Kingdom of the Cursed

by Kerri Maniscalco

  Some days I hated him for it, but there was a larger part of me that was grateful for his unwillingness to tolerate my fire burning out. He’d poke and prod and taunt me until I wanted nothing more than to wrap my hands around his neck and squeeze. And it was far better to be angry rather than turn into a ghost of my former self from sadness and grief.

  It had been a very long, restless night and this realm did nothing to ease my way as I cycled through emotions. Twice I’d gotten up, made it to the outer door, my hand hovering above the knob, then shook sense into myself and returned to bed.

  I was here to find out the truth about my twin. The more I thought of Vittoria, the easier it became to distance myself from those other urges. And when those thoughts weren’t enough, I continued to delve into Source, creating a variety of flaming flowers in various sizes. I practiced extinguishing some flowers, while increasing the intensity of the flames on others.

  When the gown arrived just before dawn, along with the olive branch ring Wrath had given me back in the mortal world, I’d been bleary-eyed opening the package, but pleased. It was solid black lace, with long fitted sleeves and a full skirt, but it wasn’t entirely modest. The sides were cut out from just under the upper part of my ribs to my waist.

  Those open edges were lined with shimmering gold designs that reminded me of flowering vines. Snakes also twisted through the flora.

  Temptation was what the dress should have been called if garments were given names.

  Now, as we stepped into the dark emerald–colored antechamber outside Envy’s throne room, amidst a sea of waiting nobles clad in various shades of deep green silks and velvets, it was not lost on anyone that Wrath had chosen my clothing with greater purpose.

  His perfectly tailored suit was the masculine version of my gown. Black jacket, black and gold waistcoat with that same floral and snake design, black shirt, and matching trousers. Gold rings glinted from his knuckles, looking more weaponlike than mere ornamentation. His crown was made of gold laurel leaf intertwined with glittering ebony serpents.

  I wore no diadem or tiara, but Wrath had dressed me in his signature black and gold. It was his way of showing this court where I truly belonged. At his side.

  Judging from the whispers and curious glances that kept sliding our way after the herald rushed in to prepare for our announcement, Wrath’s plan had worked.

  Truthfully, I’d been onto his scheme the moment I took the gown out of its dark tissue wrapping. My prince was not as subtle as he imagined. Or maybe he hadn’t been aiming for subtlety at all. The last time he’d seen Envy, his brother had disemboweled him. Maybe this act of possession had more to do with whatever private feud was happening between them.

  Though it was possible it was also Wrath’s way of ensuring anyone of this court would think twice before striking me. He was protecting his potential power enhancement and irking his brother. I was certain there was also some deep sense of chivalry at play, too.

  Wrath did not want harm to befall me. I knew that, more than anything else, was the real driving force behind his actions. That was why I’d stepped into the gown that claimed me as part of his royal House as much as our magical tattoos and his royal Mark did.

  He was extending his protection, and only a fool would turn that away. I may have been foolish before, but, thank the goddess, I was learning quickly.

  The herald nodded at two guards stationed at the double doors, then stomped an emerald-tipped staff on the ground. The doors swung open, revealing my first glimpse inside Envy’s royal court. Hunter green marble floors spanned the cathedral-like room with rows of matching columns on either side of a long aisle. Groups of finely dressed royals stood in small circles throughout the space, their attention riveted on the herald.

  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.

  Marble statues lined each side of the gilded corridor, but I didn’t give them more than a cursory glance. I did not want to inadvertently succumb to feelings of jealousy over the bounty of beautiful art. Wrath hadn’t adjusted the pressure of his grip, but I sensed the tension pouring off him the farther we went into his brother’s stronghold.

  The next landing broke off into two wings and we were ushered to the right.

  The servant stopped before a door near the end and bowed. “The lady’s suite. Her trunk is already inside. Will you be needing anything else?” Wrath shook his head. The servant exhaled and turned his attention back to me. “Ring the bell if you need anything.”

  Before Wrath could scare the demon, I gave him a warm smile. “Thank you.”

  The servant froze for a moment, then nodded once and quickly disappeared down the corridor we’d just come from. Wrath watched him go before turning back to me. “The staff doesn’t expect to be thanked for doing their job.”

  “Everyone who’s working or providing service that’s a comfort ought to be thanked.”

  Wrath looked me over, his expression inscrutable, before he swept through the chambers I’d been appointed. His attention landed on every nook, cranny, and speck of dust as if he expected some nefarious creature to spring forth and attack.

  Or maybe he was put off by all of the green and silver tones.

  I trailed after him, trying to keep my lips from curving upward as he peered beneath the canopy bed, then yanked back the curtains and rattled the windows. He barged into my bathing chamber, hand on the hilt of his dagger, his expression fierce. prince of Hell or personal guard. It was hard to distinguish who he was as he tended to my suite.

  I bit my lip to keep from laughing as he plucked up a pitcher, shook it a little, and brought it close to his nose. I doubted Envy slipped poison into it, but Wrath was not taking any chances.

  He caught my eye and turned that fierce glare on me. “Do you find me amusing?”

  “At the moment? Very.”

  He tossed the pitcher aside and stalked toward me, his movements slow and deliberate. Here was the predator he barely kept hidden under all the fine clothing. His civilized appearance was simply a mask, a way to hide the truth of his nature. The hunter was now on full display and his new target was set firmly in his sights.

  A thrill shot through me before my smile vanished and I scrambled back. He didn’t stop his pursuit until the backs of my thighs brushed the bed. He paused then, giving me a chance to escape to the other side. But I didn’t move. I stayed where I was.

  He took one more step, then halted, offering one final choice before he erased the distance. I could either sit down, or remain standing. Sitting was trouble. Standing was worse. It put us entirely too close. I held my ground.

  Wrath now stood near enough that with each of my breaths, my chest brushed against his. Truth be told, I felt anything but afraid. I wet my lips and his gaze darkened.

  “What about now?” He angled his face down, his mouth hovering right above mine. “Are you still amused, my lady?”

  My pulse raced faster. Judging from the smoldering look in his eyes, he knew perfectly well how I was feeling at the moment. I took a steadying breath and slowly exhaled.

  “If I decide to return, do I need to send a request to your House?”

  A muscle flickered in his jaw, indicating he’d picked up on my choice of words and wasn’t pleased by the possibility I wouldn’t return. Instead of arguing, or issuing any sort of arrogant command, Wrath stepped back and took my hand in his, carefully turning it over. He lifted my palm to his lips, pressed a chaste kiss to it, then closed my fingers around it. Heat shot up my arm, warmed my blood, and my body hummed with need. His unexpected tenderness was not helping matters between us become less murky.

  “My home is your home, Emilia. You do not need an invitation. When you decide to return, I will send an escort.” He motioned to the bed. “Sit. I have something to give you.”

  My attention shot to his mouth and I quickly wrenched it back up, fighting the realm’s sinful magic, our persistent marriage bond, and Wrath’s general appeal.

  Now was not the time to think about kissing.

  He didn’t say anything, or smirk, but I almost sensed his pleasure as I worked through my emotions. Deciding he wasn’t likely to ravish me here, I perched on the edge of the mattress.

  Wrath slowly went to his knees, then lifted my left foot and settled it onto his taut thigh. I went to draw it back, but he held it in place. We both knew I could break his grip if I really wanted to, so I stilled.

  “If we decide to consummate our marriage, it will not be in my brother’s home, for mere moments. You deserve better than that.” He waited for me to relax, as if that were possible after that statement, then began sliding my skirt up. He paused near my bare calf, his gaze locked on to mine. “Trust me.”

  “Says the prince of lies.”

  He took the insult in stride. I thought of his tattoo, how actions were more precious to him than words. Trust was something earned, but in order to gain that, I’d need to allow him a place to start. One of us had to take that first step.

  I nodded for him to continue and he seemed rooted in place before breaking the spell. Wrath gripped my skirts in his fists and dragged them past my knee and paused with them mid-thigh. Not once did he take his attention from my face, nor did he allow his bare skin to brush across mine. He also made sure that only my left leg was exposed.

  “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 unden
iable 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.