Page 82 of Thorns of Deceit: The Beast Within

“Oh?” The Marquis raised an eyebrow. “Is that a challenge, my lady?”

“Perhaps,” she replied, a mischievous glint in her eye. The banter felt good, familiar in a way that soothed the ache in her chest. “Though I warn you, I rarely lose.”

Marquis Kaiden’s laugh echoed through the ballroom, drawing curious glances from nearby dancers. The sound was rich and warm, infectious in its joy. “I look forward to the contest, then. Shall we seal our newfound friendship with another dance?”

“I’d love to, Marquis Kaiden.”

As they took their positions once more, Skylar noticed a weight lift from her shoulders. For the first time since leaving the palace, she felt like herself again. It was… freeing.

The music swelled around them, a lively tune that had couples spinning and laughing. Skylar matched the Marquis step for step, her movements fluid and graceful. As they twirled and dipped, she found herself genuinely enjoying the dance, the worries of the night momentarily forgotten.

“You know,” the Marquis said as he spun her out and back into his arms, “I’m beginning to think you might have understated your dancing abilities earlier.”

Skylar grinned. “A lady must maintain some air of mystery, mustn’t she?”

Their eyes met, a spark of understanding passing between them. For a second, Skylar could almost imagine a future where this was enough—witty conversation, elegant dances, a life free from the burden of her curse. It was alluring in its simplicity.

But no matter how charming the Marquis might be, he could never truly know her. Not all of her.

As the dance came to an end, the Marquis bowed low, taking her hand and pressing a chaste kiss to her knuckles. The sensation of his lips sent a shiver through her, but it was nothing compared to the fire Arye’s slightest touch had ignited.

“Would you care to join me on the balcony once more?” he asked. “I find the air out there much more conducive to stimulating conversation.”

Skylar opened her mouth to reply, but the abrupt shift in the Marquis’s gaze made her pause. A chill raced down her spine as she followed his line of sight.

“Marquis Edwards. I hope I’m not interrupting.”

34

Arye.

For a heartbeat, Skylar forgot herself, muscles coiling to dip into the familiar bow she’d offered countless times as Duke Anathemark. Panic flared in her chest as she caught herself, awkwardly transitioning into a curtsy that felt as unnatural as the corset cinching her waist.

“Your Highness.”

When she dared to glance up, her heart sank. Arye’s attention was fixed solely on Marquis Kaiden, his jaw set in a hard line. He didn’t spare her a single look.

“Crown Prince Arye,” Marquis Kaiden said, bowing deeply. “What an honor. I trust you’re enjoying the festivities?”

“Immensely,” Arye replied, his tone dry as sun-baked sand. His gaze slid over Skylar as if she were nothing more than a piece of furniture. “Though I must say, I’m surprised to see you monopolizing one of our guests. Surely there is more appropriate company worthy of your attention?”

The barb was thinly veiled, and in the past, Arye would never have allowed anyone to speak of her in such a manner. Skylar’s breath caught in her throat, a mixture of hurt and indignationrising within her. She turned to the Marquis, waiting for him to defend her, to challenge Arye’s implication.

But Marquis Kaiden merely laughed, the sound easy and unbothered. “Ah, but Your Highness, when one finds such delightful company, it’s hard to tear oneself away. I’m sure you understand.”

The casual dismissal stung. Skylar’s disappointment was palpable as she realized the Marquis had no intention of standing up for her. She longed for Arye’s fierce protectiveness, how he would bristle at the slightest perceived slight against her. This cold indifference from both men was worse than any insult.

“Is that so?” Arye’s voice was deceptively light. “Though I wonder if your ship’s crew feels the same way about your absence.”

Marquis Kaiden’s easy smile faltered. “Pardon?”

“Oh yes,” Arye continued, a predatory glint in his eyes. “I heard the most curious rumor about a fire down at the docks. Probably nothing to worry about, of course, but one can never be too careful with such valuable cargo, can they?”

The color drained from the Marquis’s face. “I… I should go check on that immediately. If I may take my leave, Your Highness. My lady.” He bowed hastily to Arye, then to Skylar, before hurrying away.

As Skylar watched him leave, unease knotted her stomach. She couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to Arye’s words than mere coincidence. The air between them crackled with tension, thick enough to choke on.

“Well.” Arye finally addressed her directly. “It seems your companion has abandoned you. How terribly rude.”

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