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 royal palace stretched before us like something from a dream—gleaming marble, towering pillars, and intricate tapestries that told stories of battles won and kingdoms united. As we were escorted through its grand hallways, I felt Lady Rowena's eyes on me, watching for any misstep.


"Keep your shoulders back," she whispered sharply as we approached the Queen's Solar. "And remember, speak only when—"


"When spoken to," I finished quietly. "Yes, Lady Rowena, you've mentioned this several times."


Helena walked beside us with practiced grace, occasionally nodding to passing courtiers who clearly recognized her. The silent message was clear—she belonged here. I was the outsider.


A footman in royal livery opened an ornate door, announcing in a clear voice, "The Duchess of Lockwood, Lady Rowena Thorne, and Lady Helena Pembroke."


Chapter 71 - A Queen's Welcome, A Mother's Ire