Page 45 of Wicked Prince of Carnage
Beside him, Sterling sucked in a sharp breath, but he refused to look at her, to let his father realize that he wasn’t ready to watch her die yet. The king now knew that Winter had let Sterling go free after murdering her grandmother, and that wouldn’t be something forgotten by his father.
“I don’t give a fuck what happens to her.” He shrugged. “Or what the court thinks about me.”
“You cared what your mother thought about you,” the king purred. “Youwillunite the court, so, if it helps, tell yourself that it’s being done in her honor.”
Winter only glared, and the king seemed to take his silence for agreement.
“And you, Sterling? Do you accept?” his father asked, his gaze raking over her in a way that made Winter’s blood boil. Still, he kept his expression neutral. If King Valco realized how much it bothered Winter, it would only make matters worse.
“I accept,” she said.
“Perfect.” He turned to the crowd, raising his voice so everyone’s attention focused on their king. “I have wonderfulnews,” he bellowed. “In two nights, we’ll have another mating ceremony. This time, a royal event.” He paused as cheers rang out.
Winter held back a wince, knowing the reactions would soon change, all while he struggled to accept that this was happening.
“Prince Winter will mate the victor of his games. He and Red Riding Hood will unite the court.” The king’s words sounded joyous, but the guests quieted. They still clapped and nodded, keeping Valco happy, though Winter noticed their lips parting in surprise and the strained glances they gave one another.
The king returned to General Rawling and Caston, speaking to them in a low voice before strolling off to choose one of the women to suck his cock, and Winter’s fingers dug into Sterling’s upper arm. “Come with me, and don’t say a fucking word.” The king was up to something. Not once had he ever desired to unite the court, and Winter knew his father hadn’t suddenly had a change of heart after his near-death experience. One thing was for certain—his father wanted to humiliate Winter. And the way he had been looking at Sterling told him there was much more to come.
Valco must’ve realized Winter had an interest in Sterling that went beyond toying with her, but the prince wouldn’t give him what he wanted so easily.
Sterling remained close to his side as they walked back toward the castle. Couples were already peeling off layers of one another’s clothing, eliciting pleasure through touches before they fucked. Winter glanced down at Sterling, the torchlight flickering across her face, illuminating her scar.
A guard drew open the castle door, and they walked through the gleaming hallways. For years, he’d thought about the girl from the woods, had wanted to fuck her even though she’d been born from enemy blood. But to mate with Red Riding Hood? It was unfathomable. Wanting to fuck her was one thing, butthis?
Once they reached Sterling’s bedchamber, he led her inside and kicked the door shut behind him. He released her arm and whirled to face her.
“Is your father serious?” she hissed, her eyes wide.
Winter arched a brow. “You can choose not to do it and find out.”
“You said if I won your games, you’d let Cyan go.Thisisn’t a game.”
He’d told himself that he wanted her to die in his games, but if he were truthful with himself, he never would’ve allowed it to happen. Which was why he couldn’t stop himself fromwantingto save this human, his enemy. Even if it was keeping her prisoner in his room until her last breath. “This has nothing to do with your brother. Would you prefer to rot in a cage? Hang in the corner of my room until you die of old age? This seems a step up, don’t you think?” Winter said.
“Is it?” She crossed her arms.
He smirked. “Well, now you get to be a princess instead.”
“By marryingyou...”
“Mating, not marrying. I’m not human.” He closed the distance between them and lifted her chin between his fingers. Her apple scent washed over him, and this woman, this human, made it so fucking hard for him. Why couldn’t his father have told Winter to put her in another game? Why were the gods toying with him, making himfeelthings for a human when he shouldn’t? He shouldn’t want to slide his cock inside her as much as he did, and now he would... His lungs grew tight in his chest, and he dropped his hand back to his side.
The king’s games weren’t only for Sterling—they were for him. A prince didn’t get free reign just because he was the king’s son.
“Think of all the power you’ll have over those you hate most,” Winter continued as Sterling scowled at him.
“The ones I hate most are already dead.”
“Oh.” He chuckled and trailed his thumb over her bottom lip. “Does that mean you don’t hate me anymore?”
“If you allow my brother to go free, then I won’t.” She narrowed her eyes.
“Nice try. We’re in this predicament because of you, so I think I’ll hang on to him to ensure you continue to behave.” He cocked his head and waited for her reply. She simply stared at him with daggers in her eyes.
As he turned away from her, she leapt on his back, and he easily got out of her hold, pressing her against the wall with her hands over her head.
“It took you longer than expected to try that.” Winter grinned, his lips so close to touching hers. “You’re lucky we’re about to be mated and I can’t harm you anymore. As for your brother, we’ll see.”
