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.
Goddess help the demons.
We traveled down the opposite end of the corridor where my suite was located. Unsurprisingly, Envy had situated me in the royal wing. Better to keep one’s enemies close, and one’s future sister-in-law closer. I wondered if that was one of the reasons for Wrath’s foul mood. The brothers clearly enjoyed digging at each other as often as possible. Though they would need to find something else to fight over. Magical bond or not, I belonged only to myself.
A stoic guard inclined his head, then stepped back and opened the door. An expansive room spread out before me, mostly dressed in darkness. It was meant to unnerve.
But there was little for me to fear in the shadows. Soon they would do my bidding.
I stepped inside and paused to fully evaluate the room as the door snicked shut behind me. It was not quite a study, nor was it a formal dining room. If we were in the mortal world, it would be similar to a gentleman’s club often described in my favorite romance novels.
A circular table with two chairs was placed near a wall of windows, offering a bit of soft light to filter in. Tapers in an impressive silver candelabra were lit on the table, and a few sconces in the farthest corners also added hints of warm light.
Most of the chamber was cast in shadows, including the door where I stood. I glanced up. The tray ceiling was adorned with a fresco: winged beings on clouds, some bright, others stormy.
My gaze traveled around the room and stopped on the shadowy figure of the prince. Envy lounged in an oversized velvet chair near a darkened corner, a glass of amber liquid in one hand. One long leg was kicked up, his ankle resting on a knee. He couldn’t look more comfortable or relaxed if he tried. Though his grip indicated he was not as at ease as he’d like me to believe.
He took a long sip of his drink, his gaze hidden from view, but I felt it travel over me all the same. “You certainly know how to stir up trouble, pet.”
I remained in the shadows. “I may have claws, your highness, but I assure you I am no one’s pet. Least of all yours.”
Envy leaned forward into a pool of candlelight and somehow, even while seated, managed to look down his regal nose at me. His beautifully harsh features were set into an unimpressed frown. “Thank the devils for that. I don’t share what’s mine.”
“Keeping lovers through force is nothing to boast about.”
“Choice is appealing, force is not. Might does not always make right. Unless my bedmate asks nicely.” His gaze raked over me, and I wondered how well he could see into the shadows. “I take it you’ve accepted my invitation to play with envious emotions.”
“Don’t you enjoy inspiring envy?”
“Coming here to make my brother jealous does nothing for me.” He set his glass on a low table and flicked at imaginary lint on his suit. I caught sight of his emerald-tipped blade peeking out from his jacket and resisted the sudden urge to use it on him. He plucked up his drink again and finished it off. “Using someone is rude by any standards.”
If that was what he believed, all the better. I stepped into the light, watching as his focus dropped to the pale lavender tattoo on my forearm. He’d been amused by it the first time he saw it. Now I knew why.
“The first night I met you, you knew about my betrothal to Wrath. You mentioned something about tangled webs. Being less cryptic would have been nice. Especially if you were looking to form an alliance with me.”
“In case you haven’t already noticed, I’m not nice. Nor do I pretend to be. And, even if I were afflicted with a conscience, I would have hated to ruin all the fun.” Envy’s lips pulled into a cruel slash when he noticed my necklace. “It was much more interesting to sit back and see how it played out. Some of us even wagered on the outcome. I cannot tell you how much I made off of Greed. But he is now in my debt, and I’m sure you can imagine how little he enjoys that.”
I moved with purpose across the room. A sideboard with a decanter and glass sat waiting, and, without an invitation, I poured myself two knuckles of amber liquid and sat in the velvet chair beside Envy’s. His eyes narrowed, but he didn’t call out my rudeness. Or lack of propriety or respect for his elevated rank.
“You wanted me to join your House, even knowing about the betrothal bond I shared with your brother.” I took a small sip, anticipating the burn. “It must get lonely. Playing all those games by yourself.”
“Whatever you’re attempting, I suggest stopping while I’m still feeling hospitable.”
His tone was frosty, but he wasn’t quick enough to hide the flash of hurt in his eyes. My first shot had struck a bull’s-eye. I shoved any feelings of guilt aside. His temporary moment of pain was nothing compared to the finality of my twin’s brutal murder.
“Imagine that.” I grinned over my drink. “And here I was under the impression I hadn’t yet been introduced to your manners. First, threats to me issued by your vampire lapdog, then holding my family hostage. We also can’t forget that nasty little incident in the tunnels with your invisible demon army and, of course, gutting Wrath.”