Page 92 of Happily Ever Bitten (Underworld Royals 2)

I didn’t bother to point out the time she was hypnotized, as that hadn’t really been her, and instead bowed my head. “Thank you, Mother.”

She palmed my cheek. “Yes. You will make a fine king indeed.” She stayed a moment longer, then turned to lead me once more.

Lucifer met us at the doors, his focus entirely on my mother as we approached. He held out his arm for her. “You’re still not entirely forgiven,” she informed him.

“I know,” he replied, escorting her inside. “But I suspect I’ll thoroughly enjoy the act of making it up to you. I already have a plan in motion.”

“Does it involve more hearts?” she asked, a teasing quality to her voice.

“Only yours

, my love,” he replied with the deepest sincerity.

I refrained from gagging and instead took my position near him at the altar.

Then I was too busy gaping at Zaya to think anything of my mother standing with the Devil beside me. Because wow.

That’s it, I told my bride-to-be. I’m burning all your pants.

She snorted in my mind. Try it and see what happens.

Oh, but you’re a vision, Zay, I replied, completely starstruck by her sparkling blue gown. It reminded me of the one she wore to the engagement party, only this one truly glittered like a sapphire. The fabric hugged her every curve, and the slit up her left side displayed a whole lot of leg.

Are you trying to marry me? Or seduce me? I asked her. Because we don’t practice the archaic consummation customs in this kingdom. I was referring to the one that required a groom to fuck his wife in front of the congregation to finalize the marriage.

That’s disappointing, she replied. I was thinking I might want to experiment with voyeurism. Perhaps another day.

I chuckled. Vixen.

Future husband, she returned, accepting my hand as she walked up the two steps to join us at the altar.

“You look gorgeous,” my mother praised, kissing her on the cheek before taking her seat beside Valora and Adrik. Adriatica cooed in response from Valora’s lap, reaching toward my mother’s dark hair and clasping it in her tiny fists for a not-so-gentle tug. My mother didn’t even flinch but instead gifted the child an indulgent smile, clearly approving of her strength.

Zaya and I had wanted a small ceremony, but my mother intervened, inviting half the damn kingdom. Narissa was here, too. And she’d brought Jeremiah with her. Valora had loaned her the guard, saying Jeremiah would help Narissa sort through the army ranks to determine whom she could trust and whom she could not. With her father rotting in the barren lands and her mother mentally unfit to lead, Narissa had taken over the monarchy as Queen of Neptune, and she needed all the help she could get.

Some of my personal guards were here, too. Including Cyprus, whom I’d promoted to head guard after his handling of the Byron and Erie situation. He’d caught them and tossed them in the same cell Zaya had occupied. I’d visit them in a few weeks. See how they were doing and determine what to do with them next.

Cyprus dipped his head in respect but otherwise remained alert, his gaze returning to the guests.

Forever vigilant.

I approved.

Not that anyone would be suicidal enough to try anything with the Devil conducting today’s ceremony. I returned my focus to him, indicating with a polite nod for him to begin.

He smiled.

“Oh, but I do love a happy beginning,” he said, clasping his hands and commanding everyone’s attention. “Today we’re gathered to share in the beautiful union of Grigory, Prince of Noxia, and Zaya, Harbinger of the Underworld. They’re a perfect match, forged in hell by the creator himself, and will lead Noxia Kingdom with a flair unlike anything this world has ever seen.”

Forged in hell, Zaya repeated. How romantic.

He’s the Devil.

He really is.

“Now, Grigory, do you take Zaya to be your wife, to have and to hold, and to protect and to love, for all of eternity?”

I gazed down at her, losing myself in her hypnotic eyes. “I do.”

---