Page 24 of Kingdom of the Cursed (Kingdom of the Wicked 2)

I resumed my slow procession down the aisle, looking for a particular subject matter, but projecting nonchalance to avoid suspicion.

“Why do you celebrate a pre-Roman tradition, anyway?”

“How very mortal of you to believe they weren’t inspired by our rites and rituals,” he scoffed. “They didn’t even have the decency to keep the correct dates or practices.”

I stopped my perusal of titles and studied him closely. “Why are you really telling me this? Do each of the princes of Hell turn into giant wolves and howl under a full moon? Perhaps I should be worried about you panting at my bedroom door before the feast.”

“We do wear wolf masks, but there will be no panting from me. Unless you ask nicely.”

I swallowed hard, forcing my thoughts away from where this realm—and this troublesome prince—was tugging them. “You didn’t answer my first question. Why are you telling me about this now?”

“You’ve been nominated for the guest of honor.” The remaining humor left his face. “The vote takes place next month. I have little doubt you’re going to be chosen. Your arrival is the talk of the Seven Circles. I doubt anyone else will be half as intriguing this Blood Season.”

Wonderful. “Will I be forced to kill the goat?”

Wrath held my gaze. “There is no goat, Emilia.”

The way he said it made my knees buckle. “Will I be the sacrifice?”

“No.” Relief flooded through me at that one beautiful little word. “Your biggest fear or a secret of your heart will be wrenched from you as the sacrifice.”

“No.” My voice was whisper soft, trembling. I hated it.

“Yes.” His voice was hard, edged. I hated it, too. “And it will happen in front of every prince of Hell and all of our subjects in attendance. Fear is power here. The larger your fear, the greater the power you give us. You would be far better off sacrificing your life. If they take your biggest fear, I promise you will wish for something as swift and final as a mortal’s death.”

SEVEN

“No. I refuse.” My voice was steel this time. “

You said I always have a choice.”

Frost coated his expression. “From recent actions, I was starting to think you’d forgotten that conversation.”

“You want to discuss what happened back in the cave now?”

“Not particularly, no.”

“We’re going to have to eventually—we might as well do it now.”

“Fine.” He crossed his arms against his chest. “You may start by explaining your decision.”

He spoke as if I actually had a choice, his voice tinged with barely suppressed anger. I was so surprised, I stepped back, examining him carefully. A muscle flickered in his jaw and his gaze was hard enough to make diamonds jealous. Wrath wasn’t just angry, he was incensed. I could practically feel the heat of his fury radiating in the space between us.

Clarity washed over me. “You wanted me to refuse Pride.”

“I didn’t say that.”

“You didn’t have to.” For once, his emotions were written all over his face. My shock quickly gave way to annoyance. If only he’d confided in me that night, things would be so much different. We could have come up with a new plan. Together. Anger unleashed my tongue. “Tell me why. I demand to know why you wanted me to refuse him.”

“Stop pushing, Emilia. This conversation is done.”

“No, it’s really not. Will he hurt me?”

The shelves nearest us vibrated. “Do you believe I’d permit that?”

“I don’t know,” I answered honestly. “I don’t know what’s real or fantasy or part of your newest scheme. You brought me here, to this realm, to marry your brother.”

“Do not confuse your choices with my actions.”

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