MAGNOLIA LOOKED AROUND THE DINING TABLE and felt a sense of satisfaction as her guests enjoyed their dinner.
Everyone was smiling and conversing. The decoration and service were flawless, the food was delicious, the wine was abundant. It was just the perfect dinner party.
Daniel noticed his wife's high spirits. He took her hand in his and brought it to his lips, she gave him the widest and happiest smile he had ever seen. His actions did not go unnoticed.
"Duchess, I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart," started Earl Kalwen, he drew everyone's attention. "We had lost all hope for our grumpy friend," he continued, nodding in Daniel's direction. "But it seems you have tamed the beast, he even smiles now." A few chuckles erupted around the table.
"Lord Kalwen, you are too kind, but I am afraid you might have mistaken my husband displaying his sharp teeth for smiling." Daniel's laugh echoed around the room and Richard and the others joined him.
"I have to agree with you, Richard," Henry joined. "Lady Magnolia's presence has changed the duke a lot. Now I rarely feel like choking him." Laughter was heard again.
"Is that so?" Daniel answered with a grin, then he turned to his wife. "Why are men who call themselves my friends stating my flaws in front of my wife?"
"Because I do not care about your flaws," Magnolia whispered but not low enough, so half of the guests heard her.
The impact of her words was seen instantly on Daniel's face. He just stared at her with his unblinking blue eyes. She blushed and looked down shyly. She blamed the wine for her brave words.
"I heard the Winter Hunt this year might be postponed for a few weeks," The Marquise of Corossa commented, trying to veer the guests' eyes to her, and she succeeded.
"His Majesty is planning to invite some royals and officials from neighboring countries to participate, and it would be more convenient for most guests to have the hunt at a later date than usual," Richard said.
"But isn't the Winter Hunt an event where only nobles from Malorenia participate?" Countess Finnels asked innocently.
"Yes, but I think His Majesty wants to use the event to strengthen political relations with other countries," her husband answered.
"Our Daniel will win anyway," Richard joked. "Now that he has someone to offer his prey to, it will be impossible to beat him." Smiles were drawn on everyone's faces.
"Then, we should find you a wife, my friend," Daniel shot back. "Lady Kalwen, please help."
"As you probably know," Florence spoke for the first time. "My brother is very picky with everything. It might be a lost cause, Your Grace." Her unexpected pleasantry made everyone laugh.
Dinner continued to be delightful, and after dessert, the guests moved to the sitting room for more drinks, interesting topics, and games.
Everyone was enjoying themselves and did not even notice how late it was. But when the clock struck midnight, the guests started to leave.
Except for Earl Kalwen and his sister Florence, everyone else had estates close by.
Magnolia and Daniel bid Richard, Florence, and Paula a good night before walking to their room. After Daniel changed, he entered Magnolia's room and found her sitting in the bed still fully dressed.
"Is everything alright?"
"Yes, but could you please help me with my dress? I told Clara that she could retire earlier and I cannot undo it myself."
It took Daniel a moment to control his emotions at the thought of undressing her.
"Of course."
Magnolia stood and walked to him, then she turned around and moved her long hair to the side.
The action revealed the back of her neck and suddenly Daniel's mouth felt dry. He shook his head and started undoing the hooks of her dress.
"You looked beautiful tonight." He tried to distract himself with conversation.
"Thank you," she answered. "You were dashing yourself."
He smiled. "Also, congratulations on a very successful dinner party."
"You think so?" She hastily turned around but lost her footing, slamming against the duke. "Sorry, I might have had a little too much wine." She giggled.
Daniel chuckled as he steadied her.
'Thank the Gods for the puffy dresses, otherwise my excitement would have been discovered.'
He turned Magnolia around again to finish the hooks and adjusted himself awkwardly.
"All done," he announced.
His wife turned to face him again with her dress revealing both shoulders now and more cleavage than earlier. He swallowed hard.
"So, you think dinner was a success?" she asked.
"Yes, it was perfect. I think no one wanted to leave."
Magnolia smiled at him sweetly. She stared deep into his eyes and caressed his face. The gesture made Daniel freeze, except for one rebellious organ.
"Thank you," she uttered.
"For what?"
"Everything." She cupped his other cheek with her left palm, her warmth sent tingles all over his body.
"You are very—" he started.
In a swift move, Magnolia pulled her husband's face and brushed her lips against his. Daniel was not expecting that, so it took him a few seconds to respond.
He wrapped his arms around her and deepened the kiss, earning him a deep moan from his wife. The sound only aroused him more.
His kiss became more demanding, wilder and Magnolia did her best to match his ferocity. He suddenly broke away from her. She looked at him with questioning eyes.
"This is dangerous, love." Daniel pushed his hair back. "I will not be able to stop." He put some distance between them.
Magnolia stared at him for a moment, her chest still heaving from excitement and lack of oxygen.
It was definitely the wine that gave her the courage to initiate that amazing kiss. But as she felt his arms around her and as he took more control of the kiss, she wanted more.
It was not the alcohol anymore, it was her body that craved his lips, his touch.
"I don't want you to stop," she heard herself say.