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

by Kerri Maniscalco

“Do you like me?” “I find you tolerable. Should you meet a violent ending, I wouldn’t shed a tear. Nor would I rejoice. I would go on as if you never were.”

“If I wanted you on your knees, bare before me, without a thought of your own in your head, I would will it. If I desired to fuck you into our marriage, you’d do exactly as I said. And you’d beg for more. Neither attracts, nor pleases me. I long for an equal. Grab the dagger hidden on my leg. Get up.”

“I was not speaking of rape, my lady. That is not tolerated here without Wrath ending the life of the one who dares to take another against their will.” Fauna looked me over. “Don’t appear so shocked. The Seven Circles may be governed by sin, but there are some acts too depraved even for our realm. Punishment for rape is death. Dealt by Wrath’s hand. Other courts favor castration. I promise, if a prince decided to seduce you, especially our prince, you would choose to be in his bed of your own accord.”

“Make no mistake, Emilia. When I go to my knees before you, it will be to conquer, not surrender. If you harbor any doubts, I shall enjoy proving you wrong. Now unbuckle my armor.”

“Or maybe they all dabbled in pursuits they shouldn’t have. And you’re the one picking up the pieces of their mistakes.”

you.”

I couldn’t help myself. I laughed in the devil’s face. “You’re exceedingly conceited.” “One of our most prominent family traits. Though I assure you my ego is well justified.”

“When you decide to come to my bedchamber, I want you to know whose sheets you’re climbing between. I want you to call out my name.”

“Prince of Darkness. King of the Wicked. I have been called many things, but I am no liar.”

“I’m honestly not sure. It’s a lot to absorb. You are the devil. Evil incarnate.” “Is that who you know me to be?” “Outside of this realm, it’s what the whole world thinks of you.” “I am not interested in what others think. Only you.” He stepped back and inclined his head. His movements stiff. “Thank you for your honesty. That is all I needed to hear, my lady.” “Wrath, wait. I—” He vanished in a glittering cloud of smoke.

“If I am, I would tell you that you are mine. That I am choosing you as my husband. There is no one I’d rather confront my demons with, no soul I’d travel through Hell with. And no one else I want standing beside me when I go to the Shifting Isles tomorrow.”