Violet_167

Isabella Beaumont figured she was making a smart, if desperate, trade: her freedom in exchange for marrying the dreaded Duke Alaric Thorne. 
Sure, the guy had a reputation darker than a moonless night, whispered about in every corner of the kingdom, but it was just a contract, right? A way to escape a brutal past that had literally left its mark on her face. 
She wasn’t expecting warmth, and definitely not passion. But then Alaric, this formidable, feared man, starts acting… protective. His unexpected kindness will make her want to throw away her protective mask and actually fall for the man who was supposed to be just her ticket to freedom. 
Just as Isabella starts believing she might actually deserve happiness, everything begins falling apart around them.
With the villains on the loose, old wounds being ripped open, and everyone’s true colors showing, is this sudden, fierce love strong enough to survive the storm? Or will the darkness from their pasts and the deadly games shatter everything they’re starting to build?

The Masked Duchess

I watched as Lady Rowena's face transformed from outrage to calculated composure. She smoothed her skirts and lowered herself onto the settee across from me with the grace of a queen, though her eyes remained cold and assessing.


"Tea would be lovely," she said, her voice dripping with false sweetness.


A small victory, but I wouldn't let my guard down. I maintained my straight posture as the maid brought in a tea service, serving us both before quietly exiting.


Lady Rowena took a delicate sip before setting her cup down. "I notice my son isn't present. Where is Alaric?"


The question seemed innocent enough, but her tone suggested an accusation. I could hear what she was really asking: What have you done to drive him away?


"The Duke is attending to business matters," I replied evenly. "He's quite dedicated to his responsibilities."


Chapter 44 - A Mother-in-Law's Machinations