Beauty & Rage (Broken Crowns Book 1)

by Natalie Bennett

  This all came full circle with my original line of thinking. What was he after? Why kill off supes that would have been loyal to him as an extension of me?

  Finally getting the bustier of the gown unbuttoned, I shoved it down and let the black fabric pool at my feet.

  Studying my body subjectively, I took in average breasts resting in the finest lace. My navel was flat but my hips were rounded once more with thighs to match.

  Between my legs was covered by a thin piece of fabric that matched my bra.

  Weapons came in many forms, sometimes words, other times actions—maybe a blade, or in this case, a body. Trailing fingers across smooth alabaster skin, I knew this would be a key line of offense—and maybe even defense at times—against Reyes.

  I knew what I needed to do now, no matter how much I detested it. Firstly, stop being a walking contradiction and shaming my family name. The Vasiel bloodline ended with me. There were no others, and I’d be damned if I let my parents or our people down any longer.

  It was almost laughable, fucking absurd. Never did I think there would come a day I’d be locked in a power struggle with the King of Purgatory.

  However, he was the catalyst of his demise.

  By his actions, I was now betrothed to the most powerful man in all of the infernal regions.

  In turn, I was not powerless; I’d wager I now had more power than ever before.

  I was not voiceless; I just needed to find a way to make sure I was heard.

  ~10~

  This part of my citadel had been closed down for repair six months ago. Few traveled the halls now after a few claimed they were haunted.

  It was easier to let them think that than explain the fundamentals. A handful knew the truth, so if the word were ever to spread, I’d know exactly whose hearts to tear from their chests.

  Something did live down here, but it wasn’t dead.

  Turning down the narrowest hall, I opened the first door on my left and stepped inside, receiving an immediate shriek of outrage.

  “Gods, Reyes, don’t you ever knock?”

  Mirabelle rose from her egg-shaped tub, sloshing sudsy water on the floor as she reached for a towel.

  “Would you knock on your own door?”

  “It’s my room.”

  “In my citadel,” I retorted, heading for the liquor cabinet. Feeling her glare on the back of my head, I grinned and turned around.

  “What is it?” she asked, picking up on my irritation.

  “It seems the woman in my bed is very different to the one who let me fuck her at the dinner table.”

  “In other words, I was right?”

  I ignored her and went back to making myself a drink.

  “You’ve already paired.”

  “I was pairing with her regardless. She’s always been it…even now.”

  “Then what’s the problem?” she huffed, walking to her vanity. “Are you being good to her?”

  I poured a shot and regarded her amusedly, watching her comb out long, golden hair. Mirabelle was a beautiful creature. I’d met her when I went to see another Seelie fae. She had been part of my life ever since, for many years, and was as loyal as they came.

  Taking a sip of bourbon, I let it burn down my throat and felt some of my tension ebb away. “You almost sound like you care.”

  She stopped mid-comb and spun on her stool.

  “I do care. I’ve been playing step-mother to that girl since she was twelve.”

  “Next you’ll tell me you fell in love with her father.”

  “Oh, hell no. That man was nearly as cold as you. He almost fucked as good, too,” she proclaimed with a smug grin.

  “Ah, almost. His ashes are upstairs if you ever want to do a little role-playing.”

  Her smile fell, another glare taking its place. “You’re sick.”

  I laughed and tossed back the rest of my shot. Years ago, her mentioning another man would have gotten her throat torn out.

  These days, I wouldn’t go near her pussy with a twelve-foot viper, but she was one of those rare things called a friend, so I made sure she wasn’t treated like the whore she was.

  “I want you to know, in case you haven’t figured it out yet, that her memory of you isn’t completely gone. There were times she would seem so sad. I think it’s because she missed you.”

  I rubbed my eyes. Her words were just that to me—words. Not something I would base any hope on.

  There were times Duvessa looked at me as if she knew the truth. After tonight, I wasn’t sure what I’d find in her eyes; if she wanted to hate me, so be it. She was mine—simple as that. Her hatred wouldn’t steer me away from me or my brothers’ assimilation.

  “Any sign of Cronus?”

  “Not a single sighting. He’ll be scrambling to make his next move. I expect the news of our pairing to make him sloppy. He never could control his emotions.”

  Mirabelle nodded in agreement, continuing detangling her hair. “Truer words have never been spoken.”

  I took two more shots and then placed everything back as it was before my arrival. Surveying the room, nothing seemed to be out of order.

  The space was large, open and equipped with everything the nicest homes would have.

  That was part of our agreement for her to stay here until I was ready for Duvessa to know certain truths.

  “I came down here to check on you. See if you need anything.”

  “I don’t need a thing, and I am perfectly content taking a break from court drama. Go be king.”

  “I’m always king.”

  Her soft sigh followed my departure.

  With an endless task-list, I hadn’t planned on returning here tonight, but the distress couldn’t be ignored.

  There was a light sheen of sweat on her skin, and occasionally her fingers twitched. She was terrified and then in pain, soon after engulfed in deep sadness.

  I had a very good idea of what she was dreaming about. It was confirmed seconds later when she sat up, clutching her throat.

  Disoriented sage eyes looked up at me, partially shielded by strands of messy dark hair.

  “Reyes…?”

  I was at her side instantly, laying her back down.

  “It’s all right. You’re safe. That won’t ever happen again,” I soothed, placing a kiss on her forehead. With it, I pushed out a small dose of my power to ensure she fell back asleep.

  It wasn’t the first time she’d had this dream, but always before, I’d soothed her mind before it got to this point. Had I let it play out sooner, I’d have known the truth.

  She did remember—at least fragments. I could more than likely break down the fragile barriers inside her head and bring everything back. I wouldn’t, though. This particular ability was still too new, and she and her friends’ minds had been altered enough.

  This changed nothing.

  It only strengthened my resolve.

  ~11~

  I was woken nearly the same way as the previous day, with a snappy Edna in my face.

  Considering I’d had one of my nightmares last night, I felt extremely well rested. Even stranger was me imagining Reyes was here, but his side of the bed hadn’t been slept in.

  “Come, come. You must go to breakfast and then prepare for High Council,” Edna snipped.

  “High Council?” I sat up abruptly.

  “You are a queen, correct? It is customary for the queen to preside over things with the king. My sire has postponed things long enough.”

  I narrowed my eyes and stared her down. Dressed in hot pink, she looked like a wad of gum that had sprouted arms and legs.

  “You’re right; I am a queen—your queen, to be exact. Now, you can correct your tone and the way you speak to me, or you can get the hell out and explain to your sire why I’d like a replacement.”

  She immediately bowed her head, audibly swallowing before apologizing. “I’m sorry for letting my tongue go, your…highness. Please forgive me.”

  It was a weak apolo
gy at best, but I didn’t want the bitchy dwarf to lose her head on my behalf.

  “I’ll forgive it once. You won’t be given any more chances.”

  She nodded so vigorously she resembled a bobblehead. I sank my teeth into my lower lip to stop myself from laughing.

  “Would you like me to bring in the gowns now? The ones in the closet weren’t a good fit for this.”

  “Go ahead.”

  She took off for the door, and I swung my legs over the side of the bed. I guess I was going to the Council.

  “We have a pale blue and a pastel yellow today. Both are A-line styled, sequined at the top, with a light tulle skirt as the heat index has risen since last night.”

  “The yellow,” I voiced quickly with barely a glance at the other. Yellow made me think of the sun—and home.

  “Excellent choice. Now, if you want to get showered, there’s one more thing I need to grab.”

  I nodded, shooing her off and making my way to the bathroom.

  My shower was quick but efficient. When I was finished with the basics, I slipped into the gown and waited for Edna’s return.

  When she entered my room again, there was a frilly box in her hands.

  “This is just a placeholder until the ceremony, but Sire agreed it was necessary.”

  She placed the box in my hands and then stepped back with an expectant look on her face. I lifted the lid, clamping my fingers around its silken rim as I stared down at a princess crown of gold.

  “I think you will do it more than enough justice,” Edna said softly, sounding much friendlier than before.

  Lifting the object, I eyed the tiny rubies engraved on the ends no one would see, the Purgatory color of burgundy.

  Across the room, my broken crown screamed betrayal.

  I wanted to launch this new piece of metal at the wall, but that went against my new resolve and, to do this correctly, my emotions were irrelevant.

  I placed the golden crown upon my head, expelling a breath of perseverance and heartbreak.

  I sat in my same chair from the night before, trying to ignore Scarlett’s and a few other supes’ gawking. Reyes, his brothers, and many of their advisors were absent. This wasn’t unusual; as king, he would have a tightly run schedule.

  “How long are you going to keep that up?”

  “I can’t believe how shiny it is,” she replied, almost admirably.

  “You know I’ve had one of these before, right? I still have it, actually.”

  “Not like this,” Jacinda mouthed, signing along. “I like the other better,” she added loyally.

  I smiled at her, genuinely. I was more than happy she was still her, shining even in the midst of all this and healthier than ever before.

  But what was the cost?

  Nothing came for free in our world, and every day brought her nearer to her claiming.

  Scarlett’s brazen eyes darted around the room before she leaned in, chewing a piece of fruit.

  “You look as if you have a plan.”

  I did in a roundabout way, but it wasn’t something I dared share with her. She was one of my dearest friends, but as last night had confirmed, things were different now.

  It mattered little if I trusted her or not; trust was no longer a luxury I could afford. I simply smiled and shrugged it off, giving an answer that wasn’t a lie.

  “There’s no plan. I just intend to play the game as best I can.”

  “Game?” Jacinda mouthed, cocking her head to the side.

  “Back-stabbing, murder, and sex. She’s talking about the game of politics,” Scarlett answered. To me, she said, “I’m in.”

  Now that was a little surprising.

  “You?”

  “Why would you think I wouldn’t be? It’s court life—and if there is one thing I do very well, it's dabbling in politics.” She flipped her mahogany hair over her shoulder dramatically, unintentionally revealing the coal black mark that traveled to hidden places beneath her bustier.

  “This isn’t at all how it seems. I—”

  “Stop, don’t do that.” I stared down at the table, gathering my thoughts. “If you have feelings for him, then you can’t help your heart.

  I only ask you to understand that as much as I love you, my duty as queen will always come first.”

  “Your parents would be proud,” she mumbled. “I understand, but I’m still sorry.”

  I nodded and rose from the table, catching Dylan’s opal eyes as I did. He mouthed the word, Later.

  My head was slightly bobbing again. I looked away from him when he moved to take position behind me. What looked like remorse was reflected in his gaze. I didn’t want it—or pity.

  The truth of the matter was that my parents had very little to be proud of right now. All I could was my best from here on out. As for matters of the heart, that was just another luxury I wasn’t afforded.

  The privileges I was given? They weren’t fair. The prices I paid for them would soon take restitution from my soul.

  ~12~

  The room was no longer dark, but it was still empty—aside from the three massive thrones.

  Reyes sat proudly on his seat of suede and bone, looking every bit the seductively cruel king he was. Cassimere and Hades sat on either side of him in smaller versions of the same chair.

  Multiple pairs of eyes watched as Dylan and Wesley escorted me across the room.

  They fanned out in opposite directions as I ascended the thick quad of stairs that lead to the thrones. At the top, I held Reyes' eyes and accepted his hand, placing the customary kiss on the back of it with a small curtsey.

  Before I could rise back to my full height, he threaded our fingers together and pulled me onto his lap. It took me a second to get settled, finally resting my back against his chest when no other position worked.

  I knew this wasn’t how things were usually done, but Reyes ruled his way, and that was doing whatever the hell he wanted.

  His warm breath fanned over my skin as he spoke softly in my ear.

  “You looked beautiful last night, but this morning, you look so damn stunning. That crown suits you.”

  I couldn’t be sure if he meant that as a genuine compliment or a jab because it represented the monarchical status of a princess rather than a queen.

  He himself wore a ring of gold atop his head.

  Not forgetting my purpose, I turned my head and kissed his cheek in place of a reply. If he was surprised, he didn’t show it. His only reaction was slipping one arm around my waist and holding me close to him.

  No one in the room batted an eyelid at our exchange or public display of affection. His brothers looked rather proud, if I had to name an emotion associated with their smirks.

  Glancing around the room as a whole had a sense of déjà vu taking hold. This was where it all began.

  Guards standing against the walls were still as statues. The silence was stifling.

  “What’s going to happen now?” Reyes lifted my hand to his lips and placed another soft kiss on it before answering.

  “I’ve already dealt with the petty issues. Now, it’s time for the atonement.”

  “Isn’t that a tad medieval?” I asked before I could stop myself.

  Luckily, he and his brothers laughed it off.

  “That’s exactly why Tuesday is one of my favorite days of the week,” Reyes said.

  I knew right then that I was not going to like anything about to transpire. Minutes after that thought, another set of doors opened and a line of supes came in.

  They had chains wrapped around their necks and ankles, shackled together in the center. Their condition was beyond pitiful, the smell even worse.

  It took a great deal of self-control not to cover my nose and mouth. Dried feces clung to their filthy bodies. Where was he keeping them?

  I learned pretty quickly that atonements were exactly that; a crime or wrongdoing would be explained and then that supe would receive a punishment.

  For the most part, I sa
t confused as to what most of them meant, aside from obvious ones.

  A lycan man had bitten one of the sovereign guards; his punishment was to lose his teeth and thirty days in something called the Grid Iron.

  A young wraith was brought forward who had cheated on her husband; she was to be condemned while the male in the affair would be reckoned.

  Her sobs and pleas were looked upon with plain boredom from the brothers. Things went on like this for a while. When things took a small intermission and those not up for punishment prepared to come in, I finally asked my questions.

  “What’s a reckoning? And where is the Grid Iron?” Reyes chuckled and rested his chin on my shoulder.

  “A reckoning is an execution. The Grid Iron is our prison,” Cassimere kindly explained.

  There was a prison here, too? Gods, I did not want to know what that looked like.

  Then, I caught onto what else he’d said. “You have executions?”

  “Not everyone is redeemable,” Hades answered.

  I knew my idea of someone being redeemable or not would differ vastly from his.

  When the doors reopened, a much cleaner line of supes came in either to deliver news or offer services worthy of payment. Some wanted to join the citadel servitors or city guards.

  In one instance where a vampire had snuck in to ask for an extension on a debt he owed, he was swiftly denied.

  “Take him to the Grid; lock him up until the debt’s gone,” Reyes commanded one of his guards. Without hesitation and lots of begging that was, of course, ignored, the man was dragged away.

  “How long will he be there?” I inquired, trying to compute two-hundred dollars into days.

  “He won’t live long enough to get out,” Reyes answered nonchalantly.

  My brows furrowed and I began to recount all those who had been ordered into the prison. He couldn’t possibly mean for them all to die. Did he not value the life of others?

  It was all too clear why his subjects were terrified of him. I sat through all of it, doing whatever I could to keep my mouth shut and not bolt from the room.

  I was aware Reyes could sense my inner turmoil, but that was never going to be an act. His hand began to stroke my thigh through the thin tulle material of the gown.