Throne of Secrets (Prince of Sin, #2)

by Kerri Maniscalco

My brother and I traded blows for the next several minutes without speaking. Lust remained uncharacteristically serious as we took turns knocking each other down. The sparring session was meant to blow off steam but had turned into a brawl. We fought like the dirty bastards we were. Kicking out, swinging, using our wings to shove the other back, slicing at each other with our daggers.

I should have been tracking the dragons last night. I should have left Adriana once she was sleeping and secure. Instead, I stood guard until morning. Watching her sleep soundly. As if the realm wasn’t in danger and I had all the time in the world to spare. She wasn’t a suitor. She’d never be my wife. Her gods-damned sister was in the running to be my bride. So why then did I stay? The blood oath? I wished to the old gods that was it. “Gabriel. Stop.” Lust’s voice was laced with magical command, breaking me from the fighting trance I’d been lost in.

I looked down at my fists; my split knuckles were slowly stitching themselves together. I glanced back at my brother, noting the swelling going down around his eyes. “You were starting to frighten her.” Lust jerked his chin behind me, his voice barely above a whisper. “And you don’t need to start any new rumors.”

I turned, already knowing who I’d find, my pulse speeding in anticipation. Except it wasn’t her. I schooled my expression to hide my conflicted feelings. “Eden.” She leaned against the refreshment table by the door, a book pressed to her chest like a shield. I wondered how long she’d been there, watching us. I scanned her quickly, understanding why Lust had fought so valiantly. Eden Everhart exuded grace and poise. She was exactly the sort of challenge my brother couldn’t resist. That she was currently part of a competition to win my hand wouldn’t be a deterrent, sham of an event or not. Lust was no stranger to scandal himself.

My brother, however, was a meddling prick and didn’t waste any time, saying too damned much. “I offered to entertain a mystery lover he’d been seeing before the competition began. He got all sensitive and bothered.” Lust gave her a lopsided grin. “Seems he’s not the sharing type these days.”

My brother practically buzzed with the need to share whatever was on his mind. I waited for him to dazzle me with his powers of romantic observation. Lust remained silent. Stubborn prick. “Go on.” I faced him, arms crossed. “Say whatever clever insult you’re practicing.” Lust looked me over, shaking his head. “You’re an idiot.” “Regarding?” “Bloody hell, Gabriellis. How aren’t you sleeping with that female?” “Miss Everhart is a suitor.” “I’m talking about her sister. Don’t act like you didn’t see her hurry by.” He set his glass down and sighed. “I can’t tell if she’d be the best or worst thing to ever happen to me.” My teeth audibly ground together. Lust shot an innocent look my way. “Problem, Gabriel?” I ignored him.

Deciding to stretch the truth a bit, I said casually, “One of the suitors recalls him being enamored with a commoner. So much that he’d been on the verge of proposing.” “Oh, how deliciously scandalous.” Cobra drew back, her surprise seeming genuine. “I don’t remember that, but I also was occupied with someone that night, too. She’d had the most interesting feather we were discussing. I recall it vividly because I thought it looked like Prince Envy’s razor-like quills. He had quite the legendary rule about lovers then.” At my blank look, she waved her hand. “You had to be there. Is the commoner one of Gluttony’s suitors now?”

My intuition was buzzing, but I couldn’t quite sort out why.

I rolled up onto my toes, hands pressed to the cold metal door, a hiss escaping at the icy bite as I peered inside. A giant crimson eye blinked at me, its size taking up the entire window, making it larger than my open palm. I opened my mouth to scream but was cut off as a rough hand clamped over my mouth. In the next instant an arm as hard as steel circled my waist, trapping me. I kicked at the air but couldn’t gain purchase as I was hoisted up and dragged away.

I blinked at the new suitor seated before me, glancing nervously to her mother. She was golden-haired and golden-skinned, her eyes big and innocent. And familiar… They were the same shade of clear blue as her sister’s. “Miss Everhart,” I said. “It’s nice to see you again. Are you enjoying tea?” She nodded, then glanced down at her teacup.

“My sister is rather impressed with your home, I think. She loves to read, and our room is well stocked. Though it’s missing some romantic mystery novels.” I sipped my tea, trying to sort out her game. “I was under the impression your sister loathed anything to do with romance.” A genuine smile touched her lips. “And yet you had her editor put her on a romantic advice column.” I felt my own lips twitching in amusement. “Yes, well, I do love to stay scandalous.” “A trait you’re well-known for, Your Highness.” She gave me a shrewd look. “I suppose that’s why you sent all those gifts to our home too. To keep the realm talking.” An image of Adriana’s masked face on the rooftop of the Seven Sins crossed my mind, her new, billowing cloak that sealed her fate flowing behind her. Best to not reveal the truth about those gifts, or the way I’d unwrapped them. I cleared my throat and considered loosening the cravat at my neck. Has it suddenly gotten warm in here? I might need to open a window.

I narrowed my eyes. “She was opposed to my gifts?” “Very much so. Initially. Something about the word insufferable made her wary.” “But she did eventually come around?” “Not entirely, Your Highness. Though I wouldn’t worry if I were you. She hasn’t cursed your name in at least a week. Which I daresay is progress. Perhaps you ought to try sending her more gifts.” Eden sipped her tea. And I’d swear the move was to hide that cunning gleam in her eyes. I forced myself to refrain from asking about her sister again.

“And what of you, Eden? What sort of scandals do you find intriguing?” She leaned in, dropping her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “Falling for someone forbidden.” Before I could formulate a response, she straightened up, her disposition brightening. “Regarding my sister, I fear you’ve fallen into the trap she’s laid. She refuses to admit it, but I know Adriana secretly yearns for a happily-ever-after.” Just not with me.

I THRASHED AGAINST my captor, trying in vain to smash my head into his, my muffled cries swallowed by his hand. “You’re testing my patience, Miss Saint Lucent. Calm down.” His voice was familiar, but it was hard to place it with his steel-like arm banded around me. He dragged me back to the stairwell, my pulse pounding the entire way.

“If I drop my hand, you must promise not to scream.” He didn’t add “or I’ll knock you out using magic or any means necessary” but the threat was clear enough from his tone. “Understand?” I nodded, and after another painfully long moment, he finally set me free. I whirled around, stunned. “Prince Envy.” He looked me over coolly, his green gaze calculating and hard. “What are you doing down here?”

“Is he experimenting on that… creature?” “You are far too curious.” “I’m a reporter; it comes with the profession.” His smile was all teeth. “Curious creatures typically end up dead. I’d be very careful if I were you.” It was advice from a rival court. My pulse raced harder. “Why are you helping me?” “I’m not altruistic, Miss Saint Lucent. I promise my motivation is entirely self-serving. Well, almost entirely. I am rather interested in your peculiar association with my brother. You seem to feel very strongly about him. I’d like to know why.”

Ryleigh had investigated the matter, always curious when it came to hexed objects and the one that had eluded her all those years ago.

“Speaking of your brother…” I raised my brows. “What now?” “He caught Miss Saint Lucent in the dungeons.” An overwhelming sense of dread swept through me. “Tell me she didn’t see Silvanus’s cell.” “Afraid I can’t do that, Your Highness.” I blew out a breath. “Have her meet me in my private study in thirty minutes.”

“There she is. The hellion of the hour.” Adriana flashed me a scathing look as she entered my private study, immediately halting once she saw we weren’t alone. I’d called in reinforcements for our meeting. Lust and Envy leaned against opposite ends of my desk, two perfect images of indifference, though that couldn’t be further from the truth. Envy had been on edge since he’d scared her from the dungeon. Adriana had come very close to uncovering our secret.

“If you didn’t wish for me to wander the castle, perhaps you ought to set rules.” “As if you’d follow them.” “I think we both know I’d follow them for the next… five weeks and five days.” Lust and Envy hadn’t known about the blood oath, and while Adriana’s comment was seemingly innocent, they were well acquainted with how oaths of that nature worked. Their heads whipped in my direction, their gazes blazing with incredulity. I would never hear the end of it now. I shot Adriana a frustrated look. For her part, she’d gone pale. She hadn’t meant to let that secret slip out, which went a long way toward thawing my ire.

Ryleigh had been inundated with reporting on all the gossip swirling around but managed to send a note my way, filling me in on early whispers of who the favorite suitor would be. Thus far, most had singled out Eden and Vanity based on my write-up.

How dare he continue his rakish behavior while courting seven hopeful ladies. I ought to rejoice at slipping that noose all those years ago.

“Got it?” I shouted to Envy, eyes locked on the snarling dragon as it stalked closer. My wounds hadn’t healed yet. And the dragon seemed to sense my weakened state. “Unless you get eaten, you’ll be the first to know.” Sarcastic prick.

I chanced a look at my brother. Envy’s head cocked to one side as he studied his opponent. We didn’t have time for plotting. We needed to act. Swiftly. The dragon fighting me launched itself at my chest; I avoided its talons by inches, each sudden movement making my breath catch. “It’s a gods-damned baby,” I shouted. “Scruff it like a kitten and get out of there.” “Vicious little thing tried to take my hand off.” “I’ll take your cursed head off if you don’t hurry.” The dragon lifted its massive snout, snuffing the air.

Envy tossed me inside, then kicked the door shut. He reached down and pulled the little dragon from where I still clutched it to my chest, swearing he’d see to it. The little creature flapped its feathered wings, iridescent gaze locked on mine. “Safe,” I said, not caring if I was speaking to a dragon in a soft tone in front of my brother. It blinked down at me, tucking its wings in tight. Then it looked at Envy and sank its teeth into his hand. My brother cursing the old gods for creating tyrant baby dragons was the last thing I saw before the world went dark.

“Taking a baby from its nest isn’t your finest idea, Your Highness. You’re lucky you didn’t get hurt worse.” “Had no choice.” Helga hummed as she wrapped a bandage around my chest. “You could have left it.” I thought of the little dragons we hadn’t saved. I would take ten more wounds if it meant they could have survived. “Did anyone ever tell you you’re as mean as you are talented with remedies?”

Envy slipped into the room when she left, eyeing the bandage with distaste. “You smell like a dead goat that’s been baking in the sun for days.” “That’s oddly specific. I’m sorry you’ve encountered that before.” I closed my eyes for a blessed moment before opening them again. “How’s the dragon?” “Safe. Seems to like the habitat on your grounds. It’s been chasing its tail and pouncing on moths. Little bugger bit Val, too.”

My brother looked like he wished to say more but turned his attention to the lone window set high in the wall. “Your oath with the journalist is a problem.” I’d been waiting for him to bring it up. Figured the bastard would choose the perfect time. I couldn’t simply get up and leave and he damned well knew it.

“Your point?” “Magic overriding magic gets messy.” “What the ever-loving fuck does that mean, Levi?” “We’ll find out soon enough.” He finally dropped his attention back to me. “Rest up. Bathe. The first event is slated to start in a few hours. You need to give the performance of your life today. No one can suspect you’re hurt. If they start digging, there’s plenty of skeletons for them to unearth.”

Her brows rose. “Thinking of going to war with Axton?” “Not exactly.” I kept my smile in place, unwilling to alert her to my true motivations. “Call it curiosity.” “Number one killer of cats.” “They do have nine lives, so I’ll take my chances.” “Touché, Miss Match.”

My pulse pounded painfully as I rolled onto the tips of my toes, quickly scanning the words scribbled at the top. Communico Dracones. It could be translated two ways, but each held the same meaning. It was a spell used to communicate with dragons.

“The book will magic itself back to me in seventy-two hours from now.” “You ought to share that little trick with Prince Sloth. I’ve heard he gets irate if someone borrows a book and doesn’t return it.” A devious sparkle entered her eyes. “I’ve heard he gets more than irate if someone crinkles the pages.”

“You keep rubbing your chest. Are you in pain?” There was little sense in lying. “Yes. But I can’t afford a tonic.” She strummed her fingers on the table. “When did the feeling begin?” “On the walk over here. It’s been a stressful day.” “Describe the sensation. Sharp pains. Shooting, prolonged.” I eyed her warily. “You’re awfully curious.” “Perhaps we’re both a little feline in our ways.” I laughed softly. “It feels like someone’s winding a thread around my heart, trying to lead me to them.” “I see.” Any humor we shared slowly left her expression. “Hurry along, now. The clock is ticking on how much time you’ve got left with the book.” “Aren’t you going to diagnose me?” “Whatever you’re suffering from, I can’t address with a tonic or tincture.” She seemed to consider her words carefully. “But the prince might have answers you seek.” “Why would he…” I cursed. The oath. I assumed this was an effect he failed to disclose. “I think I know exactly what’s wrong. And it’s six feet four inches of troublesome demon.” “It seems so.” Sascha laughed softly. “You never disappoint, Miss Saint Lucent. I understand why you get under his skin.” I smiled sweetly. “Hopefully like an incurable rash.”

I tore my attention away from her and settled it on much safer sights. My suitors. Vanity was resplendent in a gown and matching cloak that looked like spun gold. Eden stood beside her, wearing an amused expression that worried me. She, like her sister, observed far too much.

“Are you lost, Miss Saint Lucent?” Her tone was pleasant, but the underlying feeling I got from our encounters was that she was mentally stringing me up and dicing me into little bites to feed to the dragons. I didn’t take it too personally. Val didn’t care for most demons, vampires, witches, or really anyone—it wasn’t as if her dislike was directed solely at me. I had a feeling she’d prefer to stalk off into the woods and live her life peacefully in a cave, far from debauchery and anything else that annoyed her. Prince Gluttony very much included. Under different circumstances, I would rather enjoy spending time with the curmudgeon. I was sure she had a great many stories she’d like to vent after having to deal with him and his antics for so many years. Truly, she ought to be awarded some medal for her service.

“Very well.” I gave her a bright smile and silently hexed her firstborn to scream all night for months on end as I slowly made my way back to my family’s guest suite.

A few moments later, we were making our way to the dungeon, hunting down a menacing baby dragon. In a very princely manner, I dropped to my knees and crawled across the dirty floor, checking under the straw in the cells. Flipping over any stones the little beast could have crawled behind. Val assembled a few hunters, and they were all in similar positions, softly cooing and clucking their tongues to lure the hatchling out. I shook my head at the sight. Here stood some of the most fearsome members of my court, crawling around the dungeon, hunting a baby dragon.

stars. I slid down the mountain, keeping the baby in the cradle of my arms as I sank to the ground, breathing hard. I sat that way for a few moments, allowing the full impact of Sil’s escape to sink in. The tiny dragon crawled up my neck, nuzzling me, its icy snout causing a slight shudder. I tipped my head back, looking up at the cold night sky as I petted the dragon. “Well,” I said to it. “Your name is Vexus. You little vexing troublemaker.” He bleated excitedly from his grand adventure, the heathen. He belonged to House Gluttony through and through.

That Silvanus had been thinking of Adriana nonstop was a troubling revelation. The simple explanation might be that he’d seen her in the dungeon and she had somehow imprinted on him. Or maybe it had something to do with the blood oath we’d sworn. There was another reason I couldn’t ignore. I couldn’t stop from wondering, once again, if this was all tied into my private curse. If I even had one at all. I still couldn’t tell what it was, or if I was simply unlucky.

Instead of a lover running their hands through his hair making the locks unruly, it looked like he’d raked his hands through it. A sign he was worried or that the book he was reading was giving his tiny brain a cramp? One could never tell when it came to him.

Axton scanned my face, and an unusual seriousness entered his expression. “Why do you hate me so much?” No one could ever accuse him of not being direct. “I’d really rather not discuss it.” “I’m afraid that excuse won’t work again.”

“I—” Frustration built in my chest as I inched closer, as if proximity to the prince would spark a memory. “That’s not how that night went. You and I—you and I did go to the garden. You told me everything a young, hopeful romantic could ever want to hear. Made all sorts of declarations and promises. You charmed me so thoroughly we made love right there and everything was incredible. Up until you left me directly after to sleep with the viscountess. The same one who’d been calling me a social climber all evening and attempted to have me tossed from the ball for being common scum. I was mortified. You discarded me like I meant nothing.” I exhaled, my breath hitching slightly. “It was the first time I realized how much you used your charm to get whatever you desired. Then once you had your fill of whatever you’d been after, you moved on to the next thing you hungered for.”

Anderson Anders and Julian Wren leaned in, their quills flying across their notepads. No matter how I felt inside, I would need to give another stellar performance. Thankfully Ryleigh Hughes wasn’t in attendance. As Adriana’s friend, she seemed to hold a grudge against me.

I turned the key in the lock and screamed when a cloaked figure yelped back from inside our tiny home, crashing onto our settee. “Ad?” a familiar voice screeched. “Warn a demon, will you?” I hadn’t realized I’d hefted the book like a bat until I lowered the tome. “Ryleigh, what on earth?”

“Why are you here?” She gave me a sheepish look. “Your sister asked me to retrieve some of her hidden recipes. Apparently, there’s going to be a cooking contest tomorrow. His Highness wants to sample their most lavish dish.” “That’s happening right now, actually.” “Today a sword fight is scheduled.” “Axton probably changed his mind on a whim.” I lifted a shoulder. It was the least concerning news of the day. “When did you see Eden?” Ryleigh paused. “This morning.” I wasn’t sure when Eden had snuck out of the shared suite but I had been doing my best to hide from her, so I let it go.

I considered sharing the strange events with my friend but somehow couldn’t find the words. Ryleigh had spent years counseling me to stay away from the prince. Reminding me why I hated him so thoroughly. She’d been there through the tears and heartache. If she found out I’d been meeting with him in secret and giving in to temptation… it could be the end of our friendship.

A prickle of unease rolled down my spine. “Eden’s recipes are under a floorboard under her bed.” She glanced at my father’s ledger, a crinkle in her brow. “This isn’t it?” I shook my head and her frown deepened. She set it down next to her, still looking confused. “What’s wrong?” “Your sister said they were in the ledger. She never mentioned anything about the floorboards. That’s odd, isn’t it?”

Eden must have sent Ryleigh; otherwise she wouldn’t know about the recipes. And yet, the whole situation was odd. Even being a close family friend, it was strange that Ryleigh would come fetch recipes and not Sophie or one of the maids assigned to my sister. Had Ryleigh lied? I flipped through my father’s ledger, heart aching at his familiar scribble. Quill Dagger Throne Paintbrush Jewelry Crown Wings

The quill. My entire body froze as puzzle pieces clicked into place. I was almost entirely sure I had my answer to why Axton and I had very different memories. Before I shared my findings, I needed to get some better answers. Ryleigh was not an option, especially after today. But I suddenly had a very good idea how to get the answers I needed from someone else. I just had to convince Axton to assist in my investigation.

It would be the first time I’d ever set my differences with Axton aside and brought him in on an investigation. But this story was bigger than our rivalry. And somehow, the two felt tied together.