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

"Isabella, darling, that shade of blue simply won't do for the Queen's tea," Lady Rowena sighed, circling me like a hawk eyeing its prey. "It's far too... provincial."


I stood before the mirror in my chambers, examining the elegant blue gown I'd selected. It was one of my finest—a gift from Alaric that had arrived just days ago. The color complemented my complexion perfectly, and the modest yet fashionable cut flattered my figure without being ostentatious.


"I think it's quite suitable," I replied evenly, smoothing the silk fabric. "The Queen's invitation mentioned an informal gathering."


Lady Rowena's lips tightened. "Informal by royal standards is still formal by common standards, my dear. Perhaps you'd consider the rose silk instead? It would make your complexion appear less... sallow."


Chapter 70 - A Mother's Game, A Daughter-in-Law's Gambit