Chapter 11

'IT IS FINALLY HERE.' Magnolia took a deep breath. Clara and two other maids entered her room in the morning. They brought her a breakfast tray and started the preparations as soon as she finished eating.

It took hours and by the end of it, Magnolia was so exhausted she was not even sure she could last a whole evening of socializing. However, when she saw a gorgeous brunette staring back at her in the mirror, she forgot all about her tiredness. She could not believe how beautiful she looked.

She twirled left and right and touched her curls. The maids smiled at each other, satisfied with the duchess' reaction.

Daniel knocked then opened the door to the bedroom. He was welcomed by his irresistible wife, so captivating, he did not even notice the maids sneak out.

She looked at him, flushed. The silver dress she had on was perfectly fitted and flattered her curves. Her curls, dark brown, fell on her bare shoulder, contrasting her fair skin. There was no doubt, she would be the talk of high society for a long time.

"Is it time to leave?" she asked.

It took him a moment to register her question. "Uh, yes."

He took a few steps closer to her and opened the box he was holding, revealing a stunning diamond necklace with its matching earrings.

"This is a family heirloom, it has been in the family for centuries, and every duchess has owned it and passed it along."

Magnolia was speechless. He did not have to give her such priceless family jewels. A slight ache appeared in her chest.

'It is probably to avoid any rumors about our hasty marriage.'

She bowed to him after he put the necklace around her neck. Then she reached for the earrings and wore them.

"Thank you, Your Grace."

The duke pressed his lips together. Even though it should not, it bothered him when Magnolia called him, 'your grace'.

He was the one to come up with this marriage deal and its conditions. But sometimes, he wanted more from this woman. It felt like he could not control his attraction to her, as if a greater power was drawing him to her.

Daniel shook his head in an attempt to shake the thought. He offered his arm and Magnolia took it. Then, they were off to the long-awaited ball.

"THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OF SALICERA," the guard announced.

Daniel and Magnolia made their way into the royal ballroom as all eyes followed them. It was bright and beautiful, but Magnolia did not notice any of it.

The duke felt his wife's hand tremble with nervousness, he squeezed it to reassure her. She felt like her insides were also trembling with anticipation, but she was grateful for Daniel's arm. They walked to the throne and bowed to the king.

"Long live the king," they both said at the same time.

"You may rise," the king ordered. His eyes traveled up and down as he studied Magnolia.

"You can imagine my surprise when I learned that you have gotten married, Duke." He finally looked at Daniel.

"I apologize for not telling you in advance, but it was a very small ceremony, my king."

"You have chosen a beauty, that's for sure." The king smiled.

"Your compliment is most flattering, Your Majesty," Magnolia uttered, still looking down.

"Please, enjoy the ball. I am sure I'll have the chance to converse more with you, Duchess."

"That would be an honor, Your Majesty." Magnolia and Daniel bowed to the king one last time before they disappeared into the crowd.

"See, that wasn't so bad," Daniel whispered in Magnolia's ear.

"I thought I was going to faint," she whispered back.

"I would have caught you." His soft breath tickled her ear, and his words made her heartbeat quicken.

"Daniel."

"Ah, Richard." Daniel turned to greet his old friend. "My dear, this is Earl Richard Kalwen."

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Your Grace." He kissed her hand.

"The pleasure is mine, my lord." She gave him the formal smile that Lady Lovery had taught her.

"I am really surprised to see you here. I didn't think you were the type to attend social events," Daniel joked.

"You know I am not, but there is someone here that I would like to get acquainted with and who better to introduce me than the Duke of Salicera."

Daniel chuckled. "But I am not here for business tonight, I am spending time with my lovely wife." He pulled Magnolia closer to him. "Surely, even a bachelor like yourself can understand that."

Richard threw Magnolia an apologetic look. "Maybe if I can borrow your husband for a few minutes, Duchess. It is of the utmost importance," Richard pleaded.

"It looks like it is." Magnolia smiled. "Do not keep him too long though, my lord."

"I promise." A grin split Richard's face in two.

"Are you sure?" Daniel asked, lowering his voice.

"Yes, it is too crowded here anyway, I think I will go outside."

"Alright, I will not take long."

Magnolia made her way to the nearest glass doors and escaped the noise and heat of the ballroom. A gentle breeze caressed her skin as she walked to the balustrade.

She sighed in relief.

'Why is it so stressful to attend a ball?' She stood there for a few minutes, soaking in the night view.

"That is her," a female voice came from the dark corner of the balcony.

"Keep it down, she will hear us," a second voice warned.

'Are they talking about me?'

"Apparently she used her son to pressure His Grace to marry her."

Magnolia squeezed the rail beneath her fingers. 'You obviously want me to hear you.'

"That is horrible."

"An illegitimate son to a bachelor duke without an heir, what do you expect?"

"Poor Duke, this woman has no shame."

"The princess must be furious, they were almost engaged–"

"I am sorry for making you wait, darling." Daniel's voice was so close, it startled Magnolia.

He slipped his arm around her waist and, in a swift move, turned her to face him. He palmed her cheek gently, locking eyes with her sparkling gray pools.

Magnolia's breath hitched. The speed of the action and the proximity to the duke made her feel strange. Her eyes traveled to Daniel's lips. He noticed and grinned, then, he crushed her lips with his in a passionate kiss, right under the wide eyes of the gossiping ladies.