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 ride home from the palace seemed longer than usual. I stole glances at Alaric, who stared out the window with his jaw clenched and brow furrowed. After my surprisingly pleasant afternoon with the Queen, I'd expected to return to find him in better spirits than this.


"Did something happen today?" I finally asked, breaking the heavy silence.


Alaric's eyes flicked to mine briefly before returning to the passing scenery. "Nothing worth discussing now."


His short answer stung, but I nodded and turned my attention to my own window. Whatever had soured his mood clearly had him deep in thought, and I didn't want to press.


When we arrived at the estate, Alistair greeted us at the entrance. His eyes widened slightly at Alaric's stormy expression.


"Your Grace, everything is prepared as requested," Alistair said, taking Alaric's coat.


Chapter 72 - First Night, First Test