“HENRY, I NEED A BREAK. My head is about to explode.”  He laughed. “Fine, fine.” He also needed a break anyway. Magnolia stood from her chair and walked to the window to stretch her legs. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the warmth of the bright afternoon sun. “I wish we could have had this class outside. The weather is divine.” “You are right, but I don’t think you would have been able to focus as much as you did here.” Magnolia’s eyes caught a carriage by the back gate with a coachman walking to it. She had not seen either before. “Henry?” she called. “Yes, Your Grace.” “Does the duke have any guests?” she asked. Henry stiffened. Thankfully, Magnolia was still looking out of the window, so she did not catch his reaction. “Not that I know of.” Henry tried his best to keep his voice as normal as possible, but he was unsuccessful. Magnolia’s suspicions were confirmed when the carriage came to

A FEW DAYS LATER, they took a trip to Hamelsta. Their carriage arrived there at nightfall, so they decided to spend the night at the town’s inn and visit the house the next morning.  Magnolia could not sleep all night. When a sliver of light sneaked into the room in early morning, she got up and watched from the window as the light slowly spread through the dark sky. ‘What am I going to discover in that house?’ Magnolia wrapped her arms around her body. Her anxious feelings had been steadily growing as she got closer to this town, as if she would find something that would only hurt her.  “Are you alright?” Daniel embraced her from behind. She slowly turned to face him and hugged him back. “Yes, I am now.” Her words drew a smile on Daniel’s face. He squeezed her against him, and they stayed in each other’s arms, watching the sun rise. A servant from the inn brought them a breakfast tray, but Magnolia could not bring

MAGNOLIA LOOKED AROUND THE DINING TABLE and felt a sense of satisfaction as her guests enjoyed their dinner. Everyone was smiling and conversing. The decoration and service were flawless, the food was delicious, the wine was abundant. It was just the perfect dinner party.  Daniel noticed his wife’s high spirits. He took her hand in his and brought it to his lips, she gave him the widest and happiest smile he had ever seen. His actions did not go unnoticed. “Duchess, I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart,” started Earl Kalwen, which drew everyone’s attention. “We had lost all hope for our grumpy friend,” he continued, nodding in Daniel’s direction. “But it seems you have tamed the beast, he even smiles now.” A few chuckles erupted around the table. “Lord Kalwen, you are too kind, but I am afraid you might have mistaken my husband displaying his sharp teeth for smiling.” Daniel’s laugh echoed around the room and Richard and the othe

“HENRY,” DANIEL CALLED when he saw his old friend walking. “Join us for breakfast.” “I have already had breakfast at home, Your Grace.” “Then you just have some tea with us.” Henry studied his friend for a moment. “You’re in a good mood.” “I am,” Daniel simply admitted, which made Magnolia uncomfortable. She looked away but not before Henry noticed her blush. He smiled, feeling happy for his friend. Everyone was already sitting for breakfast when they walked in, even Geoffrey. Paula really took a liking to him, so they were sitting next to each other, like it had been for every meal since they met. Geoffrey liked her too, she answered every single one of his curious questions. Even Magnolia got tired of them sometimes, but Paula did not. In fact, it seemed that answering Geoffrey’s questions made her quite happy.  They all enjoyed their breakfast with laughter and joy. Magnolia scanned the scene with glittering eye

“READY?” THE MAN TOSSED THE COIN and Magnolia prayed the Gods that it would be the head. “Head.” The voice came and a few cheers burst among the men. Magnolia swallowed the lump in her throat as she saw Daniel shaking his head with a pained gaze.  Magnolia took off her scarf and dropped it to the ground. She heard a few whistles, which made her teeth grit with anger. Then, the man tossed the coin again. “Head.” Magnolia removed her coat.  Daniel took a shaky breath. He had been trying to restore his aura, but it was taking too long.  The coin was in the air again. “Head.” Magnolia stared at the duke. Her dress was next. The man crouched next to Daniel and patted him on the shoulder. “I do not know if this is your lucky day for not getting stabbed, or your unlucky day for watching your wife strip in front of all these men.” Then, he let out a loud and evil laugh.  He turned bac