Kingdom of the Feared (Kingdom of the Wicked, #3)(99)

TWENTY-SEVEN


Wrath squeezed every drop of moisture from the linen cloth, dripping soapy water and bubbles down the front of my body. I leaned against his chest and closed my eyes, enjoying the first pure bit of relaxation we’d ever experienced.

After we’d accomplished making love on top of only two surfaces in his private library, much to the demon’s vast amusement, he magicked us to his bathing chamber for a refreshing soak. His wings were tucked away, but I swore I still felt the phantom heat lingering around us.

Nestled between his powerful legs, my head resting in the crook of his shoulder while he leisurely dragged the linen over my body, I released the remaining tension I’d been carrying for the last few months. There were still matters to be dealt with—what to do with the First Witch, as well as clearing my sister’s name. Proving that Vesta was alive and well and left of her own free will and that my twin had nothing to do with her “murder.” And whatever trouble the Star Witches might still be plotting. I hoped that my show of magic was enough to keep them in the Shifting Isles for a while. And as for the vampires, after Wrath’s brutal display, I believed they’d remain in their region and rethink any notion of war.

But for now, with the curse finally broken, we had a moment to simply breathe, to enjoy each other’s company without anyone interfering or any clocks ticking down our time together. I’d like nothing more than to put off dealing with those final pieces for a month.

Sleep tugged at me, and I gave in to the alluring pull of dreams. It had been a long, exhausting haul. I’d gone from removing the threat of the witches as they invaded Greed’s circle to attending a celebratory ball to the Well of Memory; from there I’d threatened Sursea, visited Claudia to retrieve the dagger, and broken the curse.

Resting never felt so good.

“We should send invitations out within the hour.” Wrath’s deep voice startled me awake. “For the coronation. We’ll want to crown you by nightfall, if possible. With the curse broken, and your magic gone, it is a prime time for someone to attack.”

And just like that, the serenity was gone. I twisted in his arms. “Remind me to not make the mistake of thinking a bath with you will ever be peaceful. First the Blade of Ruination speech, now this.” I smiled as I shook my head. “It’s a good thing I love you, or I’d wish to hold your head under water for a few seconds.”

He kissed the tip of my nose. “At least you didn’t say a few minutes. That shows progress, my lady.”

“Perhaps I simply enjoy certain parts of you too much to give them up for good.”

He splashed water at me. “I’ll make sure those parts tend to your needs daily, lest I find myself on the wrong end of your blade.”

“Smart demon.” I lovingly patted his cheek. Seriousness replaced the levity. “Who do you believe will attack? The witches?”

“Sursea is in captivity, but I doubt her location has remained a secret. The coven could be planning something as they rebanded. They already staged an attack on House Greed. Without the fear of your magic, they might strike here next.”

“To free Sursea.”

Wrath nodded, a grim expression on his face. “If they timed it perfectly, and somehow managed to slip past my defenses, they could break her free while we’re at the coronation.”

“It would be an ideal distraction. A good opportunity. But would they really try something again so soon after they’d lost so many?”

“I would think they’d be smart enough to leave well enough alone, especially after taking such a large blow to their forces, but one can never be too sure.”

I studied my husband. “Even if it’s unlikely, you’re still planning on the attack happening.”

“If presented with an enticing opportunity, most do not pass it up. Even if they believe it’s a trap. There’s always a chance it isn’t. Or that they still have a higher rate for success.”

“Which would be true. As we’d both be occupied.”

“Not just occupied. The coronation will take place in the Sin Corridor, in front of each of my brothers.”

It wasn’t fear that made my stomach twist, but unease. “They could attack each House of Sin while all the princes are gone.”

“Or they could focus on the Sin Corridor.”

And if they managed to free Sursea, they wouldn’t need to worry about the numbers they lost. They were undoubtedly craving vengeance, and they could potentially destroy every demon prince and at least one goddess if they took a chance. I didn’t like it, even with the combined power of the seven princes of Hell, it seemed too great a risk.

“Why not have the ceremony here?” I asked.

“The crowning of a prince or princess consort would take place in the House of Sin they’d rule over. But to be crowned queen, the ceremony must take place in the corridor. It shows you will rule fairly and justly over each House of Sin, should any prince request assistance. It hasn’t happened; my brothers are more than capable of tending to their circles, but the law remains in place.”

There was a slight twinkle of excitement in Wrath’s gaze, reminding me of our fight with the werewolves. My husband was a delightful heathen. He wasn’t nervous about a potential attack; he anticipated it. Outmaneuvering his enemies was a challenge, an opportunity to create a strategy and use his sin. And if I knew anything about my husband, he’d already had a plan in place.