He traveled south with some knights. I heard that one of the towns was attacked by bandits.”

“Oh, I see,” Magnolia tried her best not to sound too surprised. “Thank you, Clara. I will ring for you when I finish the bath.” 

Clara hesitated. “Your Grace, are you sure you do not need me to help you with your bath?”

“Yes, I am sure.”

“But you are the duchess now.” 

Magnolia smiled. “I am still the same person, Clara. I still do not need help with taking a bath.”

“As you wish, Your Grace.”

As Magnolia soaked in the hot bath, she could not help but feel a bit disappointed. It was only yesterday that the duke was talking about friendship, and today he just traveled without even telling her.

‘So much for keeping appearances.’ She buried her face in her hands. 

“Ugh, I should have at least changed my clothes, and what kind of wife doesn’t even know when her husband is traveling?” She groaned before she let her head sink under water.