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 stared at Juliette, momentarily stunned by her sheer audacity. The room around me was filled with gifts from Alaric—jewelry boxes, silk scarves, and various accessories that he had personally selected for me.


"Not allowed?" I repeated, finding my voice. "This is a room specifically filled with items gifted to me by the Duke. I believe that gives me every right to be here."


Juliette's eyes narrowed. "I was instructed that these rooms were to be kept secure until properly inventoried."


"And who gave you these instructions?" I asked calmly, though my heart was racing. "Because my husband certainly didn't mention any such thing to me."


"Alaric has always been particular about—"


"Duke Thorne," I corrected her firmly. "Or His Grace. You will address my husband with the proper respect his position commands."


A smirk appeared on Juliette's face as she crossed her arms. "Oh, I've known Alaric for years. He doesn't stand on ceremony with those who are... close to him."


Chapter 55 - A Duchess Asserts Her Authority