Page 78 of Thorns of Deceit: The Beast Within

Swallowing her frustration, she retreated to her mother’s side.

The Dowager Duchess raised an eyebrow, bouncing a fussing Conley. “Well?”

Skylar’s jaw clenched. “They wouldn’t tell me anything,” she admitted, the words leaving a sour taste in her mouth. “Apparently, I’m not important enough to be privy to such information.”

Her mother’s expression softened with sympathy. “It will take time to adjust, my dear. But remember, your worth isn’t determined by your title or your ability to intimidate others.”

Before Skylar could respond, a familiar voice cut through the din of the ballroom.

“Your Grace! What an absolute delight to see you.”

Lady Emma glided towards them, her purple gown accentuating her thin waist, drawing appreciative glances from nearby gentlemen. The scent of powder and roses wafted through the air, cloying and overwhelming.

“And who is this?” Lady Emma’s gaze lingered on Skylar, a predatory gleam in her eyes. “I don’t believe we’ve had the pleasure.”

The Dowager Duchess smiled, though Skylar noticed the tension in her mother’s shoulders. “Lady Emma, may I present my niece, Skye.”

The lie rolled off her mother’s tongue with practiced ease, but Skylar felt each word like a dagger to her heart. She loathed hearing her name. But what hurt her most was that her mother couldn’t introduce her as her daughter.

Lady Emma’s perfectly plucked eyebrows arched. “I wasn’t aware you had any siblings, Your Grace.”

“A distant relation,” the Dowager Duchess replied smoothly, her tone brooking no further questions.

“How wonderful,” Lady Emma purred, her gaze never leaving Skylar. “Tell me, dear Lady Skye, have you had the pleasure of meeting our dashing Crown Prince yet?”

Skylar’s heart clenched at the mention of Arye. She forced a polite smile. “I’m afraid not. I’ve only just arrived.”

“Oh, we simply must rectify that,” Lady Emma insisted, her voice dripping with false sweetness. “I’d be more than happy to introduce you. After all, a girl in your… position… could benefit greatly from such an acquaintance.”

The implication was clear. In Lady Emma’s eyes, Skylar was nothing more than a social climber, a nobody grasping at the fringes of power. The urge to put this simpering courtier in her place was almost overwhelming.

“That’s very kind of you, Lady Emma,” the Dowager Duchess said, her tone carrying a subtle edge. “But I believe Marquis Edwards has been quite eager to make Skye’s acquaintance. Perhaps another time.”

Lady Emma’s smile tightened, but she recovered quickly. “Of course, Your Grace.” She turned to Skylar. “Enjoy the ball, dear.”

With a final, calculating look, Lady Emma sashayed away, leaving the scent of roses and thinly veiled threats in her wake.

“Charming,” Skylar muttered. “I preferred her clinging to my arm.”

Her mother’s lips quirked. “The most dangerous kind, my dear. Never underestimate a woman with ambition and too much time on her hands.”

As if summoned by their conversation, a tall figure in midnight blue appeared before them.

“Dowager Duchess, you honor us with your presence.” Marquis Kaiden Edwards bowed deeply, his chestnut hair falling artfully across his forehead. As he straightened, his gaze fell upon Skylar, and his eyes widened appreciatively. “And this must be your lovely relative. I must say, you are even more stunning than I’d imagined.”

Skylar felt a flush creep up her neck, unused to such direct compliments. She’d received plenty as the Duke, of course, but none about her looks. This was… different.

“You’re too kind, Marquis Edwards,” Skylar replied, inclining her head slightly. “I hope the reality doesn’t disappoint after such anticipation.”

“For a vision like you? I’d wait an eternity.” A roguish grin spread across his face, revealing perfect white teeth. He leaned in, his words dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “Please, call me Kaiden.”

Skylar couldn’t help but chuckle at the line, delivered with just the right amount of self-awareness to be charming rather than cloying. “Careful, Marquis Kaiden,” she teased. “A girl might get ideas with talk like that.”

“Perhaps that’s my intention,” he shot back, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

As they continued to banter, Skylar found herself grudgingly impressed. Marquis Kaiden was quick-witted and articulate, matching her verbal sparring with ease. It wasn’t quite the same as her exchanges with Arye, but it was… pleasant. She could see why her mother chose him.

“So, tell me,” he said, offering Skylar his escort. “What do you think of the ball so far? I must admit, I find these affairs rather tedious, but your presence has certainly livened things up.”

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