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.