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.”