Thorns of Deceit: The Beast Within by Ivory K. Rose

Author:Ivory K. Rose [Rose, Ivory K.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Ivory K. Rose
Published: 2024-10-10T00:00:00+00:00

21

The scent of old parchment, citrus, and freshly spilled ink permeated the air as Skylar entered Arye’s study. Her fingers absently traced the high collar of her formal attire, the stiff fabric chafing against the tender skin of her neck. She swallowed hard, willing away the memory of Arye’s lips on that very spot less than a day ago. The mark burned on her skin, a secret brand that threatened to undo her at any moment.

A mark that was meant for someone else.

Skylar surveyed the tense room, her senses on high alert. Sunlight streamed through tall windows, casting long shadows across the ornate table where a large map of Regalclaw lay unfurled. Its parchment was yellowed and crinkled at the edges, the ink lines of borders and territories etched deep into its surface. The scratching of quills and the rustle of papers filled the air, punctuated by hushed whispers.

Advisor Hannington hunched over his notes, thin fingers tracing imaginary shapes as he muttered to himself. Captain Knox leaned against the far wall, arms crossed, his expression set in a scowl. Anthony bustled about, the soft clink of goblets accompanying his quiet efficiency. Two guards flanked the entrance, their armor creaking softly with each subtle shift of their rigid postures.

And then there was Arye.

He stood at the head of the table, his usual regal bearing somewhat diminished. His raven hair was disheveled, as if he’d run his hands through it countless times. Dark circles shadowed his eyes, hinting at sleepless nights. Their gazes met briefly, and Skylar felt a jolt course through her.

Did he remember?

His face remained impassive, giving nothing away.

“Duke Anathemark,” Arye nodded, his voice rough with the remnants of sleep—or perhaps something else. “Glad you could join us despite the short notice.”

Skylar bowed slightly, keeping her tone neutral, professional, even as her heart raced. “Your Highness. I came as soon as I received word.”

As she took her place at the table, noticing the empty chair next to Arye, Captain Knox, his gravelly voice tinged with disapproval, leaned in close. “His Majesty won’t be joining us. Seems he’s occupied with that Thorncrest witch again.”

Skylar’s eyebrows rose slightly, but she kept her face neutral. The King spending so much time with Princess Quince was… unexpected, to say the least. She filed the information away for later consideration.

Arye’s voice sliced through the murmurs, silencing the room. “Now that we’re all here, let’s get started. Our spies have reported significant troop movements along the Thorncrest border.”

As Advisor Hannington began detailing the reports, his words a monotonous stream, Skylar found her attention wandering. She tugged at her collar again, paranoia gnawing at her. Was the mark visible? Could anyone tell? Her eyes darted to Arye, studying his face for any sign of recognition, any hint that he remembered their encounter in the garden.

But there was nothing. He seemed entirely focused on the matter at hand, his brow furrowed in concentration as he leaned over the map. Skylar’s chest tightened with a mixture of relief and… disappointment.

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