Page 81 of Thorns of Deceit: The Beast Within

“About?”

She hesitated, then decided on a half-truth. “My mother. It’s been so long since I’ve seen her this happy.”

The Marquis’s gaze softened. “Family is important,” he remarked, his tone carrying an undercurrent Skylar couldn’t quite place. “I’m glad you have such a close relationship with yours.”

“What about yours?”

His expression clouded, a shadow passing over his features. “It’s… complicated.”

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have pried.”

“No, no.” His smile returned. “It’s a fair question. Let’s just say that my family and I have differing views on many things.”

“I see,” she managed, unsure how to respond.

Their conversation lulled for a moment, the music enveloping them. Skylar unexpectedly began to enjoy the dance, her body moving in perfect sync with her partner’s. It was… nice. Different from the rigid formality of court dances she’d grudgingly participated in as Duke Anathemark, but pleasant in its own way.

There was no denying the Marquis’s charm, his quick wit a refreshing change from the vapid conversations she’d endured since returning to her estate, introducing herself to several noblemen, one blander than the next. Yet with each quip, each shared laugh, she unconsciously drew comparisons to Arye.

It wasn’t fair. No one could ever replace Arye.

But isn’t this what she was supposed to be doing? Embracing her new future?

“I couldn’t help but notice,” Marquis Kaiden said, interrupting her thoughts, “that the esteemed Duke Anathemark seems to be absent from tonight’s festivities. Curious, given the ball’s importance.”

Skylar’s step faltered for a second, but she recovered quickly. “Oh? I hadn’t realized,” she lied smoothly, her heart rate picking up. “Perhaps he had more pressing matters to attend to.”

The Marquis’s eyes narrowed slightly, but his smile remained in place. “Indeed. Though one would think nothing could be more important than a royal ball where the Crown Prince intends to choose a bride.”

A pang of jealousy shot through Skylar at the reminder. She pushed it aside, focusing instead on the subtle undercurrent in his tone. “You sound disapproving,” she ventured carefully.

He chuckled, but there was little humor in it. “Perceptive, aren’t you? Let’s just say I have my reservations about certain… aspects of how our kingdom is run.”

“Oh?” Skylar’s curiosity was piqued. “Care to elaborate?”

The Marquis’s expression grew guarded. He glanced around, as if checking for eavesdroppers, before leaning in closer. “It’s not wise to speak too freely of such matters,” he whispered, the words barely audible even at such close proximity. “Not when the King’s loyal dog is always listening.”

Skylar’s brow furrowed in confusion. “I’m afraid I don’t understand.”

A flash of regret passed over his expression. “Forgive me,” he said quickly, pulling back slightly. “I spoke out of turn. I merely meant Duke Anathemark. His loyalty to the Crown is… unparalleled.”

Skylar’s stomach clenched, her steps faltering momentarily as the Marquis’s words sank in. Is that how others saw her? As the King’s obedient pet? They weren’t wrong, she realized with a sinking feeling. The ancient pact that bound her family to the Clawbornes had ensured their unwavering loyalty for generations. But to hear it spoken of so dismissively, as though she were nothing more than a trained animal… it hurt more than she cared to admit.

The Marquis, seemingly oblivious to her inner turmoil, continued speaking. “You know, now that I think about it,there’s a small resemblance between you and the Duke. Something about the eyes, perhaps?”

Skylar’s heart skipped a beat, panic clawing at her throat. She forced a laugh, hoping it didn’t sound as strained to his ears as it did to hers. “I… that is…”

“Forgive me.” The Marquis spoke quickly, misinterpreting her hesitation. “I’ve overstepped. Please, allow me to make amends.” He twirled her gracefully, then pulled her close once more. “Lady Skye, I know we’ve only just met, but I find myself utterly captivated by you. If you would consider it, I would be honored to court you properly. Perhaps… even as my fiancée?”

The proposal, unexpected as it was, left Skylar reeling. Worse than hearing her name from his lips, this sudden offer of courtship knocked the breath from her lungs. She stared at him, searching his face for any sign of deception. Finding none, she swallowed hard, her mouth suddenly dry. “I’m truly flattered, Marquis Kaiden. But I’m not sure I’m ready for such a commitment.”

To her surprise, his smile only widened. “Of course,” he said, his tone light. “I wouldn’t expect an answer right away. Take all the time you need to consider it. I believe we could be good friends, at the very least. And who knows? Perhaps love might grow from there.”

As the music faded, a sense of relief washed over Skylar. The pressure of an immediate decision lifted, she felt more at ease in the Marquis’s company. “Thank you for understanding,” she said sincerely, offering him a small smile. “I would very much like to be friends.”

“I’m delighted to accept,” the Marquis agreed, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “Just know that I can be quite persistent when I set my mind to something.”

Skylar laughed, a genuine sound that surprised even her. “I’m sure you can be. But I assure you, I’m more than capable of holding my own against persistent men.”

---