Chapter 54

"I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY HE IS RIDING WITH ME," Laya complained again.

"I'm sorry, I forgot that Thunder doesn't let strangers ride him," Magnolia apologized for the fifth time.

She was glad that they were almost home though, hoping that this was the last time she brought it up. She smiled to herself watching her brother's back.

"Can you not breathe on my neck," Laya snapped at Killian, making him chuckle. "Is it funny to you? Maybe you should walk the rest of the way."

Magnolia joined her brother and laughed. "I know you're hungry Laya, we're almost home."

The mage didn't answer because Magnolia was right. She was hungry and thus easily irritated.

"Fine," she mumbled between her lips. Then, a few minutes later, Laya nudged her horse into a gallop when the castle finally came into view. "Run, my boy." The brown mare sped up as Magnolia followed closely behind.

When they reached the entrance, Magnolia gave instructions to take care of the horses as soon as they dismounted. Killian raised his head to size the castle and frowned when his eyes fell on a crest.

"You live here?" he asked his sister.

"Yes." She beamed before grabbing his hand and dragging him inside.

Laya followed behind. Even though she wanted to go straight to the kitchen for some much-needed food, she felt a shift in the aura of the man they brought with them. And not the good kind of shift.

"Have a seat." Magnolia motioned to the green sofas of the sitting room. "Let me ring for some snacks, it was a long and tiring journey."

"Magnolia–" Killian called, but he was interrupted by a maid.

"Ah, Lydia, please arrange for some snacks and tea and inform the kitchen that we have a guest for dinner."

"Yes, Your Grace." The maid bowed before leaving.

"Your Grace?" Killian whispered absentmindedly. Then, he pushed to his feet under Laya's close watch. "Magnolia, are you–"

"My love," Daniel walked into the room and swooped Magnolia into a hug.

She giggled.

Laya watched as Killian reached for his dagger and squeezed the hilt.

"Are you really going to do that here?" Laya said, earning her a deadly glare from him.

"Daniel, I have a surprise for you," Magnolia rejoiced.

He finally broke the embrace and noticed that they were not alone in the room.

"My apologies–" he started but stopped when his eyes fell on Killian. "Who is this?" he asked.

Magnolia pulled Daniel closer toward her brother. "This is my–"

The duke pushed past his wife. He grabbed Killian by the collar and tore open his shirt, revealing a tattoo of a phoenix on the left side of his chest.

"Daniel," Magnolia yelped.

"Stay behind me," Daniel commanded, taking a step back while shielding Magnolia.

Killian unsheathed his dagger, but Laya sent a shock to his hand with a buzz. He dropped his weapon to the floor.

"Stop," Magnolia screamed with wide eyes.

Then, Killian's flames burst from his palms right before the duke called upon his magical sword.

Magnolia quickly pushed Daniel to the side and ran to place herself between the two.

"Magnolia, no." Daniel's eyes were intense.

"Stop this," Magnolia repeated, raising a hand to the two of them. Both men froze in place.

"My love, please walk toward me," Daniel pleaded.

"No," she roared. Her hands were shaking from the situation. "This is my brother," she told him.

"What?"

"And you?" She turned to her brother whose flames had already disappeared. "You're part of the Phoenix, the group who just a few months ago killed people in the south?"

"That wasn't us, we would never kill innocent people."

"Liar," Daniel spat. "I saw what your little group can do, you are murderers."

"Daniel, please." Magnolia sounded exasperated.

"You're just as blind and arrogant as your king," Killian shot back.

"Killian." Magnolia's head was throbbing at this point.

"My king? He is your king too, you better show some respect." Daniel pointed his sword in his direction.

"That killer is no king of mine." At those words, the duke lunged to attack.

"No," Magnolia shrieked, placing herself right in front of her brother. Daniel had barely enough time to halt before hurting her.

"Magnolia…" He blinked at his wife a few times. He could not believe what she had just done. "What are you doing?"

"I told you, he's my brother." Her whole body was trembling. "But you were still going to attack him."

"You heard what he said." His voice was soft and low.

"I want to speak to my brother, alone."

"My love, you just met the man, how do you know that he's really your brother?"

Daniel took a step closer to her, but she put her hand up for him to stop.

"If you took the time to listen to what I had to say, maybe you would have known how."

They stared at each other for a moment before Laya intervened and pulled on his arm.

"Come, Daniel. Let them have a moment."

The duke resisted for a moment but soon he complied and followed his friend.

Magnolia stood there for a while as the thoughts in her mind wrestled against each other.

"Are you alright?" Killian's voice came low.

"I have no idea." She turned to face him. "I'm sorry about what happened." She shook her head, closing her eyes.

"No, I should be the one to apologize." He looked down. "I have crossed the line. I was just really shocked to find out that you're the Duchess of Salicera."

"And you're a Phoenix?"

"Sorry about that." Killian smiled sheepishly. "I promise I will tell you about it one day, but I swear on our parents that we never killed anyone. Someone was trying to frame us in the south."

Strangely enough, Magnolia believed him.

"I think I will have to meet my nephew another day," he said after a moment.

"Where will you stay? I can convince Daniel–"

"I don't believe that any of your convincing will work, dear." He smiled. "I'll take a room at the inn in town."

"Then, I will visit you tomorrow morning, we can speak more." She grabbed his arm. "Please."

"Sure, I'll see you tomorrow then."

"Let me ask for a carriage," she offered.

"No need, I prefer to walk."

Magnolia did not insist. They both walked silently to the front entrance.

"Have a good evening, Magnolia."

"I'll see you tomorrow." She smiled.

Killian stared at her for a moment before stepping back and squeezing his sister in an embrace.

"Take care of yourself, little sister," he whispered in her ear before walking away.

'You too, big brother.' A smile tugged on her lips.