Chapter 24

A FEW DAYS LATER, they took a trip to Hamelsta. Their carriage arrived there at nightfall, so they decided to spend the night at the town's inn and visit the house the next morning.

Magnolia could not sleep all night. When a sliver of light sneaked into the room in the early morning, she got up and watched from the window as the light slowly spread through the dark sky.

'What am I going to discover in that house?'

Magnolia wrapped her arms around her body. Her anxious feelings had been steadily growing as she got closer to this town, as if she would find something that would only hurt her.

"Are you alright?" Daniel embraced her from behind. She slowly turned to face him and hugged him back.

"Yes, I am now." Her words drew a smile on Daniel's face. He squeezed her against him, and they stayed in each other's arms, watching the sun rise.

A servant from the inn brought them a breakfast tray, but Magnolia could not bring herself to eat anything.

After that, they finally made their way to the stables, their horses were already saddled, and the knights were ready.

On the way to the Gottanlich house, Magnolia found herself unconsciously pushing her horse to run faster, so she had to pace herself every time.

She was too nervous, she could not even enjoy the beautiful landscape they were crossing. It was exciting to learn more about her family, but for some reason, there was a small feeling in her gut that scared her.

"It is up ahead, Your Graces," Victor informed them.

A huge, destroyed building came into view as they rode up the hill. It looked more like ruins than a building.

The whole front was missing. But Magnolia could imagine how grand it must have been before. The size of the house was smaller than the duke's castle, but it was still large. So, her family must have been quite rich.

'I hope they were nobles, that would explain how Geoffrey came to have magical powers.'

If that was the case, the whole misunderstanding about his powers would be cleared. Daniel had apologized many times about his thoughtless reaction, but she wanted to prove that there was a rational reason for her son's magic. She needed to, for his future.

Magnolia dismounted her horse and slowly walked toward her childhood home that she had no memories of. Daniel followed her silently.

She took a step into what must have been an impressive entrance, witnessed by the few small broken pieces of marble left on the floor. Now, it was doorless and roofless. The house was dark and colder than the autumn breeze outside.

Magnolia took in the whole place, her eyes were roaming around nonstop. There was no furniture anywhere, no portraits either, not even a piece of carpet. There had probably been many thieves who took everything over the years.

She ascended the staircase that led to many rooms upstairs, but they were all empty and most were half destroyed.

As she looked around more, Magnolia came to realize that there were no clues about her family here. She was hoping that something might trigger a memory or a feeling, but sadly nothing did.

"There is nothing here," she whispered.

"I am sorry," Daniel, who had been quietly following her, uttered.

Magnolia glanced at him with a weak smile. "No need to be, now we know." The look of disappointment on her face made Daniel's heart sink. "Thank you for bringing me here."

He reached for her and hugged her tightly. "I promise you that we will find more information about your family," he breathed against her neck.

"Thank you," was all Magnolia could say as she fought back her tears.

They traveled back to Salicera on the same day. The whole ride back, Magnolia did not even utter a word, which did not change over the next couple of weeks. She was always sitting in a corner, lost in her thoughts.

"I have no idea what to do to cheer her up," Daniel told his friend. "Even Geoffrey was complaining that his mother doesn't even play with him anymore. He thinks it's because he did something." He sighed.

"I am sorry Daniel." Henry felt for him. "I really wish we could find more information about her family, but it is like someone has erased the Gottanlich name from all archives."

Daniel looked at him. "But the size of their estate befits one of an Earl. At least."

"Maybe a fallen noble family," Henry reckoned. "Which should be in the capital archives anyway."

"If it is nowhere to be found." Daniel paused for a moment. "Then, this might be even bigger than I thought. You might be right about someone tampering with the archives." He leaned back in his chair, pensive.

"You know Daniel, now that I think about it, Lady Magnolia was disappointed that you had not introduced her to Aunt Paula last time. Maybe inviting her here will cheer her up."

"Hmm, I think that is a brilliant idea, Henry." Daniel beamed. "In fact, we can even have a small dinner party and invite a few close friends."

Henry looked at the duke with amazement. The last time a dinner party took place at this castle was when Daniel's parents were still alive. He smiled to himself at how much his friend had changed.

"Then, I shall start preparing everything. I will bring you a list of potential guests tomorrow. Since it is already late, you should get some sleep."

"Thank you, Henry."

"Of course." He smiled.

When Daniel reached Magnolia's room, he found her still awake, reading a book in bed. Over the past few weeks, it has become natural for them to share a bed every night.

"How is my beautiful wife doing?"

Magnolia smiled. "I am well, how about you?"

"I am good too, just a little tired." He walked to his room to change his clothes, leaving the door separating the two rooms ajar.

"I was thinking that we should host a dinner party for some close friends." Magnolia looked towards the open door.

"Oh?" She did not think he enjoyed dinner parties that much.

"We have not hosted a party since you became duchess, love." His voice was muffled as he put his shirt on. "I think we should, what do you think?"

"Actually, I would like that." Magnolia said. It would take her mind off her family affairs, so she happily welcomed the idea.

"I am also inviting my aunt to spend some time with us." Daniel informed her as he walked back into the room. "I know I did not properly introduce her last time, so I thought this would be a good opportunity for you to spend some time together."

Magnolia's eyes brightened. "That would be wonderful, Daniel."

"It's settled, then." He smiled back at her. He was relieved that she was willing to host the dinner party.

'I think it is cheering her up already.'

He got under the covers. "You can ask Henry for anything you need."

"I will." Magnolia put her book away, turned off the lights, and snuggled against Daniel.

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

"Good night, dear."

She closed her eyes and drifted into sleep with thoughts of menus, tableware, and dress options.