Hell.
All of the buildings were crafted of white stone and situated on different levels of the earth, reminding me of Mykonos, Greece. Even the streets were gleaming white, gray stones embedded into the pathways. Such stunning beauty should not be present in Hell. It seemed unfair, but this was the Court of Envy, and its name said it all.
“Whatever you do, stay out of the water. It’s poisonous,” Ashor whispered near my ear, his breath a welcome chill over my warm skin.
Of course something so beautiful would be lethal. This was the underworld.
My stomach twisted as we approached the castle, passing through the heart of the city. The castle itself was nestled on the far south side, higher up the valley so the queen overlooked her faithful subjects. Dozens of pristine white steps steered us to the arched front doors. Columns flanked either side in rows down the long corridor that looked to wrap around the entire perimeter of the castle.
Ashor nodded to two demons on either side of the doors. They looked human and bowed their heads in return to the prince, keeping their gazes lowered for a brief moment.
“Welcome to Gardeness,” Verena purred, sweeping open both doors. The balmy air blew, fluttering the white curtains throughout the grand entryway.
Ashor slipped a hand into his pocket. “Your hospitality is appreciated.”
Had he been hit in the head? Why was he acting as if we were her guests instead of the prisoners we were? Was he hoping to kill her with kindness? Because I had it on good faith that shit didn’t work down here. But if you thought about it, kindness would make one hell of a weapon against demons.
Verena laughed, a cruel sound. “We have much to discuss, Prince. Why don’t we get comfortable first?” She gestured to a room on her left.
Countless open windows overlooked the city and the river below, carrying traces of sea and salt into the air. In the center of the room was a gurgling fountain of a naked woman spilling a pot of water into the pool. Without Verena saying a word, human servants breezed into the room, laying out trays of food and pitchers of spirits.
“You always do know how to make a guest feel welcome,” Ashor drawled, but I sensed the lie rolling off his tongue. He might look like the epitome of a relaxed demon male, but the prince was poised to strike on a second's notice.
“I can’t get over how different it is than the Fortress,” I muttered, still taking in the simplicity yet beauty of Verena’s castle. How unfair that a demon should live in such refinement.
The queen made herself comfortable in an oversize chair made of rich and plush fabric. “Gardeness does have a flair the Court of Darkness could never pull off.”
Still alert and distrustful, the prince reached for a decanter of wine situated on top of a glass serving cart and poured a glass, taking a long pull. “You got me here, Verena, so tell me, what it is you want from me?” he boldly asked, refilling his glass before reclining in a seat.
“Is it true your mother is readying for war between the courts?” she inquired, all pleasantries out of the way.
Ashor lifted his glass at her, a twisted smirk on his lips. “Direct, as always. You know that my mother doesn’t consult me in such decisions. If you wanted that information, you should have requested one of her commanders.”
I ran my fingers along the table, too on edge to sit, but Ashor, sensing my restlessness, pulled me down into his lap. “Have a seat, luv,” he murmured into my ear.
A vein at her temple throbbed. “Cut the bullshit, Ashor. We both know your mother has long coveted the position of Supreme.”
He laid a hand over the top of my thigh, coolness seeping through the material of my pants. “Supreme hasn’t been a position in Hell since long before I was born,” he said.
“You are not that old, Prince. Not compared to the years I’ve seen.”
My back relaxed against him, comforted by the lazy strokes his fingers traced on my legs. I craved his touch and wanted to be anywhere but here; ideally somewhere alone with a bed.
He offered me a sip of his drink, which I gladly took. “True, but you have aged gracefully,” he told the queen.
“Perhaps the mortal queen has something to say on the matter? It’s a shame she couldn’t stay.” The queen gave me a pointed look, but I