The Duke's invitations were dispatched with a sense of urgency, each one carefully sealed within an ebony envelope. This choice of colour, with its haunting undertones of mortality and decay, conjured images of funerals and the sombre veil of mourning. Within the confines of these dark envelopes rested delicate parchment, bearing a simple sentence: "The Duke extends his warm invitation to join him in celebrating the precious occasion of his beloved daughter, Dylan of Beaumon."

"I must seem as though I'm on my deathbed," Dylan remarked, gently turning one of the envelopes in her hands. "Or perhaps, as if I've already departed this world."

Who sends out invitations to a dinner party just two hours before the event, especially black invitations that allowed for such ambiguity? Those who received them likely presumed it was Dylan's funeral.

"I do not understand the Duke's intentions, my lady," Mina said with a hint of exasperation as she continued to brush through Dylan's hair. "It seems he's not in his right mind. The staff is already near exhaustion, and now we have only two hours to prepare for a party for the nobility?"

Dylan felt a pang of guilt, truly she did. However, she refused to let it consume her. Life, she knew, was often unjust. In truth, she remained indifferent to the state of the Duke's mind or the staff's exhaustion; her primary concern was how these circumstances might begin to interfere with her own carefully laid plans.

"Who do you think has been invited?" Dylan asked softly, her grip tightening around the envelope. "There are certain individuals... whom I'd rather avoid."

"Who knows, milady. The Duke might have extended invitations to anyone and everyone."

The door to the dressing room swung open, and Dylan turned her head at the sound. There stood Jessie, her eyes heavy with exhaustion, and her face contorted with weariness.

"My lady," Jessie said, presenting a carefully wrapped dress package. "I rushed into town as swiftly as I could and managed to find a black dress for you, just as you had requested."

"Did you happen to encounter anyone at the boutiques or catch wind of any gossip about the dinner?" Dylan inquired eagerly. "Any whispers, even the slightest hint of information?"

"I did manage to glean some information from the boutique owner," Jessie replied, her fatigue evident as she carefully placed the package down. "There was talk of a young lady with fiery red hair and striking green eyes, whom I can only assume is Lady Grisa. She, too, purchased a dress for the event."

Dylan's stomach twisted with unease. The last thing she wanted was for Grisa to become entangled in this situation or to be anywhere near the Duke. She needed to ensure that Grisa, Lucas, and anyone she cared about stayed far away.

"Cadence," Dylan called, and like a loyal companion, he promptly appeared. She had grown fond of his constant presence; he was her pillar of reassurance, always there to calm her nerves. "While I prepare, could you please check if there's a guest list for the dinner?" Dylan requested, her voice low and urgent. "Perhaps it's hidden in the Duke's office or with the servants. Be discreet, and whatever you do, don't get caught."

Cadence nodded, his eyes filled with affection as he gazed at her. She reached out and tenderly brushed a strand of hair away from his handsome face. They were planning their escape, to leave everyone behind and set fire to the past. It was the only thing that kept her going, the glimmer of a new beginning.

She knew that all she needed was a little more time. She had diligently saved a substantial amount of money from her secret business and had already started scouting for secluded places where she wouldn't leave a trace. These were destinations far away, with lush green valleys and serene rivers. She just had to wrap up a few more loose ends. Her primary concern was shaking off the relentless pursuit of the King, ensuring that those she left behind, and cared deeply about, would remain unharmed.

"Alright, you two," Mina said, gently guiding Cadence away. "We need to get Lady Dylan dressed; we haven't nearly enough time."

Dylan couldn't help but giggle, and she waved at Cadence, who responded with a wink before slipping out the door.

"Goodness," Jessie remarked, unwrapping the packaged dress with a slight frown. "It's quite a sombre colour."

The dress was a stunning black off-the-shoulder gown that cinched in at the waist. It exuded elegance and simplicity, contrasting beautifully with her fair skin and the golden hue of her hair. Despite Jessie's initial protests, once the dress was on, all doubts were cast aside. It was truly breathtaking, and Dylan looked absolutely beautiful.

"You are truly a vision, Lady Dylan," Mina said, her eyes glowing with admiration. "I believe you are the closest thing to heaven I've ever witnessed."

Jessie opened her mouth as if to say something but then closed it, opting for silence instead. Her eyes were filled with a mixture of confusion and contemplation.

"Go ahead," Dylan sighed, turning to Jessie. "Say what's on your mind."

Jessie hesitated for a moment before finally voicing her question, "But why the colour black?"

Dylan's eyes shifted to the envelope, which she had set aside earlier before changing. She picked it up, holding it up for Jessie to see as she spoke. "I'm merely adhering to the theme," she explained, "just as my dear father wishes."

There was a gentle three-knock pattern on the door, a signal Dylan recognized as Cadence's. She called for him to enter, and he stepped inside, his eyes widening at the sight of her in the dress. She observed a subtle blush creep onto his cheeks as he took in her appearance, not at all shy about the way his gaze lingered on her attire.

"Did you manage to find the guest list?" she inquired, her body warming under his intense gaze.

He nodded, his eyes still roaming over every curve of her body. Her heart began to beat faster, and suddenly she became acutely aware of the fact that Cadence was a man—a handsome, tall, muscular man. She couldn't help but marvel at how someone could stir such emotions within her without even touching her.

"Leave us," she said to her maids, her voice almost breathless.

The maids left quietly and as Cadence drew closer, their eyes locked in a magnetic connection. Dylan could feel the electricity in the air, a potent tension that hung between them. Their lips met in a passionate kiss, a rush of desire and longing igniting between them. It was a kiss that spoke of unspoken feelings and the intensity of their connection. As they broke apart, their eyes met again, conveying a shared understanding of the uncharted territory they were venturing into.

"Milady," a voice called softly from beyond the door, interrupting their passionate moment. "The guests have arrived."

Startled, Dylan and Cadence reluctantly pulled away from each other, their breaths still heavy with desire. Neither of them had remembered to go over the guest list, and Dylan had no idea that the individuals she had been dreading encountering were now assembled downstairs, awaiting her presence.