“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she whimpers.
“The fuck you don’t,” I growl. I pull back, glowering down at her. “Stay here, little Princess. I need to have a word with your father.”
I leave her in the red, velvet armchair, and slam the door behind me. I don’t bother locking her in, there’s nowhere else for the girl to go. I magic myself to the mortal kingdom of Ryrn, to the throne room I stood in less than an hour before. The room is filled with opulence and elegance. The floor is checkered marble, gilded gold columns support the high, arched ceiling. It’s a room I’ve been in only twice before. Once to secure a promise, and once more to fulfill it.
Her father isn’t in here, but I’m not surprised. It’s night now, and the palace is quiet. I slink through the halls, hardly making a sound. I stretch out my magic in search of Alban and finally find him in his study. He starts when I throw the door open and saunter through. I stuff my hands in my pockets and toss him a wicked grin. Alban rises, putting on an angry grimace even though I can sense his fear. He knows exactly why I’m here.
“Kane,” Alban says sternly, as if I’m a child. “What is the meaning of this intrusion?”
“I have a better question: did you truly think I wouldn’t notice you violated our agreement?” I keep my voice dangerously low.
His jowls shake. “I have done no such thing.”
"No? Then explain how your youngest daughter came to be in my bedchambers," I demand.
He flinches at the mention of my chambers, likely imagining the worst. “Our agreement was for a daughter –”
“Your eldest daughter,” I hiss.
“What does it matter?” He snaps. “You don’t know any of them. What is one in comparison to the other?”
I clench my hands into fists at my side. Of course, the fool has no idea. “It matters because it’s what we agreed.”
“Have you said the words? Made the vows?” Alban asks.
My lips twist into a furious scowl. “They’re meaningless.”
“They are not,” he says insistently. “According to the old ways, you are bound to Briar now for at least the three months before your wedding.”
“Damn you, Alban,” I say through gritted teeth. He’s right. The old traditions are absolute, as are my vows. He crosses his arms, looking smug. “You’re a fool, Alban.”
“It seems to me that you are,” he quips, taking a seat.
I grin wickedly, cold, calculated anger cooling me. “Oh, poor, mortal creature. You think you’re clever, playing with the Gods? I promise you this, I will end you. I will fill you with such guilt and horror that you won’t be able to even look yourself in the eye; much less your daughters’. I will break Briar. I will rend her spirit and shred it into fine threads. And then I will rebuild her, shape her into a creature of irrevocable sorrow. And it will be because of you,” I murmur. The words coil together, forming a vow only I can rescind.
“You–” Alban sputters, half-rising.
I turn away, pushing back into the hall. A tall woman with brunette hair like her father stands in the hall, looking shocked. I leer at her, studying her willowy figure. I glance over my shoulder towards Alban, still at a loss for words. “I should thank you, Briar’s prettier than her by half,” I say, grinning.
Rose gapes at me, uttering a shocked gasp. I give her a wink before calling on my magic to carry me back to my own realm. The world tips upside down for an instant before righting itself. I stand still, shoulders heaving. Anger coils in my chest like a heavy lead. There's a reason I limit my dealings with mortals. This incident with Alban, in particular, has left a vile taste in my mouth. I saved his wife, I seethe. I saved her and this is how he repays my gift to him. I curl my lip disgustedly at the door leading to my room where Briar is waiting. I'll certainly have my revenge, and this will be the last time I take pity on mortal fools.
Chapter 3
Briar
I tiptoe through the halls of Kane’s castle, unsure of myself. There’s an odd scent throughout the entire castle, like the heavy scent of roses mingled with something else. I’m starting to wonder if the entire Underworld smells like it. I glance out an arched window as I make my way towards the dining hall. Outside, the Underworld is in perpetual sunset until the sun finally disappears beyond the horizon. The sky is a wash of fiery oranges and reds, with black clouds swept across it.
From what I’ve seen of the Underworld from here, there’s a city surrounding the castle, just outside its walls. How a realm of spirits and the dead can be populated I don’t understand. I turn my gaze back down the hall, growing more nervous by the minute. The floors are dark wood, almost black, and red wallpaper decorates the walls. It’s all very morbid. So different from the light and airy palace back home.
My hearts twists painfully in my chest at the thought of home. I’ve been here a single night and I’m already homesick. Father would be disappointed. I catch sight of a gargoyle sculpture in a niche and bite back a yelp. As if this place wasn’t frightening enough. I square my shoulders, picturing my family’s face in my mind, and try to be brave. It’s difficult though, when I’ve been wandering the castle for almost half an hour in search of the dining hall.
Kane requested me to join him, saying he would love to have me for dinner. I’m still not sure if I’m on the menu. His dark, endless eyes flash through my mind, filled
