Chapter 71

MAGNOLIA RUSHED AWAY, putting as much distance as possible between her and Daniel. She knew that her resolve would falter if she heard him call her once more. His voice was filled with despair, and it broke her heart.

She took fast steps to her room where Killian was waiting for her. He did not need to ask her about the result of her conversation with the duke, her tears gave it away.

"Do you still want to do it?" he asked.

"I owe it to my son," was all she said.

Magnolia grabbed a small bag and packed a few things, not many. Geoffrey's plush, the book Killian gave her, and the money she had.

"I am ready."

"Mag, are you sure about this? You love the duke."

"Love has nothing to do with this," Magnolia snapped. "And yes, I am sure."

She left the room first before her brother followed. When they reached the entrance, they found Henry standing there while holding two horses.

"Your Grace, at least take these horses," Henry said with a grim expression. "It will make traveling a bit easier."

He did not want Magnolia to leave, he had grown fond of her, he even considered her as a friend. He was sure his words would not convince her though, since Daniel himself could not change her mind.

He wanted to ask her to stay by the duke's side, he wanted to tell her how much his friend loved her and Geoffrey and that her leaving might destroy him, but he knew it was not his place.

He could only imagine how she felt after losing her son. He reckoned that he would be out for blood as well had he been in her shoes.

"Thank you, Henry," Magnolia accepted.

She mounted the mare and threw one last glance at the castle.

"Please take care of Daniel," she said without looking at Henry. Then, she pushed the horse into a gallop. Killian caught up quickly.

They disappeared into the distance, leaving only dust behind them as if they were never there to begin with.

They rode in silence until they reached the town. Killian had told his sister that he needed to take care of some things before they could leave to meet with his people.

So, Magnolia decided to do some shopping while her brother finished his business. She thought that a dress would be quite inconvenient to travel in, especially since she was joining the Phoenix.

Magnolia bought a comfortable outfit from one of the shops, cotton pants and shirt that were a bit loose on her, and a riding jacket. She even found high leather boots that fit her, so she was satisfied with her purchase.

'It would be easier to move in these clothes when fighting too.'

She left the shop and walked the streets for a bit. She still had a little less than an hour before she was supposed to meet with Killian. She thought that it would take longer to shop for clothes, but it did not.

As she walked around, she found herself standing in front of a shop, her eyes fixated on one of the strawberry crates they had displayed. She remembered how much Geoffrey enjoyed the fruit, they were his favorite.

Suddenly, Magnolia could not breathe, her hand clenched around the front of her jacket. She felt her chest on fire.

"Can I help you, ma'am," the shopkeeper asked before noticing her pale face. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," Magnolia uttered before rushing away from the shop.

She ran into an alley where she could hide until she calmed down. Tears raced down fast, she missed her son. She had never been alone ever since he was born.

"Damn it all," she cursed, feeling anger replace her sorrow.

"What a nice surprise," a somewhat familiar voice coming from the alley entrance got her attention.

When she looked up, she found none other than Baron Fred Saknas strolling toward her. He had four people with him, all wearing black robes and hoods that covered their faces.

"Fancy finding you here, Your Grace."

"Saknas," she uttered through gritted teeth before dropping her bag to the ground. She was ready to incinerate his body.

"Now, now, before you do something unnecessary, let me just tell you that these men are all very competent mages." He smirked. "And they are here to protect me."

"Do you think that's going to stop me?" Magnolia's flames emerged from her hands.

"I knew it." Fred was too excited. "You were the one from Baron Pruice's house."

"I regret not burning you alive then, I will not make that same mistake twice."

"Yes." Fred was laughing, almost hysterically. "This turned out even more exciting than I had imagined."

"Exciting?" Magnolia repeated. "Was killing my son exciting, you bastard?"

Her flames were sent flying toward him, but they died out right before they could touch him.

Magnolia frowned.

She tried to burn him from within, like she had done with Baron Cross' men on the hill, but that failed as well.

Fred's grin widened. "I told you, Duchess, this is unnecessary."

Magnolia's face twisted.

"So, you are a Gottanlich, I think this will be a nice surprise to His Majesty," he said.

"I don't understand what you are saying," Magnolia tried to sound as calm as she could, but her pale face betrayed her.

"Oh come now, those flames are proof enough." Fred shrugged. "Who was with you last time? He could also use the Gottanlich fire magic, was it your brother? Another relative?"

"Do I look like I will answer any of your damn questions?" Magnolia spat while trying to find an escape route.

'This is bad, with those four mages, my magic cannot even reach that bastard. I might not be able to stop their attack if they come at me at once.'

"Probably not, that's why you will be coming with us so that we can have a very long and satisfying conversation," Fred said suggestively. "I can assure you, my friends here will make you answer ALL of my questions."

"Mag, duck," Killian's voice resonated in her head.

Magnolia lowered herself immediately before he sent a few burning carts flying toward Fred and his mages. Then, he grabbed his sister and they ran away.

"Are you alright?"

"I am," Magnolia answered while hugging her bag. "How did you find me?"

"By chance," Killian said as they took another right to try to lose the mages. "Pure luck, Sister, and I am grateful for that."

"You need to teach me thought transference, Brother."

"I think that is a great idea."

They kept running for a few minutes until they reached their horses.

Magnolia was very thankful that she had changed her clothes, she would not have been able to run as fast in that dress.

They quickly mounted their horses and hurried away.

"Have you finished the business you had, Lian?"

"Yes, I did," he answered. "It's time to go home."