Page 80 of Thorns of Deceit: The Beast Within

“No,” she whispered. “No, I’m not alright at all.”

33

Skylar’s heart thundered in her chest as she gripped the balcony railing, her knuckles white against the cold stone. The cool night air whipped around her, carrying the scent of jasmine and distant woodsmoke, a stark contrast to the suffocating heat of the ballroom. She closed her eyes, willing the world to stop spinning.

“My lady?” Marquis Kaiden’s words broke through the haze of her panic. “Are you feeling better?”

Skylar met his concerned gaze. She managed a weak smile, her mask of composure slipping back into place with practiced ease. “I’m fine, thank you,” she replied, her voice steadier than she felt. “I just needed some fresh air.”

The Marquis chuckled. The warm, rich sound reminded her painfully of Arye. “Ah, I see. The delicate flower wilts under the harsh glare of courtly scrutiny?”

A burst of laughter escaped Skylar’s lips, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly. Her own amusement surprised her; it had been a while since she’d laughed genuinely. “I assure you, Marquis, no one has ever accused me of being a delicate flower.”

He arched an eyebrow, amusement dancing in his eyes. “Then perhaps a thorny rose? Beautiful, but with a hidden bite?”

Skylar felt a genuine smile tugging at her lips. “Better,” she conceded. “Though I’d prefer to think of myself as a sword—useful, practical, and dangerous in the right hands.”

A flicker of interest crossed his face. “How refreshing. Most ladies I know would shy away from such… martial comparisons.”

“Then perhaps you need to meet more interesting ladies, Marquis.”

He laughed again, the sound easing some of her tension despite the chill night. “Perhaps I do. And please, call me Kaiden. I insist.”

As they returned to the ballroom, Skylar was struck anew by the opulence surrounding them. Laughter and the clinking of glasses punctuated the air, underscored by the steady rhythm of the orchestra. The ballroom pulsed with life, a dazzling display of Regalclaw’s wealth and power. Everywhere she looked, the kingdom’s heraldic animal, the majestic gryphon, stared at her from banners, tapestries, and even the intricate floor mosaics.

Her eyes scanned the crowd, searching for familiar raven hair, but Arye was nowhere to be seen. A mixture of relief and disappointment warred within her.

“Would you do me the honor of a dance?” Marquis Kaiden extended his hand, a charming smile playing on his lips.

Skylar hesitated for a fraction of a second before nodding. “I’d be delighted,” she said, placing her hand in his.

As they moved onto the crowded floor, Skylar was acutely aware of the eyes upon them. The Marquis led with confidence, his steps sure and graceful. She matched him easily, muscle memory taking over despite years of neglect.

“I must say,” the Marquis began as they glided among other couples, “you move with surprising elegance for someone who claims not to be a delicate flower.”

Skylar smirked. “Perhaps I’m simply full of hidden talents.”

“Oh? And what other talents might you be hiding, my lady?”

Skylar’s mind raced to find a suitable answer that wouldn’t give away too much. The warmth of his hand on her waist was distracting. “Well… I’m quite adept at chess.”

The Marquis’s eyes lit up. “How delightful! I do enjoy a good game of chess. The strategy, the foresight required—it’s not unlike the dance of politics, wouldn’t you agree?”

“I’d say it’s exactly like politics,” Skylar found herself saying, surprised by her own candor. “Sacrifices must be made, pawns advanced, all in service of protecting the King. Though in my opinion, the Queen is often the most dangerous piece on the board.”

Marquis Kaiden’s grip on her waist tightened almost imperceptibly. “Fascinating perspective. You speak as though you have firsthand experience with such matters.”

Skylar’s pulse quickened, realizing she’d said too much. She forced a light laugh. “Oh, you know how it is. One picks up all sorts of interesting notions from books and gossip.”

“Indeed.” His tone grew thoughtful. “Perhaps we could play sometime? I have a feeling you’d be a formidable opponent.”

“I’d like that,” Skylar replied, surprised to find she meant it.

As they twirled, Skylar caught sight of her mother. The Dowager Duchess was surrounded by a small group of nobles, all cooing over baby Conley. Her mother’s face was radiant, pride and joy evident in every line of her features.

“You seem distracted,” the Marquis observed, his voice pulling her back to the present.

Skylar shook her head slightly, forcing herself to focus on her partner. “My apologies, Marquis Kaiden. I was just… thinking.”

---