Chapter 40

MAGNOLIA SNUGGLED AGAINST DANIEL'S CHEST. They had made love for hours–the same as every night since they had returned from Hamelsta.

Daniel smiled.'How did it even feel before, without Magnolia sleeping in my arms?'

He pulled her tighter against him which got a moan out of her. But after a few minutes, her body jolted and she mumbled something. He could tell that she was having a dream.

"Killian," she called. "Don't go, Killian." Daniel frowned.

'Who in the hell is Killian? Calling another man's name while in my arms.'

Magnolia stretched her arm and called the name again. This time, it was a scream. She immediately opened her eyes, confused.

"It's alright, love," Daniel whispered against her hair. "It was just a bad dream."

Magnolia nodded her head as she tried to slow her breathing.

"You spoke in your sleep," he told her after a long silence.

"Did I?" She looked up.

"Yes, you called a name," he continued, "Killian?"

"Ah, I see."

"Who is he?"

Magnolia swallowed hard, the aftertaste of the emotions from her dream still fresh in her head. She had been having the same dream since that night, the memory from the cellar of her childhood home.

"My brother," she whispered.

Daniel went silent. He pressed his lips together, annoyed with himself.

'It was her dead brother's name.'

"It was the same dream from the night I left for Hamelsta," she explained. "I have been having it every night."

"I am sorry, love." He squeezed her again. "I have already sent a letter to my friend, the Mage. I am just waiting for an answer. We will figure it out."

"Thank you," she mumbled against his chest with heavy eyelids.

"Good night, love." Daniel kissed her forehead.

"Good night, Dan."

THE NEXT MORNING, Magnolia woke up to an empty bed. She remembered that Daniel had told her he had a meeting with the elders. He was going to be gone all day. She turned to lie on her back and sighed.

'How can one get attached to someone so much in such a short time?'

It was strange for her to feel that way. Magnolia had always wondered what love felt like. She had read novels about it, but the description was never enough. Unfortunately, even now after experiencing it, she could not describe her feelings.

"I miss him already," she said to herself before she pulled the covers over her head.

Magnolia tried to keep herself busy. She spent as much time as possible with Geoffrey, when he was not in class. She had been trying to atone for the time she spent away from him in the previous couple of weeks.

She was a bit disappointed when Daniel did not make it to dinner. He did not mention spending the night away, but she knew that things might take longer than expected.

'I guess I can't help that I married the duke, and he has duties to take care of.'

Magnolia read a bedtime story to Geoffrey and kissed him goodnight before she headed to her room. She decided to wait up for Daniel, just in case he came back late.

"Good evening, love." As soon as she entered, Daniel's voice surprised her, she gasped.

"Daniel," she called, rushing to him and locking her arms around his neck.

"Should I go away more often to get this welcome every night," he joked.

"I have missed you."

Her small voice triggered something in him. He picked her up, bringing her face to his height. Magnolia yelped at the sudden move.

She looked into her husband's passionate eyes, he held her gaze for a brief moment before bruising her lips with his.

The thrilling excitement from the kiss sent a tingling feeling through her whole body. It was rough and needy. Magnolia's hands grasped Daniel's hair, he had already undone half of her corset hooks.

He walked them both to the bed and finished peeling his wife's undergarments. His clothes fell to the floor only seconds later. Daniel was already on top of her.

They made love until they both fell apart, breathless, limbs tangled, and holding each other like they never wanted to let go.

"I love you," Daniel whispered against her neck.

"I love you," Magnolia said, trying to catch her breath.

"I expect a similar welcome tomorrow as well." Daniel slid to the side and pulled his wife into his embrace,

"Maybe," she teased.

"By the way, one of your letters was mixed up with my mail today," he told her.

"Oh?"

"It is from Florence Kalwen."

"Oh my." Magnolia sat up. "Where is it?"

"I think I am feeling a bit jealous of Lady Kalwen in this instance," Daniel pouted, making her giggle. "I put it on the table."

Magnolia pushed to her feet and pulled a sheet around her naked body. She walked to the table and opened the letter immediately.

"It's an invitation," she announced as she continued reading. "It's Florence's birthday and Lady Kalwen is organizing a big party for her."

Daniel lay on his back with his hands behind his head, watching his wife's excitement.

"She invites us to stay with them for a couple of weeks." Magnolia looked back to her husband. "Can we, Dan?"

"Hmm, I am not sure."

"Please, I miss Florence so much." She walked back and stood by him.

"Only if you are ready for round two." He pulled her back to bed and showers her with kisses all over.

"Is round two a condition for visiting Florence?" Magnolia asked.

"Of course not." Daniel pulled away and looked down at her. "How can I say no to my wife when she is this delighted at the idea?"

Magnolia smiled. "Round two is a bonus, then."

"It is indeed."

"In that case, I am ready for round two, Your Grace." She raised her eyebrows.

Daniel grinned, ready to devour his wife in the most toe-curling of ways.