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“Very well.” Wrath gave his brother a disgusted look. “In light of this information, Vittoria Nicoletta is no longer an enemy of the Seven Circles. No blood retribution is in effect. And if anyone”—his attention was only on Greed—“anyone, decides to attack her, or the wolves, or Marcella, if any act of vengeance is brought about, they will be personally dealt with by me. Now, if all the extraneous bullshit is over, I’d like to crown my queen.”
Greed’s hand tightened on the dagger he didn’t put away but had lowered. There was a tense beat that passed that had me holding my breath. Finally, he shoved his blade back into its sheath. “Very well.”
I released a quiet breath, thankful we wouldn’t have to fight. Though the dark glimmer of rage burning in Greed’s eyes made me wonder if this was truly over. Or if he was simply standing down for the moment, already scheming his next move.
Vittoria flashed Greed a taunting smile before sidling up beside Envy. Both princes quietly seethed but didn’t cause a scene. Thank the Divine above, we might get through this coronation without any bloodshed. Marcella quickly said her thanks to us, then she and Domenico left for the Shadow Realm, proving my theory about her being unable to travel there alone correct. A moment later Domenico returned to stand beside my twin.
With that finally settled, Wrath and I moved to the dais and faced each other.
My husband removed the crown from his head and held it up, showing it to the small crowd gathered behind us. “As a symbol of our shared rule, I offer my crown to my queen.”
With a show of power that made me want to kiss him senseless, Wrath broke the crown in half using nothing but his bare hands. Goddess above he was alluring.
His mouth curved for a fraction of a second before he held the broken crown to me, nodding encouragement as my fingers closed over the shattered gold.
“With these two halves, we combine our strength. Unifying our hearts, souls, and power for the betterment of our realm.” Wrath placed his half of the crown on his head. “Emilia, goddess of fury, coruler of House Vengeance, kneel, my love.”
With my gaze locked onto his, I slowly went to my knees, not bothering to hide my smile as I recalled the last time I’d been in this position. The power I’d felt then, the control.
Wrath must have recalled the same thing, the cool royal mask slipped. He raked his attention over me, allowing the Sin Corridor to bolster his desire. I noted the slight bulge in his trousers a second before someone wolf-whistled in the crowd.
I twisted in time to see Envy kick Lust in the shin. I brought my attention back to my king, my love, my salvation. My equal. To hear him call me his love, to openly share our hearts and souls, I’d walk through Hell again and again.
Wrath’s gaze burned with desire and pride. “Place your half of the crown on your head and rise—in front of all witnesses here—as the Queen of the Seven Circles, princess of House Wrath, and the goddess of the underworld and Shadow Realm.”
I placed the crown on my head and stood. Wrath looked to the crowd. “Brothers, Vittoria, it is time for the blessing from each court of our realm.”
Everyone yanked their House daggers out and pricked their fingers, shedding a drop of blood onto the snow-covered ground. My sister went last, her focus only on me as she allowed her blood to bead up and fall. Blood we’d always been warned against spilling.
Her lips moved silently, and I drew in a tense breath. I released it once I’d read what she was mouthing.“I love you.”
I’d mouthed it back, then the ground rumbled below us. Magic threads in the colors of each demon House along with my sister’s lavender whipped around me and Wrath, coiling tighter and tighter as the threads rushed around our bodies, circling our heads.
In a flash of glittering power, each of our broken crowns became whole. I reached up, brushing my fingers over the cool metal. My crown fit perfectly. Shouts rose from our family members, signaling the end of the coronation. I could scarcely believe it. I was truly queen.
“Your majesty.” Wrath lifted my hand to his mouth and pressed a kiss to my knuckles.
Gluttony stepped forward and clapped his brother on the shoulder, then kissed each of my cheeks. “Welcome to the family, Queen Emilia. I hope you’re ready for a feast to end them all.”
A young demon woman with pale frosty-blue hair rolled her eyes as she moved through the princes. It was the reporter I’d first seen at the Feast of the Wolf. I hadn’t noticed her before, perhaps she’d arrived during the murder-that-wasn’t reveal. She shot Gluttony a saccharine look.
“Prince Gluttony is correct about one thing—his feast will make guests wish he’d end them all.”
Gluttony’s easygoing smile vanished. “My dear, if my parties had the ability to kill, I’d personally deliver your invite.”
“That was as clever as your idea to lace wine with slumber root, promptly knocking all your guests out. At least that time it wasn’t sheer boredom that put them to sleep.” She gave him a cutting smile before dropping into a curtsy. “Once Your Majesties are settled into your coruling, I’d love to interview you both. Demons of each court are curious about the curse and if they need to worry about its return. They’d also like to know if love truly has the power to overcome all.”
“Trust me, demons are not just asking about the curse’s return. They live in fear some superior reporter with a penchant for snobbery will ruin their good time.” Gluttony shooed her away, promptly earning a fierce glare. His smile was genuine when he turned back to us. “The coronation celebration is being held at House Lust. We’ve decided to combine our efforts.”
Wrath shook his head and expelled a good-natured sigh. “We’ll see you there.”
Gluttony rubbed his hands together, a devious expression falling into place. “You know? That viper gave me a great idea—I think I’ll offer her a glass of wine laced with slumber root and kick her and her assistant out. Then we’ll see who thinks I’m unclever. At least we won’t have to worry about your coronation party hitting the gossip columns.”
“It’s touching to see your concern for our privacy,” Wrath deadpanned.
“Yes, well”—Gluttony flicked invisible lint off his lapel—“if she caught you two like Lust did, I doubt she’d be as discreet.”
“Lust!” I searched for that miserable demon, but he’d already left the Sin Corridor. And here I’d mistakenly believed he hadn’t told anyone about the boat incident in House Greed. Or perhaps the kitchens of House Wrath. Gossiping demon princes. Gluttony chuckled, and I rolled my eyes. “Go on, laugh. You’ve all done and seen worse. I’m sureI’llsee worse tonight.”
