“What were you doing?”

“Arranging a surprise for you.”

“Another one? You’re spoiling me, demon. But maybe we could—”

“I can’t wait to show it to you.”

“Um, okay.” But after this, they would have their talk.

“Are you ready?” He clasped her elbow, his hand as cold as his lips. “Close your eyes.”

She trustingly did. He traced her somewhere musty and dank. Her ears twitched. Were those . . . rats squeaking?

“You can open your eyes.”

She frowned to find them inside a cramped cell in some kind of dungeon. “What is this, Abyssian?”

Face expressionless, he traced to the other side of the bars. “Your new castle accommodations. The tower was much too nice for you.”

And for my next trick . . . “This isn’t funny.”

“Isn’t it, Princess Calliope?”

Oh, shit! Her breath caught in her lungs. She finally managed to say, “Just wait, and let me explain.”

“No explanation necessary. I know you’re a spy for Nïx and Saetth—your fiancé. You came here determined to destroy me.”

“Yes, I did.” Surprise crossed his expression. Had he thought she’d deny it? “But then I got to know you. I learned not to fear you, learned to trust you.”

“If true, then I won this round, and all the rounds.”

“What are you talking about?”

He leaned his shoulder against the bars. “You always suspected I was setting you up for some trick, but you still let me enjoy you, let me use your body to rid myself of that problematic seal. You fell prey to the ultimate setup. Now that I have no seal, I have no need for you.”

How could he act this way just hours after what they’d shared? Could he truly have faked his feelings all night? She shook her head. “Bullshit. You feel more for me. Just like I feel more for you.”

Switching to Demonish, he said, “You were particularly suited to spy here—since you know my tongue.”

In English, she said, “I do. And I was sent here as a spy. But that doesn’t change what happened between us. Look at me, demon.” She pinned his gaze with her own. “I’m in love with you.”

Seeming to grow even more bored, he said, “Save it. I’ve heard all your lies. And I know that you’ve loved Saetth since you were a little girl. Just like Kari loved her fey king. History does repeat itself.”

“I did love Saetth. But then he killed my mother and father and exiled me to the mortal realm. He didn’t come see me there for that entire time.”

Abyssian exhaled. “More lies, princess? I delved into your dreams. I saw you kissing him in the mortal realm. Recently, in fact.”

“He finally showed up my last night there—the exact same night the Sorceri caught me,” she said, realizing that her story sounded far-fetched. “And I did kiss Saetth, to see what it’d be like. I found it lacking, but I didn’t care, because I was desperate to return home—so I wouldn’t be vulnerable to Rune. Saetth and Nïx offered me a deal. I would journey to hell to spy on you, learning about your alliance and Orion. After they extracted me, I would get to go back to Sylvan as queen.”

“I hate to be the one to tell you this . . .” Abyssian trailed off. “That’s not true; I relish telling you this: I have it on good authority that Saetth, the male you love, your ‘brave’ king, was in league with Nïx to sacrifice you. You were his virgin offering to the king of hell. No one was ever coming to extract you.”

So her cousin had known everything. She’d figured, but it still stung.

“Tonight he’s hosting a gala for the most powerful families from all the fey kingdoms. He’ll select one daughter from among them to be his bride.”

That prick had never intended to marry her. He’d sent her out to do his dirty work, then sat back to reap the rewards!

“What do you think about him now?”

“If all of this is true, then I think I’m going to kill him.”

“I’m not one to get in the middle of a lovers’ spat. I’d tell you that you two will work it out—but you’re never leaving this dungeon again.” He ran the backs of his claws across the bars. “Actually, now that I think about it, I should imprison him in here with you. After all, you are made for each other—socially, royally, sexually.”

She was too pissed to flinch. “Another prison? That’s your solution?” She bit out, “Get this through your thick demon skull: I—love—you.”

“It isn’t returned, little fey. Fooling you is my greatest trick of all. In this life, you are the one who’ll yearn for me. Do you really think I’d want something more from you—one of Magh’s descendants?”

“I’m so sick of paying for that!”

“Hmm.”

What did that mean? Grappling for control, she said, “Abyssian, you’re only saying these things because you’re angry. I get it—my temper’s about to blow. And I don’t do my best thinking when I’ve just been locked in a creepy dungeon. But let’s talk about this.”

“Angry? Do I look it? What color are my eyes?” They were green. And his lips curled with amusement. “I’m in a great mood. I always am on the brink of war.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Sylvan blood is soon to wet my ax, and I can hardly wait.” He conjured his weapon, twirling it in his hands.

No, he wouldn’t. . . . “You vowed to me—”

“That I wouldn’t attack your kingdom as long as you were my wife in truth. You no longer are, because we are no longer married. I have forsaken you forever.”

Shock stole her breath. Tears threatened, but she would never let him see how much this was breaking her heart. Karinna had gone emotionless with this demon? Lila could too.

Abyssian had seen nothing.

“You went from prisoner to queen right back to prisoner.” His grin deepened. “You wanted to match wits with me? You lost, Calliope. You lost everything.”

 

“We won’t come back from this.” She strode up to the bars, her teal eyes glinting. “Think very carefully about what you say next.”

When will I learn? He’d been tempted to seize on certain things she’d said, ignoring her blatant lies. “I’m only speaking the truth,” he told her. “Take comfort that you’re still a princess, because you’re no longer a queen. Of course, once I invade Sylvan, you won’t be a princess even there. In time, I’ll install one of my many demon heirs on the throne.”