Kingdom of the Cursed (Kingdom of the Wicked, #2)

by Kerri Maniscalco

I wanted to claw out his heart and stomp on it to get some hint of an emotion.

Real

I’d say he could go straight to Hell, but we’d both accomplished that.

A man with a healthy sexual appetite was considered to be full of vitality, a prime catch. Experienced for his partner, should he ever decide to wed. While women were taught to remain virginal, pure. As if our wants were dirty, shameful things.

Men.

Only this time I didn’t dream of being happily seduced by the forbidden prince. I dreamed of a vicious, violent murder.

Oh well-

“I’ll live.” Wrath seemed skeptical about that,

“That was the size of a small horse!” “Refrain from saddling it up like one. Unlike my brothers, they don’t enjoy being ridden.” “Hilarious.”

Of course the demon would call a three‑headed hellhound a puppy and say I was being dramatic over the encounter.

“Is she dead?” It took a minute to place, but I recognized the voice. Anir. Wrath’s human second in command. The demon responded with an obscenity that sounded an awful lot like Of course not, you fucking idiot.

Anir ily

“Why is it whenever a man throws a tantrum a woman is blamed for his poor behavior? If Wrath acted like an idiot, he accomplished that all on his own.

Men.

Having something written always helped me to truly see.

Real

Several times I felt an intruding stare and glanced up to find Lord Makaden’s attention fixed on my chest. His hungry expression indicated he wasn’t looking at the amulet. I ignored him as Wrath had done. Worms like him should remain beneath notice.

Men.

“I’ve been cautioned against speaking of your tongue, my lady, so I won’t comment on its sharpness. However, since you’ve brought mouths up, I can’t help but wonder. You seem to be enjoying the meat well enough, but has that perfect little mouth of yours ever tasted cock?” My jaw clenched so tightly, I was surprised Wrath didn’t hear the grinding of my teeth. Lord Makaden was not referencing a chicken dish, though his words were clever enough he might pretend otherwise. I slowly exhaled. He was trying to get a rise out of me. I refused to let him succeed. “If not, we’ll have to remedy that soon. Tonight, perhaps?” He dipped his finger into the wine, then slowly sucked the liquid off. The wide smile he gave me didn’t reach his hate‑filled eyes. I briefly fantasized about popping those beady things from his head. “I’ll even prepare it for you myself. I’ve been told, on more than one occasion, how good mine is.” My grip tightened on my dinner knife. I wanted nothing more than to shove it into his heart. Without giving much thought to the consequences, I lifted the blade and stood, my beautiful chair scratching along the stone in shrill warning. The room drew in a collective gasp. It was the last sound that was made before Lord Makaden’s garbled screaming began. Warm liquid sprayed across my chest and face. I was so startled, I dropped the knife and wiped at my cheeks. My fingers were coated in red liquid. A second later the metallic scent hit my throat. Blood. Blood was now s...

Ew

“Was this a male pride issue?

Yes

“You keep telling me I have a choice. When does that actually happen? Certainly not when it comes to which demon House I choose. Or which prince I thought I was betrothed to. Let’s not forget my personal favorite, back in Palermo when I asked if you’d make me come here. To rule in Hell. You said you would never force me. Apparently tricking is a perfectly acceptable substitute. Congratulations,”

Girl you summoned and marked him

I knew it was unfair to blame him, especially since I was the one who’d originally trapped him in a betrothal, but I couldn’t help but cling to my fury.

"when times get tough I just blame everything on men"

Wrath looked as if he wanted to say more but either couldn’t or wouldn’t.

Omg talk

But I couldn’t stop myself from wondering if there was someone else he’d prefer to wed.

Cool now just ask him and dont assume

A good relationship was built on a solid foundation of honesty, and I didn’t even know his true name.

Ok thats a good point

Magical bond or not, I belonged only to myself.

“May I present...” Anir shoved the door open. “The weapons room.” “Goddesses above.” I sucked in a sharp breath, though I shouldn’t have been surprised at the grandeur, given Wrath’s role as general of war. Here was the pearl of House Wrath. “It’s impressive.” “I hear that a lot,” Anir teased.

Sure you do

“Where is Wrath?” I don’t know why I blurted it out, but it seemed odd that the demon of war was nowhere to be found while we were in his glorious weapons chamber. Anir glanced sideways at me as he poured himself a glass and downed it by half. “I didn’t think you’d mind his absence.” “I don’t. I’m just curious.” When he didn’t respond, I found my ridiculous mouth filling the silence. “He seemed uneasy about my choosing to visit House Envy. I would have thought he’d wish to see me when I returned.” “Do you ask after me when I’m away?” “No.” “Ouch.” Blood and bones. I immediately kicked myself as Anir’s grin widened.

Ily Anir

“All hail the queen of changing topics.” He offered a dramatic bow.

Goofy Anir

“No one is to enter this room until I give the signal that our training is over. Is that understood?” “Yes, your majesty.” Anir offered me a polite bow and quickly made for the exit. Coward. I smiled to myself.

Noo bring Anir back

Understanding descended in a burst of anger, breaking the spell. “You monstrous beast. You’re using your powers on me!” “And how easily you succumbed to them.” Wrath’s fury rose to meet mine. “Do you want my brothers to manipulate you? Maybe you wish to become an object for their amusement. Perhaps you will start by being mine. Remove your clothing and dance for my pleasure.” “You’re a pig.” “I am much worse than that. But a bargain is a bargain.” “I did not consent to this bullshit.” “Lie. You asked me to arm you. Demanded, if I recall correctly. I countered with training you against physical and magical threats. Did you not agree to that?” “Yes, but—” “Remove your clothing.” There was a strange echo of power in his voice. I tried to shove it away, tried fighting it, but felt the pressure building and caving in.

Men men men

I went to remove my undergarments, but his voice cut through my haze. “Leave those on. Sway your hips.” I focused on the single ember of fury that hadn’t been tamped down by Wrath’s magical command. Trying with all of my might to ignite that kernel of emotion that still belonged to me, and use it to swat his magic away. I would be the one to decide when to undress before him or anyone else. I would be the master of my own will. And I would keep fighting for myself, no matter how dire or desperate or futile the situation became. Sensing my resolve, Wrath unleashed more of his power. “I said, sway your hips.”

Eughhh

“Is this not what you desire?” “Not at all.” He took a large step away, placing a hateful distance between us. “You will address me as master from now on. Drop to your knees.” “I will never—” Anger flared, then extinguished as quickly. I went to the ground, head bowed. “Does this please you, master?” “Remove my right boot.” I undid the laces of his boot, then pulled it off, waiting for his next direction. “Slide your hands up my to calf.” I reached for his leg and he yanked it back. “Start from the ankle.” Without hesitation, I dragged my hands up his body, and over the muscle of his calf.

HOW IS THIS TRAINING??? ITS JUST SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Wrath wrenched the dagger from his chest and tossed it away. I flinched as it clattered against the far wall, the only sound in the chamber now aside from my ragged breaths. He’d made me stab him. In the heart. I...I couldn’t stop looking at the place I’d shoved the dagger in. Couldn’t stop hearing the sickening crunch of bone as I pierced his chest. I fought to keep my hands at my sides, to not cover my ears and scream until that wretched sound ceased in my head.

Great so he forced trauma on her

“You made me stab you.” “I heal fast.” Too bad the emotional impact of today’s little lesson wouldn’t heal as quickly.

Men never think things through

“if you are so appalled by what just happened here, in front of only me, you truly have no idea what you’re in for.” “You should have warned me we’d begin training tonight.” “My brothers will not ask. Nor will they give any warning.” “I am not betrothed to your brothers. If you want an equal, I suggest treating me like one. We may have made a bargain, but that does not mean I couldn’t be forewarned.” “The point of this lesson was to show how vulnerable you are, not shame you.”

Men and their way of thinking

“I am not a hero, Emilia. Nor am I a villain. You ought to know that by now.” “Leave me. I’ve heard enough excuses tonight.”

Real queen

My cheeks flared with fury. Losing my sense of control rattled me more than any of his demonic tricks. When he walked into that training room, he had a plan and executed it flawlessly. And I’d been at his mercy. That. That was the core of my anger. “ ‘You will address me as master from now on.’ ” I mocked, using my best impression of his voice. “Hateful monster.”

Men

“What the—” “Unless you wish to be slapped with an unpleasant spell, I suggest you rethink your tone. We are no longer in your training ring. I won’t tolerate rudeness outside of our lessons.” He inhaled deeply. Then exhaled. He repeated both actions.

You tell him girl

I pointed to the door. “Please leave. I’ve had quite enough of you tonight.” His eyes narrowed at the dismissal. I doubted anyone ever spoke to him in such a way. It was high time he got used to it.

Queen

“If you’re not planning on sharing information with me, this interrogation ends now. Put the skulls back and get out.” “The skulls will be locked somewhere safe.” “Vagueness will not work for me. Be specific. If I permit you to take the skulls, where will they be?” “My private suite.” “I will see them when I wish. And you will share any information you learn.” He glowered at me. “If we’re making demands, then, so long as you agree to dine with me tomorrow, I will grant your request.” “I cannot give you an answer tonight.” “And if I insist?” “Then my answer is no, your highness.”

Divaa

“You may beg off conversation tonight. Refuse to dine with me. But we will speak about everything. Soon.” “No, Wrath. We will speak about this when we’re both ready to.”

Know this: from here on out, if you do not respect my wishes, I will not stay here. It’s not to punish you, but to protect myself. I will forgive your lapse in decorum, judgment, and basic decency if you vow to learn from this mistake.

Every man should learn from this

I wished Anir would show up and start our lesson early.

Girl me too

I watched as she gazed at Anir, recalling the two of them chatting merrily before Makaden’s tongue removal. “How long have you been in love with him?”

Shes asking me btw

I like Anir.”

Me:

“Dessert isn’t the only thing he looks hungry for, my lady. I wish Anir would gaze upon me with such longing.”

Girl me too

Punishment for rape is death. Dealt by Wrath’s hand. Other courts favor castration.

As it should be

I thought back to how affronted Wrath had been when I’d brought him that old shirt from the marketplace. I’d thought he was simply arrogant and unused to peasant clothing. Now I knew it ran much deeper—if anyone from this realm had seen him, they’d call his rule into question.

Over a shirt

“Make no mistake, Emilia. When I go to my knees before you, it will be to conquer, not surrender.

Oh sure

He scanned my face. “It won’t be pleasant, but it won’t be the worst thing you’ll live through.” “As always, you are exceptional with easing nerves. I...” I shook my head, then bent to replace my dagger in my thigh sheath. “It’s not just the fear being ripped from me.” “My brothers will not hurt you.” “I don’t know how to dance.”

I watched our feet, worried I’d step on his or get tangled up in his legs. “Tilt your chin up so you can gaze adoringly into my eyes.” He grinned down at my scowl. “I want you to focus on how handsome I am, how talented at dancing and killing, and forget everything else. Except for how much you want to kiss me.” I couldn’t help myself; I laughed.

I would laugh too tbh

“But you’re waltzing like a goddess now.” The warmth of him, his praise, the hard muscle beneath my fingertips...all had me swaying nearer. Wrath placed his lips against my ear. “You’re—” “Is this a godsdamn ballroom now?” Anir propped himself against the doorjamb, arms crossed. A lazy grin spread across his face as he batted his lashes. “Will you be teaching this new technique to all of the soldiers, your highness, or just us pretty ones?”

AGAHDKFKFKD ANIR ILY

Own your truth, admit your wrongs, and do not waste my time with old folktales or lies.”

Tell him sis

And, to whoever had just attacked me in his House, I supposed that’s exactly what he was. May the goddesses grant the assailant a swift death—Wrath certainly wouldn’t.

I don’t know what madness came over me, but I put my wine down and moved to where Wrath stood rigidly, awaiting judgment. Slowly, as if approaching an animal ready to bolt, I wound my arms around his waist and laid my head against his chest.

First hug??

Wrath had a point after all.

Oh??