Kingdom of the Feared (Kingdom of the Wicked, #3)(102)

Wrath held his arm out to me before facing his brother. “You have two hours before the coronation begins. I don’t suggest arriving late.”





I stood before the massive floor-length mirror in my newly appointed dressing room, twisting to better admire the coronation gown the royal dressmaker had created. It was not simply a garment, but a masterpiece. Instead of paints and brushes, the dressmaker’s medium was tulle, thin gold chains, faceted onyx beads, and sparkling diamonds. It was as heavy as armor, but there was a delicateness to it that leather and chain mail could not hope to possess.

My fingers trailed over the detailed work. In the design, bits of each House of Sin were represented, plus an ode to my affinity for flowers. It was the perfect marriage of the demons and me, signaling my unbiased rule over all seven courts. Eight if everything went according to plan. I glanced to the clock on the little side table, then to the arched window. Twilight was the normal state of this realm, but the sky had darkened. Night had fully arrived.

Fauna bustled into the room, tears glistening in her eyes when she saw me. She stopped short and pressed a hand to her mouth. “You look like the goddess you are, Lady Emilia.”

I stopped fretting and pulled her in for a hug. “Thank you for coming.”

“Of course, my lady.” Fauna squeezed me once more before stepping back and dabbing at the corners of her eyes. “What did you need?”

I strode over to the small table covered in jewels—all options left for me to choose from for tonight—and pulled out the sealed letter I’d hidden there. “Will you deliver this to my sister?”

Fauna’s attention flew to the wax seal. A downward dagger with burning flowers. The symbol of House Vengeance. A similar tattoo marked my husband’s leg, his way of never forgetting the eighth House of Sin that had upended his world in more ways than one.

Instead of looking fearful as I’d been worrying over, Fauna’s lips quirked up on one side. It was easy to forget she was part of this House for a reason. War and battle and inspiring anger didn’t make her anxious in the least. She thrived on it. “Princes Envy, Greed, and Pride are going to have quite a surprise this evening.”

I released a nervous laugh. “Wrath, too.”

Fauna’s grin widened. “You two are well matched, indeed. His majesty is lucky to have found you again. And that you were willing to put up with him for eternity.”

“Fauna! Did you just mock your king?” I feigned shock. “If I didn’t already like you, that would have sealed our friendship.” A friendship that I realized I’d been failing spectacularly. “How are things progressing with Anir?”

She suddenly found the clock to be fascinating. “I really must be going if I’m to deliver this invitation and arrive to the coronation on time. His majesty clearly stated to not be late.”

Curiosity gnawed at me, but I didn’t press the issue. When we both had more time, I’d sit down and have a proper conversation with her and catch up. I hated that things had been so chaotic and that we hadn’t had much time to simply enjoy each other’s company. My friend looked like she needed to chat and sort through the emotions playing over her features. I vowed it would be one of my first personal orders of business as the new queen—making time for her.

“Thank you, Lady Fauna. I’ll see you at the Sin Corridor soon.”

Fauna dropped a small curtsy and hurried from the chamber, leaving me alone once more. I returned to the table full of precious stones and jewels, my attention snagging on a ring. Rose-gold vines with thorns made up the band and wove around a large lavender stone.

“I had that one made.”

I stiffened at the unexpected sound of my husband’s voice, turning to see him enter the chamber. My breath caught as I drank him in.

On his head sat a simple pale gold crown. He wore black accented in gold, as were the colors of his court, but he also had rose-gold flowers sewn onto one of his lapels. It gave the appearance of wearing a royal sash—complete with a serpent pin.

His trousers were fitted to his frame expertly, and if we didn’t have some place to be, I’d wish to show him how much I appreciated how handsome he looked in his finery.

A grin spread across his face. “Later, my love. I promise, nothing will keep me from admiring every detail of your gown. And everything beneath it.”

I gave him a coy smile. “There is nothing beneath it, my king.”

“Emilia.” He closed his eyes as if trying to banish the image and fight the urge to take me right there.

“Come on.” I threaded my arm through his. “Some ornery demon proclaimed no one was to arrive late.”

“I ought to murder that idiot.”

“Please don’t. I’m rather fond of him.” I kissed his cheek.

Wrath and I somehow managed to keep from ravishing each other long enough to get to the front entrance, where a surprise was waiting. I dropped my husband’s arm and grabbed my skirts, rushing over to the beautiful lavender mare. “Tanzie! Sweet baby.”

I rubbed my horse’s mane, admiring the flowers someone had threaded in. Tanzie loved being pampered and toed the ground as I cooed over her. I glanced over at my husband, who wore an openly amused look. “Gluttony had been certain you’d remember her, even with the spell-lock. You used to ride—”