She suddenly found the clock to be fascinating. “I really must be going if I’m to deliver this invitation and arrive to the coronation on time. His majesty clearly stated to not be late.”
Curiosity gnawed at me, but I didn’t press the issue. When we both had more time, I’d sit down and have a proper conversation with her and catch up. I hated that things had been so chaotic and that we hadn’t had much time to simply enjoy each other’s company. My friend looked like she needed to chat and sort through the emotions playing over her features. I vowed it would be one of my first personal orders of business as the new queen—making time for her.
“Thank you, Lady Fauna. I’ll see you at the Sin Corridor soon.”
Fauna dropped a small curtsy and hurried from the chamber, leaving me alone once more. I returned to the table full of precious stones and jewels, my attention snagging on a ring. Rose-gold vines with thorns made up the band and wove around a large lavender stone.
“I had that one made.”
I stiffened at the unexpected sound of my husband’s voice, turning to see him enter the chamber. My breath caught as I drank him in.
On his head sat a simple pale gold crown. He wore black accented in gold, as were the colors of his court, but he also had rose-gold flowers sewn onto one of his lapels. It gave the appearance of wearing a royal sash—complete with a serpent pin.
His trousers were fitted to his frame expertly, and if we didn’t have some place to be, I’d wish to show him how much I appreciated how handsome he looked in his finery.
A grin spread across his face. “Later, my love. I promise, nothing will keep me from admiring every detail of your gown. And everything beneath it.”
I gave him a coy smile. “There is nothing beneath it, my king.”
“Emilia.” He closed his eyes as if trying to banish the image and fight the urge to take me right there.
“Come on.” I threaded my arm through his. “Some ornery demon proclaimed no one was to arrive late.”
“I ought to murder that idiot.”
“Please don’t. I’m rather fond of him.” I kissed his cheek.
Wrath and I somehow managed to keep from ravishing each other long enough to get to the front entrance, where a surprise was waiting. I dropped my husband’s arm and grabbed my skirts, rushing over to the beautiful lavender mare. “Tanzie! Sweet baby.”
I rubbed my horse’s mane, admiring the flowers someone had threaded in. Tanzie loved being pampered and toed the ground as I cooed over her. I glanced over at my husband, who wore an openly amused look. “Gluttony had been certain you’d remember her, even with the spell-lock. You used to ride—”
“I used to sneak onto his grounds and ride her until he’d set baby ice dragons after us.” I laughed at the memory. “I forgot how much I loved to annoy him.”
“He missed you.” Wrath whistled, then turned back to me. “He didn’t care what your House had been contracted to do. Gluttony always placed the blame on Sursea, rightfully so.”
“We could have denied her request.”
“No, you couldn’t have.” Wrath shook his head. “You are a goddess of vengeance. Just as I am a prince of wrath.”
Before we could argue the point, the ground shook. Again. Footsteps. Massive, thunderous footsteps rumbled close by. I tensed, my hand twitching toward the blade I’d hidden under my gown. From the snowbank to our right emerged one of Wrath’s hellhounds. The three-headed dog ambled over to its master, tail wagging as Wrath scrubbed behind each of its ears.
I looked between my horse and his hound and shook my head. Of course my husband would show up to my coronation riding a giant hellhound. I could imagine the look of jealousy on Envy’s face and had to stifle another chuckle.
“Are you ready, my queen?”
Anir and Fauna exited the castle, both dressed impeccably. Fauna gave me a subtle nod, letting me know the invitation—and request—had been delivered. I exhaled. With any luck, my sister would do exactly as I’d asked.
After Pride had taken Sursea and I’d had some time to myself, I’d thought a lot about my last conversation with Domenico. And my sister. I was almost entirely certain I’d finally fit all the pieces together surrounding the mystery of Vesta. Tonight, I’d share my discovery in front of each demon prince. Even if the witches didn’t attack, there was sure to still be some excitement aside from the coronation.
I looked to my husband, allowing his presence to soothe me. “I am ready.”
I accepted Wrath’s help up onto my horse—the gown was beautiful but didn’t allow me to swing my legs up. A detail I’d speak to the dressmaker about for future garments.
Two ebony hell horses trotted over to Anir and Fauna, and once they were settled and Wrath climbed onto his hound, we slowly marched toward the Sin Corridor. When we reached the base of it and started up the sharp incline, I felt the not-so-subtle prodding of each sin.
The trek through the mountain, then up the snow-covered pass, went by surprisingly quickly, though trepidation wound through me with each step the horses and hound took. A lot depended on whether my sister showed up. I was nervous to see if my theory was correct. And if it was, how Greed would react to me revealing the role he’d played.
Wrath shot a look of concern my way a few times but would hopefully believe my nerves were solely for being crowned in front of his brothers. He had enough on his mind with any potential witch attacks, and I didn’t want to distract him from his own mission.
Hopefully, all would go according to plan.
Our procession reached the top of an incline, and I immediately recognized the goddess tree, though it had shifted locations as Envy had claimed it would. I sensed the Sisters Seven lingering nearby. Celestia also hadn’t come to collect her spell book yet, and I silently prayed she didn’t choose this moment to want it back. Things would be tense enough if my sister showed up and followed my instructions.
“My lady?” Wrath nudged his hound close to Tanzie, who snuffed the hell beast.
“I’m ready.”
Wrath eyed me speculatively but didn’t press. His suspicion flickered over me and I flashed him a look I hoped comforted him. The six princes were already in attendance, waiting stoically for our arrival. Wrath helped me dismount, and the moment my feet touched the ground, the princes lined up, three to each side, forming an aisle for us to walk through.
Someone had created a small dais just large enough for Wrath and me to stand on. Behind it, in the distance, were the gates of hell, towering like two pillars of fear. My attention roved over the snow-covered ground. Aside from our gathering, there were no fresh tracks. No signs that the witches or anyone else might be lurking. I took that as one positive sign.
I also didn’t see my—
A thunderous crack rent the air, followed by a snarl. I spun around, relief shooting through me. My twin stepped out from a portal, looking like a queen in her own right. Vittoria flashed an annoyed look at the werewolf entering the realm by her side. “Domenico, mind your manners. If you ruin my sister’s evening, my hand will find its way into your chest.”
Wrath slanted a look in my direction but didn’t say anything. Pride and Greed, however, both exploded. “What is she doing here?”
I expelled a breath. I wasn’t even crowned queen yet and I already had to crush an inter-court squabble. “She is the goddess of death, your soon-to-be queen’s sister. And the sole ruler of the newly reinstated House Vengeance.”