Page 55 of Thorns of Deceit: The Beast Within

Skylar’s hand flew to her scarf, the silk cool against her fingers, adjusting it self-consciously. “It’s nothing, Your Highness. Perhaps something bit me.”

Arye’s eyebrow arched, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. “Is that so? Well, the Anathemark blood must be particularly delicious, I imagine.”

Heat bloomed across Skylar’s cheeks, and she turned away, ostensibly to check on the princess’s carriage. The knowing tone in Arye’s voice sent a shiver down her spine.

As they rode on, the tension between them grew. Skylar found herself hyper-aware of every movement Arye made, every subtle shift in his expression. She caught him watching her more than once, his gaze intense and unreadable.

The princess’s voice drifted from the carriage, saccharine sweet as she attempted to engage Arye in conversation. “Your Highness, I couldn’t help but notice how skillfully you handle that horse. You must have been riding since you were very young.”

Arye’s jaw tightened, his knuckles whitening as he gripped the reins. “Indeed, Your Highness. It’s a necessary skill for a kingdom at war.”

“Oh, of course,” Princess Quince simpered, ignoring his hint. “I’m sure you excel at many things. Perhaps you could give me a private lesson sometime?”

Skylar’s stomach churned at the princess’s blatant flirtation. She risked a glance at Arye, half-expecting—hoping—to see him bristle. Instead, his face revealed nothing but cool indifference.

“I’m afraid I don’t have the time, Your Highness,” he replied, tone clipped. “My duties keep me quite occupied.”

Princess Quince giggled. “Oh, surely you could make an exception for me? After all, our kingdoms’ future may depend on how well we get along.”

Arye’s eyes flashed dangerously, and for a moment, Skylar thought he might snap. But he merely inclined his head, his voice dripping with false politeness. “Perhaps another time, Your Highness.”

Suddenly, the carriage jerked to a halt, its wheels mired in a deep muddy rut. The abrupt stop sent a wave of startled exclamations from the princess’s retinue. Princess Quince’sshrill complaints filled the air as her servants scrambled to free the vehicle. The horses whinnied nervously, stamping their hooves in the soft earth.

“Oh, dear,” Princess Quince’s voice dripped with false concern. “It seems we’ve had a bit of an accident. Your Highness, perhaps you could?—”

Arye’s eyes lit up with mischief, his lips curling into a playful smirk.

Gods, no. That wasn’t good.

Skylar recognized that expression from their childhood. It was the same one he’d worn before every misadventure he’d pulled her into. Their eyes met, and that fleeting connection was all the confirmation she needed.

He was definitely up to something.

“What a shame,” he said, not sounding sorry at all. “It seems we’ll have to continue without Princess Quince.”

“Prince Arye?—”

“Guards!” Arye’s voice cut through the air like a whip. “See to it that Her Highness is escorted safely back to the palace.”

Before anyone could protest further, Arye leaned in close to Skylar, his grin widening. “Now’s our chance. Ready for a real ride?” Without waiting for a response, he spurred Blanche into a gallop, leaving the sputtering princess and bewildered guards in his wake.

“Come on, Duke!” he called over his shoulder, laughter in his voice. “Let’s see if you can keep up!”

For a heartbeat, Skylar hesitated, utterly flabbergasted. Then, with a muttered curse, she dug her heels into Noire’s sides and gave chase.

The wind whipped through Skylar’s short wig as she urged Noire faster, the thundering of hooves drowning out the world around her. Ahead, Arye’s laughter drifted back to her, wild andfree. A grin tugged at Skylar’s lips, her heart soaring with a joy she hadn’t experienced in years.

They raced across the countryside, leaving the manicured grounds of the palace far behind. Fields of wildflowers blurred past in a riot of color, their sweet scent filling the late summer air. Skylar’s lungs burned with exertion, but she pushed harder, determined to catch up to Arye.

Noire seemed to share her enthusiasm, his powerful strides eating up the ground beneath them. His ears were pricked forward, focused entirely on Blanche’s retreating form. Skylar could feel the thrill of the chase coursing through her mount, matching her own excitement.

Finally, they crested a hill overlooking Regalton, the sprawling city and majestic palace spread out before them like a painting. The crisp air filled her lungs, carrying with it the scent of grass and distant woodsmoke from the city below.

Arye reined in Blanche, turning to watch as Skylar approached. His hair was windswept, his cheeks flushed with exertion and excitement. In that moment, he looked more alive than she’d seen him in years.

“Well done, Sky,” he said as she drew alongside him. “I was beginning to think you’d lost your edge.”

Skylar snorted, trying to catch her breath. “Never. I was simply giving you a head start.”

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