“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 undeniable 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.