Kingdom of the Cursed (Kingdom of the Wicked, #2) (21)

“Are you always this cynical?”

“If there’s one thing I’ve learned recently, it’s to question anyone connected to the demon realm. Everyone has their own agenda. Their own game. If I ask enough questions, eventually I’ll catch someone in their well-constructed lie. Though, according to the princes, they are incapable of directly telling an untruth. Another fabrication, I’m sure. Or maybe that’s why you’re here. You can lie for Wrath.”

I plucked an olive from a tiny dish and popped it into my mouth. The briny flavor was a nice counterpoint to the wine. I sampled a bit of cheese and meat and bread. Anir watched me, his expression contemplative, if not a bit sad.

“I just haven’t quite worked out what else he could possibly want from me now. He won.”

Anir swirled his wine. “What, exactly, do you think he’s won?”

“His freedom. His grand deception. Making me look like a fool for trusting him when he said we’d work together.” I finished off my glass and poured a second. Before I took a sip, I ate another olive. “Why don’t you explain demon politics to me so I can figure out what else he’s gained by signing my soul to the devil.”

“Is that what he told you?”

“I…” I thought back to the night we’d kissed, when I’d repeated what I’d heard from Envy. I couldn’t recall what Wrath said, exactly, but… “He didn’t deny the accusation. If he wasn’t worried about being caught in a lie, why wouldn’t he tell me otherwise?”

“Acta non verba.” Anir grinned. “He lives by that principle.”

Actions, not words. I clamped my mouth shut. Wrath brought me to the underworld. He came bearing a contract with Pride. It was a fairly large, undeniable action. He didn’t have to say a thing. I got his message, and it was as loud and clear as a cloudless summer sky. Wrath had no qualms about using me for his gain. He’d once said he’d lie, cheat, steal, or murder to procure his freedom. I was lucky he’d only deceived me, though that was hardly a consolation.

“What do you know about Pride’s consort? How was she murdered?”

“Interesting, if not an aggressive, subject change.” Anir put some cheese on a slice of crostini and topped it off with prosciutto. “My unsolicited advice? Take a subtler approach with information-gathering here. The royal Houses are ancient and antiquated in their ways. They won’t give you anything if you demand it or openly ask about it. It’s considered rude and uncouth. Plus, they do not believe in giving without gain. You ask for something, you better be prepared to pay a price.”

I worried my lower lip between my teeth, thinking. Anir offered truth and advice freely. If I had to gamble on any friendship here, perhaps I should bet on him, regardless of his close connection with Wrath. I set my glass down.

“I’m not sure how to bring that up in a more casual or innocuous way. If I’m being truthful, I’m a bit overwhelmed.”

“Understandable. A lot is changing and quickly. I imagine it’s hard… processing so many emotions.”

It was an odd turn of phrase. “You must have traveled through the Sin Corridor. I doubt you have to stretch your imagination very far to understand how it feels.”

“True enough.” He took a sip of his wine, gaze searching. “You’ll need to gain the princes’ trust, become their friend. Let them conspire with you, seek you out. If you play into their egos and the sins they represent, they’ll offer up bits of useful information. Always be prepared to give up a secret or make a bargain. Pick things you won’t mind sharing or having used against you. Define the terms before you agree, or else they’ll bend things to their advantage.”

I exhaled. “I was hoping for a faster solution.”

“You’re involved in something spanning decades and realms. There is no such thing as fast or easy. This goes beyond the bloodshed on your isle. But if you start there, perhaps you’ll learn more. Narrow your list. Concentrate on who you think has the answers you seek. What information do you need most? What will be the most beneficial to your overall goal?”

“I don’t have an agenda. I’m simply curious. If Pride’s wife was murdered, and each of his next potential brides were, too, I want to avoid that same fate.”

“If that was completely true, you wouldn’t have come here at all.”

“I’m here to ensure demons don’t slip through the gates. I’m here to protect my family.”

Anir didn’t respond. We both knew that was only partially true. If I wanted answers about Pride’s consort and details of her life and death, I needed to go to Pride. Except he was locked in a childish battle of male ego with Wrath and I needed an invitation.

I hadn’t gotten anywhere with Envy, and his role in my sister’s murder was still murky. Discovering who killed the first consort might be the most helpful route to take with solving my mystery. And I hadn’t fully lied; knowing what happened to her would help me. It sounded like Anir knew more, but the way he’d phrased his statement brooked no room for entertaining that line of questioning. At least it was a subtle clue.

“Why did you choose to become a member of House Wrath?”

Anir didn’t answer right away, and I immediately regretted asking something that was likely personal. He heaved a sigh.