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

The carriage rocked gently as we made our way to the church, my nerves fluttering despite my determination. I glanced at Alaric beside me, his strong profile illuminated by the occasional flicker of passing streetlamps.


"Do you think the priest will be upset? Being awakened at this hour?" I asked, fidgeting with the edge of Alaric's coat still wrapped around my shoulders.


Alaric's lips curved into a slight smile. "Late-night weddings aren't as uncommon as you might think. Especially among the nobility. Sometimes discretion is preferred."


"Discretion," I repeated, almost laughing at the irony. Our marriage would be the scandal of the season once word spread. "I suppose that's one way to describe our situation."


"We could still have a proper ceremony later," Alaric offered, studying my face. "With all the trimmings—flowers, music, a feast. If you wish it."


Chapter 36 - An Unconventional Wedding Night Begins