Chapter 13

DANIEL KNEW THAT HE HAD BEEN AVOIDING MAGNOLIA. The feelings he had at the ball were so intense and confusing that he did not know how to deal with them. Staying away from her until he figured everything out was the only way he could think of.

But Henry's words have gotten him worried. Aurora was a spoiled child and always got what she wanted. She had been known for getting violent when she did not get her way.

He groaned.

For the next couple of days, Daniel continued to avoid Magnolia. He buried himself in work and spent his nights in his office.

They finally met on the day of the princess' tea party. When Daniel opened the door to the carriage and entered, he saw the surprise on Magnolia's face.

"I have to go to the palace for a meeting, going separately would be irrational," he explained.

"I see," was all she said. Then she looked out the window as the carriage made its way through the streets of Throka.

Daniel noticed Magnolia's hand fidgeting unconsciously with her dress. 'She must be nervous.'

"You are going to be fine." Daniel tried to comfort her. She eyed him for a moment and then looked away again.

"Thank you, Your Grace," she uttered.

'Why is he talking to me now after ignoring me for days? I thought I did something wrong at the ball, but now I am just angry.'

Daniel pressed his lips together. He knew he deserved her coldness, but he could not help being annoyed. Not with Magnolia, but with himself.

He had not planned on kissing her on that balcony. When he went to find her after he had parted with Richard, he halted when he heard two ladies saying condescending things about his wife. His body moved on its own.

He was planning on hugging her and saying a few loving words to her so that those women would hear him. But suddenly, he found himself kissing her.

What was tormenting him even more was that he liked it very much. He could still feel her soft lips against his every time he remembered the kiss.

Daniel left the carriage first and helped Magnolia down. When he held her hand, he could feel how cold it was, even through both their gloves.

He wanted to say something else to reassure her, but she seemed mad at him–rightfully mad at him. He did not say anything to her. Instead, he called Clara.

"Yes, Your Grace."

"Stay with the duchess at all times," he ordered

"Of course, Your Grace."

"If you finish before me, wait for me so we can leave together," he said as he faced Magnolia.

"Yes, Your Grace." It irritated him, but he did not comment on the title.

Magnolia walked away with Clara on her heels. They were greeted by a maid who guided them to a large room. There were three ladies already sitting on the luxurious settees.

Clara walked to the corner of the room, where the other maids were standing. They watched and waited for any orders from their mistresses.

"Duchess, it is so good to see you again," one of the ladies greeted Magnolia. She remembered meeting her and her husband at the ball.

"Countess Finnels, the pleasure is mine." Magnolia smiled at her.

"I do not think you have met Viscountess Rohas and Lady Jepli," Countess Finnels said.

"I am very pleased to meet you." Both ladies curtsied and greeted the duchess. But unlike the countess' sweet smile, Magnolia could tell that these two were not fond of meeting her.

"Her Royal Highness, Princess Aurora," the guard announced for everyone in the room to bow to her.

"Please rise, ladies." The princess smiled.

"Magnolia Van Konigl, Duchess of Salicera, at your service, Your Highness." Magnolia curtsied to the princess, as instructed by Henry.

"I was disappointed that I did not get to meet you at the ball, you left so early. But I am glad you have accepted my invitation."

Everyone knew that no one would dare refuse the princess' invitation. Aurora's words were her way of reminding everyone of their place.

"It is an honor to receive an invitation from Your Highness."

The princess stared at Magnolia for a moment before looking away in the other ladies' direction.

"I was thinking of having tea here, but the Gods have blessed us with glorious weather today. I told them to move it to the garden." Aurora turned to one of the maids. "Lead the way, Francis."

The maid guided them to the garden where a table was lavishly filled with different types of sweets and snacks. They all took a seat under the shade of a large oak tree.

"The flowers are all beautiful, Your Highness," observed the countess.

"This garden was a gift from His Majesty for my sixteenth birthday," the princess confessed. "I love coming here."

The maids poured tea in each of the gold decorated cups, and a gentle peach smell filled the air.

"Oh, this is delicious," Lady Jepli commented.

"Francis, another guest will join us shortly, so be sure to guide her here."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Aurora took a sip of her tea while eyeing Magnolia.

"So, Duchess, I am certain you have been the talk of every drawing room since the ball. I am curious about how you and the duke have met and how come we did not hear about the marriage until after it happened?" All eyes turned to Magnolia.

'She is straight to the point.'

Magnolia smiled. "You are flattering me, Your Highness." She remembered everything Henry had been teaching her.

"I think some things in life are just destined to happen. The Gods guided our paths, and I was lucky enough to meet Daniel along the way."

A few eyes widened when Magnolia used the duke's first name. She knew it was inappropriate, but for some reason she felt that she needed to establish that he is her husband and hers alone.

"Oh, your dancing at the ball was just mesmerizing," Lady Finnels said. "Even my mother-in-law, who is a very strict dance instructor, praised you both."

Darts were directed at the countess for her comment. However, she was too naïve to notice the hostility radiating from the other three women.

Magnolia made note to invite the countess to tea before she went back to Salicera.

"I heard that you have a son," Viscountess Rohas' smile was condescending.

"That is true," Magnolia answered calmly as she sipped her tea. "I have been married before the duke. He passed away two years ago."

"It must have been hard." Countess Finnels took Magnolia's hand in hers.

"It was, but I am fortunate that I met the duke. Him and Geoffrey have become really close to each other."

"Is that not a burden on His Grace?" The Viscountess sneered.

"Now, now, Cassandra, I am sure the duke knows what he is doing." Aurora said. Then, with a broad smile full of wickedness, the princess looked at Magnolia. "I hope you like surprises, Duchess."

An uneasy feeling took hold of Magnolia. "It depends on the surprise, Your Highness."

The princess stood and everyone else followed. "I am sure you will like this one." Aurora looked past Magnolia. "Lady Lasen, welcome."

'Lasen?'