“I JUST DON’T UNDERSTAND WHY I HAVE TO GO AS WELL.” Henry shrugged. He looked annoyed and bored by the conversation already. “We will be gone for two weeks, in addition to the traveling time,” Daniel told him. “Isn’t that a good reason for me to stay behind and take care of things here?” “Henry, my friend,” the duke started, “life is not all about work, you should take some time to enjoy life.” “Says the man who, only a few months ago, did not even know the color of his bed covers because he spent every night in his office.”  Daniel chuckled. “Well, not anymore,” he grinned. “Are you boasting to your bachelor friend?” Henry raised a brow. “Not at all.” Daniel raised his arms in surrender. “I just want you to find someone who would make you happy, like I did. Besides, you were also invited.” “Please, I don’t need someone else telling me these things. My mother is doing an outstanding job reminding me that I nee

DINNER WAS A WHOLE AFFAIR. Instead of the dining hall, it took place in the ballroom. Probably because they were not going to be able to fit fifty people in that hall. The dressed tables were too long to even clearly see the guests sitting on the other side.  After Magnolia and Daniel checked on Geoffrey and bid him goodnight, they joined the guests just in time to enter the room. The duke was immediately greeted by many. Acquaintances waved and smiled at him, and people who were never introduced to him bowed, hoping that the event would be their chance to meet the Duke of Salicera. The couple were seated by Richard, which Magnolia was grateful for. She did not know anyone in the room except for the Kalwens. Most of her acquaintances arrived in the following few days. The birthday ball itself was in a week, but as the dowager countess had announced to her earlier, the festivities would last for days.  After the bathtub earlie

“I AM SURE SHE CAME HERE.” Richard said as they made their way toward the lake. “My sister always comes here when she wants to be alone.” “She did want to go for a walk alone, I think the ball has taken a toll on her,” Magnolia tried to start a conversation about Florence’s marriage plans. “She was very stressed when I saw her earlier.” She looked over to Daniel to try to get his help but ended up crashing into Richard’s back when he suddenly came to a halt. She gasped in surprise. “Are you alright?” Daniel caught her from falling. “What in the Gods names?” They heard Richard mumble. Then he took fast stomps to Henry and his sister. “What the bloody hell is this?” he roared, pulling Henry away from Florence. “How dare you?” His left fist landed on Henry’s face, sending him flying to the ground. “No, Rick,” Florence called as she tried to hold her brother back, but Richard pushed her with too much force. She yelped when she hit the ground.

 “I KNOW MY HUSBAND IS NOT HERE, but I can assure you that whatever we agree upon he will also accept,” Marquise Flock said with a gentle smile. She was sitting next to Henry on the green settee facing Lady Kalwen and Marquis Galley. “That’s good to hear, Lady Flock.” Lady Kalwen nodded. “House Flock is ready to take responsibility for whatever happened between our children,” she added. Florence’s eyes were glued to the floor, she was too embarrassed to look up.  “Which is nothing, nothing happened,” Henry said with an exasperated tone.  “Are you telling me that what I saw with my own eyes did not happen?” Richard sat up in his chair. “I saw you kissing my sister with my own eyes.” “Maybe what you saw was your sister kissing me?” Henry shot back. “What?” The earl jumped from his seat. “What are you insinuating?” “Henry, stop this,” Lady Flock pleaded. “I am insinuating that I am a victim of your s

MAGNOLIA WATCHED THE WOMAN who was sitting across the table from her with curious eyes. She was truly beautiful, her hair was black, long, and straight all the way to the bottom where small curls formed. Her skin was smooth and slightly sun-kissed, and her eyes were as dark as a moonless winter night. “I don’t recall that.” Daniel shook his head.  “Oh, I do,” Laya shot back. “You almost passed out and I had to carry you back to camp.” “I will never admit to it, Laya.” He raised his eyebrows with a shrug. “I know you will not, it doesn’t mean it didn’t happen.” They both look at each other for a moment before they burst out into laughter.  Magnolia cut another piece of her mutton while trying to keep her emotions from reaching her face. She knew she was jealous. Her mind understood that it was silly, that they were only friends, comrades from the war. But she could not control her feelings. They seemed to have