Page 49 of Thorns of Deceit: The Beast Within

Did he remember?

His face remained impassive, giving nothing away.

“Duke Anathemark,” Arye nodded, his voice rough with the remnants of sleep—or perhaps something else. “Glad you could join us despite the short notice.”

Skylar bowed slightly, keeping her tone neutral, professional, even as her heart raced. “Your Highness. I came as soon as I received word.”

As she took her place at the table, noticing the empty chair next to Arye, Captain Knox, his gravelly voice tinged with disapproval, leaned in close. “His Majesty won’t be joining us. Seems he’s occupied with that Thorncrest witch again.”

Skylar’s eyebrows rose slightly, but she kept her face neutral. The King spending so much time with Princess Quince was… unexpected, to say the least. She filed the information away for later consideration.

Arye’s voice sliced through the murmurs, silencing the room. “Now that we’re all here, let’s get started. Our spies have reported significant troop movements along the Thorncrest border.”

As Advisor Hannington began detailing the reports, his words a monotonous stream, Skylar found her attention wandering. She tugged at her collar again, paranoia gnawing at her. Was the mark visible? Could anyone tell? Her eyes darted toArye, studying his face for any sign of recognition, any hint that he remembered their encounter in the garden.

But there was nothing. He seemed entirely focused on the matter at hand, his brow furrowed in concentration as he leaned over the map. Skylar’s chest tightened with a mixture of relief and… disappointment. The conflicting emotions churned within her, making her feel slightly nauseous.

“Duke,” Arye’s voice snapped her back to reality. “Your thoughts on these developments?”

Her mind raced, trying to make sense of all of this. First, they had pushed Thorncrest to retreat to their borders. Then came the assassination attempt, followed by the unexpected delegation led by Princess Quince herself. And now, troop movements at the border?

Skylar cleared her throat, forcing herself to focus. “It’s concerning,” she said, keeping her expression neutral. “It seems they’re preparing for something big despite the active peace negotiations and having asked for… other arrangements.” She let the implication hang in the air, knowing everyone in the room was aware of the proposed marriage alliance.

The Captain grunted in agreement, his features twisting into a grimace. “Aye, and with the Thousand-Year King’s visit in six days, the timing couldn’t be worse.”

“Or better,” Skylar interjected, a smirk playing at her lips. She felt more in her element now, discussing strategy and politics. “We could use his support if war breaks out. Aequilibrium’s backing would send a clear message to Thorncrest.”

“Exactly,” Arye nodded, his approving tone sending an unwelcome warmth through Skylar’s body. “We must prepare for all scenarios. They believe they have the upper hand, but we’ll prove them wrong.”

Advisor Hannington cleared his throat. “If I may, Your Highness. Princess Quince is still within our walls. Surely we can use that to our advantage?”

Arye’s eyes flashed dangerously, a sudden shift in his demeanor that made Skylar tense. “And how do you propose we do that? Threaten her? Use her as a bargaining chip?”

The older man blanched, taking a step back. “I-I merely meant to suggest?—”

“No.” Arye’s icy tone cut through the air. “Regalclaw is in a precarious position. Officially, we’re in peace talks. Unofficially, we’re on the brink of war. We have to be careful.”

Skylar watched the exchange, torn between admiration and unease. This was the Arye she knew—decisive, strategic, with an edge of ruthlessness that both thrilled and terrified her. But there was something else there too, a barely contained fury that seemed to simmer just beneath the surface.

The meeting dragged on, strategies debated and plans formulated. Throughout it all, Skylar’s gaze kept drifting to Arye, perplexed by how… normal he acted. He showed no sign of recognizing her from last night, no hint that anything had changed between them. She was safe, but it was still confusing. Maddening.

As everyone filed out during a short break, the scraping of chairs and murmur of voices filled the air. Skylar stayed, watching as Arye rubbed his temples, wincing. A small smirk tugged at her lips.

Arye glared at her, but there was no real heat behind it. “I’d appreciate it if you didn’t shout, Duke.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it,” Skylar replied, their familiar dynamic easing some of her tension. “Next time, you might want to reconsider trying to outdrink the entire Royal Guard.”

Arye chuckled, then grimaced at the movement. “Noted. Though I don’t recall you being there to witness my folly.”

“I wasn’t,” she said quickly, perhaps too quickly. “But palace gossip travels fast.”

“Ah, yes. The ever-vigilant rumor mill,” Arye sighed. “I don’t suppose they mentioned finding me passed out in the garden? That’s a particularly embarrassing detail I’d rather not have circulating.”

Skylar’s mouth went dry. “I hadn’t heard that part.”

“No? Well, it’s true. Woke up soaked to the bone with the worst headache of my life.” He paused. “And I?—”

Before Arye could elaborate, Captain Knox burst back into the room, his face flushed with exertion. “Your Highness! We’ve just received word—Thorncrest’s forces are on the move. They’ve crossed the border!”

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