“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.”
“I thought I was to have some small say in where the feast was thrown.” I fiddled with the dagger. “I don’t—I’m not looking forward to it.”
“You’ll be able to sense any emotional manipulation by then. And you will be equipped to break free of their influence should they behave poorly.”
“It’s not that, either.”
He scanned my face. “It won’t be pleasant, but it won’t be the worst thing you’ll live through.”
“As always, you are exceptional with easing nerves. I…” I shook my head, then bent to replace my dagger in my thigh sheath. “It’s not just the fear being ripped from me.”
“My brothers will not hurt you.”
“I don’t know how to dance.”
His brows raised. “You won’t be forced to dance if you don’t want to.”
I didn’t meet his gaze. Dancing would allow me an opportunity to spend time with each of his brothers. I imagined there would be some talking involved, and I didn’t want my lack of refinement to impede my mission. Since I no longer could attempt to spell the wine, dancing and sipping a refreshment after would be perfect for conversation.
“You’re probably right.” I forced a smile. “It’s silly to worry about.”
Wrath didn’t respond right away. He cocked his head to the side, eyes narrowed. “You danced at the bonfire the night you encountered Lust. You were magnificent then. I don’t see why you’ll have any trouble with a waltz.”
I lifted a shoulder and turned my attention back to the table near us. Several strange daggers had been neatly lined up. They were solid black with one long piece cut out in the center of the hilt and the blade.
“Eight-inch throwing knives.” Wrath moved to the table and plucked up a knife. “They are solid steel with a smooth handle as to not disturb your grip and are weighted in the front to make throwing more accurate. Would you like to practice?”
I ran a finger over the cool metal. “Yes.”