Kingdom of the Cursed (Kingdom of the Wicked, #2) (54)

And the two people standing behind him, awaiting our introductions.

Wrath paid them no notice, though I suspected he’d already mapped out the exits and placement of guards. Right now the general of war was hidden beneath the cold prince. Arrogance dripped from him as if he’d expected this court’s regard and was unsurprised by it.

I looked past the crowd, ignoring their stares until my attention landed on the dais. The Prince of Envy sprawled on his throne, his expression one of complete disinterest. He looked as if there were a hundred other more interesting places he’d rather be, and a hundred other people he’d rather be associating with. It had to be an act. Surely he sensed his brother. And the wave of unease rippling through the room.

After a pregnant pause to eke out the most dramatic effect, the herald’s voice broke the silence, “His Royal Highness, Prince Wrath of House Wrath, General of War and one of the Seven, and Lady Emilia di Carlo of House Wrath.”

I didn’t think it was possible for the room to grow any quieter, but it did. Whispers ceased. Shuffling feet froze. It was as if the whole court had turned to stone. Except for their prince. The moment we were announced, Envy straightened. That indolent expression was replaced with shrewd interest as we slowly made our way down the aisle. I studied him as closely.

He wore a velvet swallowtail jacket the color of an evergreen forest with a jeweled silver crown. His jet-black hair was different from the last time I’d seen him. It was shorter on the sides and a bit longer on top. The new style showed off the harsh lines and angles of his face, the cheekbones that were sharp enough to carve open a few hearts. His facial hair was also mostly gone, except for a slight shadow that only served to enhance his rugged appeal.

If I didn’t know what sort of ruthless monster lurked beneath his skin, I’d be lured into those mesmerizing features.

I tried not to let trepidation show as his unnaturally green eyes skipped over his brother and fastened to my face. Envy had kidnapped my family and then harmed Wrath in his pursuit to get the Horn of Hades. I did not have to like or trust him while visiting.

I only needed to use him for my gain.

“Brother. I see you’ve brought your shadow witch.” His expression was once again bored, though I swore his lips twitched slightly at the edges as Wrath tensed beside me. “I didn’t think you’d wish to share. But you’ve certainly dressed her in the most appealing way. All that skin begs to be worshipped. It’s about time I found religion, wouldn’t you say?”

It was only because of my need to secure information that I held my tongue.

“Your manners seem to have disappeared along with the length of your hair.” Wrath gently squeezed my hand. “Lady Emilia graciously accepted your invitation. I would have advised her to burn it and send back the ashes. Along with a steaming pile of hellhound shit.”

“Yes, well, you never were one for subtlety. Leave the lady and get out.”

“I will see her to her chamber before I depart.”

“No.”

A slow, threatening grin spread across Wrath’s face. “That wasn’t a request. I will escort her to her chamber. Then I will depart.”

Tension descended like an army between the two brothers, poised and ready to strike. I didn’t dare glance behind us, but I heard the swish of skirts moving across the floor as if members of the court were putting plenty of distance between themselves and the two royals.

I wondered how often they might fight and if they used magic or weapons or both.

Neither prince broke the other’s stare and I all but rolled my eyes as they continued to glower. Another moment and they’d undo the stays on their trousers and compare lengths.

Envy finally sat back, his gloved fingers drumming the arms of his throne. His attention slid between me and his brother, and that taunting half-smirk returned.

“Very well. If it’ll get you out of here faster, I’ll allow it.” He jerked his chin toward a silver-haired servant waiting nearby. The demon immediately stepped forward, eager to please his prince. “Show my brother and his plaything to her private quarters. If he’s not gone within a quarter of an hour, use force. My hospitality and good graces toward House Wrath only stretch so far. For every minute he stays over the time allotted, I will plot something creative to do to his precious enchantress.”

I subtly watched Wrath from the corner of my eye. This time he didn’t rise to Envy’s bait. He offered a slight incline of his head, then turned his back on his sibling. Which I quickly realized was, quite possibly, the biggest show of blatant disregard he could offer.

His action deemed Envy unworthy of his fear. I could practically hear the Prince of Envy’s molars grinding together as we walked away.

Honestly, I was surprised he hadn’t put up more of a fight. Wrath had come into another demon court and no one seemed shocked by his demands. Or their prince’s fairly swift acceptance of them. Maybe Wrath’s reputation and role as general made them wary.

He placed my hand on his arm as we made our way back out of the throne room and followed the servant up a wide, grand staircase.

Envy’s castle was mostly decorated in silvers and greens with splashes of black and white. We traveled over checkerboard tile and I smiled to myself as I took in the floor’s design. His guests were merely chess pieces moving along the finely appointed corridors, meant to invoke feelings of envy. From the many shades of green to the riches on display, all played into the sin this House was governed by.