Chapter 23

THE WHOLE WAY BACK TO SALICERA, Magnolia's thoughts were filled with questions about her family, about her origins and where she was from, about her parents and whether she had any siblings.

She had had nightmares from when she was a little child before. She reckoned they were memories of the accident from her childhood, but it was always chaotic and fuzzy so she could never get any details from her dreams.

The only thing Daniel said to her after Serena left on that day was that they still needed to search more. The only information she gave him was that De Solange was not Magnolia's real family name. But she did not know what it was.

Magnolia absentmindedly stroked Geoffrey's hair. He had been sleeping on her lap for the past hour or so.

'Maybe I should not have tried to kill her before she had given up more information.' She sighed.

"Are you alright, love?" Daniel asked.

"Yes." She smiled at him. "I am fine. I just have a lot on my mind."

Daniel stood from his seat and placed his right hand on the back of her seat. It took her by surprise, so Magnolia retreated as a reflex.

He was so close, his intoxicating scent tickled her nose and raised her heartbeat. Her eyes traveled to his lips which made Daniel smile. He leaned even closer and pecked her on the nose before he went back to his seat.

Magnolia was frozen for a moment, then her face flushed red at the realization.

'Why did I expect a different kind of kiss?'

Daniel was satisfied with her reaction. Her thoughts were written all over her face. She was too embarrassed to even look up in his direction.

The duke had been so sweet ever since the day he confessed his love to Magnolia. They had not been intimate yet, but he stole kisses every chance he got. Every time he touched her, she experienced new feelings that she had never felt before.

"I have sent Marcus to look into your family name," Daniel finally broke the silence.

"Oh?" Magnolia met his eyes. "Do you think he will find something?"

"He is very competent and has never failed me before," he explained. "So, stop thinking about it. I like it better when your mind is filled with thoughts of me."

"How would you even know?" she teased.

"I can read your thoughts."

"Can you?" Magnolia blushed at the possibility of him knowing all the inappropriate thoughts she had been having about him.

"I wish." He chuckled, noticing her blush. "Fortunately, I do not need to. Whatever is on your mind is usually written all over your face."

THEY MADE IT TO THE ESTATE LATE IN THE EVENING. Daniel carried Geoffrey to his room. Then he headed to his bedroom.

He had been giving Magnolia time to adjust to him. He had been very patient in keeping his distance and sleeping in his own bed.

Tonight though, he had planned on sleeping next to his wife. He was not planning on doing anything, just holding her in his arms.

He felt that she still needed some time to trust him fully. The thought of her being in his arms alone made his blood rush.

The duke made it to his bedroom, took a bath, wore his sleeping clothes, and then walked to the door that linked his room to Magnolia's.

"Come in," she answered when she heard his knock.

He walked in and found her in bed already. Their eyes met and Daniel's heartbeat quickened.

'Calm down, big boy. Just embracing.'

"I was thinking I could sleep here tonight." Magnolia's eyes widened. "Just sleeping," he added quickly with a sheepish smile.

She smiled back at him and moved the covers so that he could get under them. Daniel walked to the bed and lay next to her. He put his arms around her and pulled her in. Magnolia buried her face in his chest and fell asleep right away.

When Daniel woke up the next day, he felt such warmth that he smiled even before opening his eyes. Having Magnolia in his arms made something move in his chest. He squeezed her tighter which got a moan from her. She turned to face him with half open eyes.

"Did I wake you?"

"Yes." She pouted.

"Sorry."

"It's alright. It's morning already anyway."

"Yes, but it's very early morning."

"Then, take me out for a walk later, that way you can atone for waking me this early." Daniel let out a full throat laugh.

"If that is how I am atoning for this, then I might wake you up early every morning." He kissed her head.

They had breakfast together with Geoffrey and then they went about their day separately. But in the afternoon, Daniel went to find Magnolia, as promised.

"Are you ready for that walk?" He raised a brow.

"I have been looking forward to it." She beamed.

With a satisfied grin, Daniel offered his arm to his wife, and they started strolling toward the gardens.

It was a beautiful and sunny afternoon. Even though autumn was close, the temperature was still warm.

Daniel made sure that they were far enough from any ears before he started talking to Magnolia.

"Marcus reported to me earlier," he started.

"About my family?" Magnolia was suddenly anxious.

"Yes, he found your original family name. For some reason your grandfather changed it to De Solange a few decades ago."

"What is it? My family name I mean."

"Gottanlich."

"Gottanlich," Magnolia repeated with a whisper. "Did he find out anything else?"

"He did, he discovered that your family lived in the town of Hamelsta, which is about a day south of Salicera. So, I was thinking maybe we can go there to see if you can remember anything."

"That would be fantastic, Daniel." She almost jumped with excitement.

Daniel halted, wrapped his arms around her waist, then brushed his lips against hers. Magnolia was crushed against Daniel's body and when they pulled away from each other, she could barely breathe. But she liked the tingling that was all over her body.

"What was that for?"

"That was because my wife has the most beautiful smile," Daniel answered with a serious face before resuming their walk.

Magnolia giggled.