Kingdom of the Cursed (Kingdom of the Wicked, #2) (76)

I noticed she hadn’t said anything about him caring about or loving me. I wondered if having a husband who respected me would make up for the absence of the other two. Maybe I belonged in House Greed. I didn’t think I’d settle for a marriage that did not contain all three.

More troublesome yet… I wasn’t sure when I’d started considering taking Wrath as my husband. I was already in the underworld. I would soon meet each prince and have an opportunity to learn some of their secrets. I did not need to marry. And no matter what my feelings might be now, I would not give my family up for anyone. As long as I focused on that, all of my romantic notions would fade away.

Hopefully.





A note scrawled in Wrath’s hand arrived later that night.


Training begins at midnight.

Wear the crimson gown.

—W.



I considered ignoring his request, or choosing a pair of trousers and blouse just to prove he neither commanded nor owned me. But acting out of spite wasn’t the road I wanted to travel.

No matter how satisfying it would be to see the glimmer of incredulity on the demanding demon’s face, his lessons would ultimately benefit me.

And I would take every advantage I could get my hands on now. The Feast of the Wolf was quickly approaching, and I would be ready to meet the demons on their playing field and crush them at their own game. In the most well-dressed, backstabbing way imaginable.

With a sigh, I fed the note to the flames and went to dress for my training date with Wrath.





TWENTY


“As soon as you start to sense the magic’s caress, you must grip your own emotions in a tight fist. You naturally gravitate toward anger; use that initially, if you must.”

Wrath circled me in the weapons room, a predatory gleam in his eyes as he ran his attention over the gown. The consummate hunter stalking his prey. Little did he know, he wasn’t the one who’d set this particular trap. Nor would he be emerging victorious.

Tonight he was definitely more beast than man, especially in matters resembling battle.

With snug leather pants and matching sleeveless armor that buckled up the front, he seemed transformed. This was not the well-mannered prince, presiding over a court of demons. This was the creature made for fighting. And it was the first glimpse I’d had of the battle-scarred warrior outside of his training with Anir earlier tonight.

His teeth flashed in a poor imitation of a smile, furthering my suspicion that he was all animal now. And he liked it. I let my gaze travel over him. Maybe I did, too.

“It will feel like a whisper across your skin. Subtle enough to barely be noticeable. Your free will is all you need to remember. You will not succumb to anyone if you choose not to.”

The atmosphere between us was charged. After he forced me to stab him we weren’t quite on friendly terms, and we weren’t solidly consumed by hatred anymore, either. With him looking like War and me Seduction, things were bound to become interesting during this lesson.

“So, what you’re saying is to focus on my mind and will. Or imagine killing you to maintain command over my emotions. That should be easy enough.” I smiled. “If I master tonight’s lesson, I think you should agree to grovel before me. In fact, I’d love to see you on your knees, begging.”

His attention drifted back over my bodice.

Tiny ribbons laced up the front. I harbored no illusions as to what he’d planned for such a dress, especially if our training was anything close to the last session. He would no doubt use demonic influence on me to undo each and every one of the bows. I wouldn’t stop until I stood before him, clad only in the lace undergarments I wore beneath it.

Or maybe those were my own secret desires surfacing. I’d chosen those particular unmentionables with care.

“Greed is interested in wagers. I am not.”

“Yet it sounds like your pride will take a blow if I win. Which is why you won’t kneel before me. Perhaps you cannot stomach the idea of surrendering to anyone. Even your potential future wife.”

“Make no mistake, Emilia. When I go to my knees before you, it will be to conquer, not surrender. If you harbor any doubts, I shall enjoy proving you wrong. Now unbuckle my armor.”

His statement was laced with magical command.

I felt the slight tingling sensation he’d described as his demonic influence sought to take hold of my emotions, bending them to the demon prince’s will. I was halfway across the weapons room before I shook myself out of the sinful grip. A tiny thrill went through me. I didn’t need my magic to fight against him. Only my will.

“Unbuckle my armor, now. Then take your blade to my belt and cut it off.”

This time, Wrath used the full strength of his power. Magic caressed me, urged me forward. His armor was undone and discarded in seconds.

I slipped my hand beneath my gown and removed the dagger hidden there in one swift motion. The blade was to his belt by the time I regained control.

Wrath’s mouth pressed into a firm line. “You’re distracted.”

“I can’t imagine why.” I pretended to think on it. “Maybe it has to do with the invitation I received for the Feast of the Wolf. I’ve heard Gluttony’s parties are legendary for their debauchery.”

“Most gatherings are laden with sin and vice. It’s the way of this realm, and why we’re training. But that’s not what you’re worried about.”