Kingdom of the Cursed (Kingdom of the Wicked, #2) (56)

“Here.” He jerked his chin at my skirts. “Hold them like this.”

I took the material from him and watched as he pulled a leather sheath from inside his suit. He removed the slender dagger and held it up for my inspection. Wildflowers were carved into its hilt and the silver blade shined enough to reflect my awe.

“It’s gorgeous.”

“It will do for now.” He placed the dagger back and slipped the leather strap around my thigh, securing the buckle in place. He slipped a finger beneath the strap and glanced up. “Is it too tight?”

“No, it fits perfectly.”

“Stand up and walk around just to be certain.” He quickly stepped back and averted his attention as I righted my skirts and pushed myself to my feet. I walked around the bedchamber, twisting and turning. “Good?”

“Yes. Thank you. How did you know I was left-handed?”

Wrath glanced down at the weapon now hidden. “You favor the left hand when cutting bread or sipping your wine.” Without giving me a chance to respond, he added gruffly, “When you wish to come home, send a missive. I’ll return for you.”

“I…”

I wasn’t sure what to say. If I went back, I didn’t know if that would signal my acceptance of our marriage. There was an undeniable attraction between us, but that fire might largely be the result of the magic trying to tempt us together, to literally and figuratively become one. There was no telling if that desire would still burn as brightly if we submitted.

And I had other plans for my life. Like returning to my family. Choosing Wrath would mean the door to my old life would remain closed forever. I might be able to visit my family on occasion, but my world would fracture even more than it already had. I did not believe true love was ever supposed to steal from a person’s life, only enhance it.

“I better get settled in.”

The demon prince kept his expression perfectly bland, but I saw the flash of something he wasn’t quick enough to extinguish flare in his gaze. Before I could say good-bye, he vanished in his glittering black light and smoke, leaving me to the fate I’d chosen.

And my newest scheme.





FIFTEEN


I didn’t have long to sit and stew over my decision. Shortly after Wrath left, a servant came with a dress box and a note from the master of this house. In less than an hour, I’d be dining with the prince of this court in his private quarters. Apparently Envy did not want an audience for our meeting. Or perhaps he didn’t wish to share his latest “curiosity,” as he’d once said.

Nerves buzzed like a swarm of bees trapped in my belly. Envy was ruthless, but I was mostly confident he wouldn’t harm me now. Not while I was in this realm and doing so would potentially start a war between House Wrath and House Envy. Being a member of House Wrath certainly had some political perks. I was no longer simply a witch without a royal demon court to protect me. Envy would need to think long and hard before he stuck any dagger in my back.

Logically knowing that didn’t ease all of my worry, though.

It was hard to push aside the night he’d held my parents hostage and then commandeered our house. I still couldn’t believe Nonna had banished him back to the underworld using magic I was unaware she possessed. That swirling vortex was one of the strangest things I’d ever seen.

I shoved those memories away and focused on the here and now. I recalled what Wrath had said about victors and victims. Tonight I would be victorious. I was here to get information.

And I would do everything in my power to succeed. If I had to don the attire of my enemy, so be it. It was an extremely small price to pay. I’d wear his silly dress and bat my lashes, all while counting down the moments until I got what I was truly after.

“Let’s see what dress you’ve chosen, Prince of Jealousy.”

I opened the box and rolled my eyes. The gown was gorgeous, a hunter green velvet that was dark enough to almost be mistaken for black, with long fitted sleeves, a snug bodice that plunged open almost to my navel, and flowing skirts.

A single emerald the size of a robin’s egg was fastened onto a sparkling silver chain. The outrageously opulent necklace was likely a pretty weapon Envy wished for me to use against his brother. I could picture Wrath’s expression shuttering when he spied the gift that belonged to House Envy glittering on my chest.

Apparently, pissing contests were not simply an idiotic mortal pastime.

I thought about staying in my current dress but figured Envy might be more amenable to sharing information if he wasn’t scowling at the offensive House Wrath attire. And I also did not wish to sink to their level of ridiculous royal posturing.

After I slipped on the gown and rolled up the sleeves to show off my forearms, I dabbed some rouge across my cheekbones and lips. I picked up the necklace. The gemstone was flawless; I would no doubt become the envy of anyone who saw it.

I managed to clasp it around my neck when a servant entered my chamber.

“If you’re ready, I’ll show you to dinner, Lady Emilia.”

I’d been hoping for a few moments alone to practice summoning my magic just in case things went very wrong, but even a few hours wouldn’t feel like enough time to overcome years of training I’d missed. I smiled at the servant. “Please, lead the way.”

As I moved toward the door, I caught my reflection in an oversized mirror. I looked ready to do battle in the most elegant, vicious way. I truly was turning into a princess of Hell.