Page 77 of Silent Secrets

“Lord Caiden Murphy of the Summer Court.”

I make a face at Hunter before turning back to the ballroom, keeping my face blank. It’s just another mask that I have to wear. I begin my descent down the stairs, eyes scanning the room. I see that both Marcos and Kai have moved to their parents before my eyes land on my own. As soon as my feet hit the floor, I’m moving across the room toward them.

“Lord Hunter Valentino of the Winter Court.”

“Caiden.” My mom leans in to press a kiss to my cheek while my father nods. “Thank you.”

I chew on my lips, knowing exactly what she’s thanking me for, but knowing that I can’t admit to what we’ve done. “For what?”

My mom’s smile lights up her face as she shoots me a wink. “For being the best son.”

“You’re welcome. I love you.”

“We love you too, son.” My dad grasps my shoulder, waiting until I meet his eyes before continuing, “You did good. You set a good example for your sisters.”

“I try,” I sigh, thinking of my three younger sisters. Aubrey is already married and considering starting a family of her own. Emery is being courted by the baron’s youngest son, and she seems happy with the match. While my baby sister Morgan is only sixteen, she has made it clear exactly how much she hates the aristocracy of the courts already. She reminds me so much of myself, but since she isn’t the heir, she can actually speak her mind—unlike me.

“You should go rescue Kai.” My mom nods across the room.

I turn to find Kam with his head bent toward Kai, anger written all over his face as he speaks to him. I meet Marcos’s gaze and he nods before we both head toward the Jins. When Kam notices us moving toward him, his eyes narrow. He says something that I’m not quite close enough to hear before leaning away from Kai to wrap his arm around Bella.

Kai turns to head toward us, head still down until he reaches us. He’s pissed, but I know he will never speak back to Kam, too afraid of the consequences.

“They know we did something with the twins. He says Gabe’s pissed and expects to meet with us after Hadley’s introduction. We’re supposed to sneak away as soon as possible.”

“Fuck Gabe and fuck your dad,” Marcos bites out, and I realize that we’ve all had it with our parents and their rule. Unfortunately, there isn’t much that we can do right now.

“One day, we’ll be done with them.” Hunter’s voice is deep as he steps up to our group. He scowls, eyes locked on something on the other side of the room. Following his gaze, I find Gabe glaring at us.

“I take it that went well, then?” I snort.

Hunter rolls his eyes, but doesn’t respond. Before anyone else can speak, horns sound throughout the room. All attention turns to the entrance and I hold my breath. As much as I wish that one of us could have escorted Hadley into the masquerade, it makes sense that she does this on her own—even if I don’t like it.

“Princess Hadley Dubois-Corbin, the future Fae Queen of Sorlphi.”

Grinning, I know Hadley will be happy that Grace included her human surname in her title. None of the Fae will know the significance of the name, but I know it will mean the world to Hadley.

The curtain pulls away to reveal the empty double doors. I can practically feel the anticipation of the crowd as they wait to see their future queen. Beyond the four of us and our parents, no one outside of the palace servants has seen her. I can only imagine what must be running through their petty little minds. Maybe they’re hoping that she’ll be hideous, so that they have something interesting to talk about—which she isn’t, so they will be sadly disappointed. Or maybe they’re hoping that she will embarrass herself. Who the hell knows with these fucks.

As Hadley steps into view, all other thoughts leave me. She is a vision in blue. I know Kai calls her an angel, but in that dress, she is anything but an angel.

I’m honestly surprised that Grace allowed her to choose a dress that shows as much skin as it does—not that I’m complaining. It leaves her shoulders bare with thick straps that wrap around her upper arms. Translucent fabric falls from the straps to the floor, in pieces to allow a glimpse of her bare arm where it splits. The bodice reveals just a hint of cleavage before tapering in, growing thinner until it hits her hips. Thin straps wrap around her sides and I wonder if there is a back to the dress, or if it is nothing but straps.

As she steps into the room and begins her descent, I realize that the skirt of the dress splits on the right side—almost to her hip, revealing her toned leg. Covered in the same translucent material that hangs from her sleeves, the dress seems to glitter beneath the lights. My eyes zero in on the split, growing hard as her leg slides from beneath the fabric before disappearing once more.

Reaching down, I adjust my dick discreetly before forcing my eyes to lift to her face. The mask she’s wearing is black lace, barely covering any of her face, and only enhancing her beauty. Even from this far away, I can tell that she’s wearing heavy eye makeup, enhancing her natural beauty. Piled atop her head with strands curling around her face, her hair is in an intricate updo.

My feet are moving before I’ve given it any thought and I can hear my friends following me. I know I shouldn’t, but I can’t stop myself as I approach her. Hadley’s eyes are on the four of us as we step to the bottom of the stairs.

I reach out to take her hand, bowing when she reaches the bottom. Keeping my head bent, I glance up at her as I press a kiss to her hand.

“I’ve never seen a woman more beautiful than you,” I tell her, hoping that it’s quiet enough that no one but the five of us can hear it.

A blush rises on her cheeks as the four of us rise. “Thank you, Caiden. The four of you look…” she trails off, shaking her head. “Well, you look fucking hot.”

I laugh, slightly shocked by her choice of words. When Marcos’s hand nudges mine, I pass off Hadley’s hand to him. Instead of kissing her hand, he presses his lips to the inside of her wrist, sending a shiver down her spine. When it’s Kai’s turn, he presses his lips to her palm and shoots her a smile.

I’m only slightly surprised when Hunter steps up to take her hand, though his lips barely brush across her knuckles. “You look amazing, princess.”

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