Disgrace Read online

  Disgrace

  Kingdoms of Hell

  Kit Bladegrave

  Contents

  Dedication

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Afterword

  Dedication

  Thank you to the readers!

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  Disgrace

  A love story. Set in hell.

  The daughters of a god find themselves having to meet an obligation they didn’t count on. They have been pledged to marry the Princes of Hell. Hell hath no fury like a goddess forced to marry a prince of the Underworld. The Kingdoms of Hell Saga is just starting.

  Imagine this, you’re the daughter of Alric, a god who quite unwisely lost a battle to the King of the Underworld. Now, the terms of agreement that your father has to yield to so that he isn’t banished forever is to give your hand in marriage to one of the sons of the Underworld.

  This is Gabriella’s fate.

  A bastard son of the King of the Underworld, Holden’s been made a Prince of the Underworld. He’s only interested in the hellhounds he’s charged with caring for. This prince has no interest in humans and less of an interest in having a wife. He wants to be left alone in his realm—the Kingdom of Disgrace.

  He wants to be alone. Too bad.

  His father has betrothed him to the daughter of Alric, the god who started the war between gods.

  As if that wasn’t bad enough, his hellhounds are dying. They are being killed by other bastard sons of the king, ones that have not been granted a kingdom.

  His hellhounds dying, his kingdom at risk, and now his unwanted betrothed is in danger. The Prince of Disgrace’s life is no bed of roses.

  Beware: Unputdownable stories of love and redemption can be found in this series of swicked action-packed fantasy with gods, goddesses, demons, hellhounds, and all the accoutrement one expects to find in the Underworld.

  1

  Gabriella

  I smiled and clapped—with everyone else—as Irina and Ezra kissed. Their wedding had been beautiful, and though I was only one of two sisters who showed up, I was happy I’d come.

  Irina grinned as Ezra picked her off her feet and swung her around, his boisterous laughter turning into a call for food and drink and music. Jaspen greeted the couple with hugs and then the dancing started. All who knew Ezra seemed surprised by his behavior, and I heard whispers of how much he’d changed since the princess had come into his life. I was glad for Irina, for them both. This helped with some of my misgivings about what my own future marriage might turn out like.

  Some, not all. In the beginning, I’d been optimistic about it, as I always tried to be about everything in my life after going through so many dark times. But now, I found it hard to imagine myself standing with a prince who looked at me like Ezra stared at Irina.

  I stood near the edge of the room, holding my glass of wine and watching the festivities. Nell was in the center of the dance floor already, moving gracefully with anyone who came close. She beckoned me to join her, but I shook my head, not ready to show how clumsy I was in front of so many gathered.

  In front of him, if he was here.

  I’d come tonight mostly to support my sister, the first to get married because of this deal Jaspen and our father made after the war. A war that should never have happened. My hands held my glass firmly, and I worked at chasing those dark thoughts from my mind.

  No, I came tonight to try and set eyes on the Prince of the Underworld I was to wed.

  Holden.

  I was told he appeared more demon than man due to his bastard lineage but had yet to find him amongst the crowd of demons, gods, demis, and all other types of races of the Underworld gathered for Prince Ezra and Princess Irina. I didn’t know what he looked like, which failed to help matters, but heard no one saying his name. No demon came to introduce himself to me either.

  When I arrived in the Underworld this morning, I’d helped my older sister get ready and had asked if she was worried at all.

  She’d sighed and took my hands, a look of sheer love in her eyes. “Not one bit,” she’d told me. “Love is not simple, Gabriella, remember that, no relationship is.”

  “Wait, you love him?” I’d gasped, surprised. “How?”

  “It took some time, but Ezra and I… I feel like we were meant to be together, Gabby. I can’t really explain it, but I love him, and he loves me. We saved each other from ourselves these past few weeks.” Then she’d pulled me into a snug embrace and whispered, “You’ll see when it’s your turn. Just remember to give him a chance.”

  I was really the only other sister to walk into this situation with a positive outlook. It worked for Irina, so there was a chance my own marriage would be filled with just as much happiness and laughter. Irina and Ezra did not separate from each other throughout most of the reception, but I only half paid attention to them. I continued to scour the gathered faces, wondering which one was Holden. If he was even here, and perhaps watched me across the room. Studied me as I hoped to study him first, too. I liked to observe before acting, unlike Meris who charged in headfirst without thought or care for a plan, or stealth. But then again, she was the fighter in the family, and I was the huntress.

  “Sister!” Irina embraced me.

  “You look beautiful,” I told her again, her grin contagious. “This wedding, it’s all so fantastic. I am truly happy for you.”

  “I am glad to hear it, but why do you look so dour?”

  “No reason,” I lied, not wanting to take attention away from what should be a night all about Irina and Ezra, but she wasn’t having it.

  “Gabby, tell me, please?” she pouted until I sighed, breaking into a scowl.

  “I hoped to see Prince Holden here is all,” I admitted. “I wanted to meet him, or at least catch a glimpse of his face.” I wanted to know if he was handsome or not. Suave, maybe. Charming, perhaps. If he was going to drive me crazy or if he was a gentleman.

  Irina frowned. “I’m afraid Holden turned down our invitation.”

  “He did? Why?”

  “It’s a long story, one I don’t think I should be the one to tell, but,” she said, holding up her hand when I started to protest, “I promise it has nothing to do with you. He and Ezra have not gotten along these past few years.”

  I played with a long lock of my brown hair, pulled back in its many braids, nodding absently. “Yes, of course, that’s the reason.”

  “Gabby? Something you’re not telling me?” Irina asked, reaching up to still my hands. “What have I told you about doing that? You’re going to pull out your hair.”

  I hung my head. “I sent Holden a message… or several.”

  “When did you do this?”

  “The night after father told us about our fate. He’s not yet responded to any of them.” I chewed the inside of my cheek a bit too hard and winced, another horrible habit of mine. “What if he wants nothing to do with me? I’m not anything special, not like the rest of you.”

  Irina rolled her eyes. “You are, as much as you continually doubt yourself.”

  “I’m just a demi compared to you,” I point
ed out. “And not even one of the exciting ones.”

  “Says who?”

  I arched my brow at her. “Who do you think, sister?”

  “Just because you are not a warrior or an eccentric traveler, or… or whatever Nell is these days,” she mumbled as we both caught a glimpse of our baby sister in the center of the dance floor with several demons around her, all staring at her as if she was the only person in the room. “You do not have to be like our sisters, but you cannot stand there and doubt yourself. I won’t allow it, especially at my wedding. You have already done great things, and you will do many more still. Remember who you are, Gabby. Who brought you into this world.”

  I rolled my shoulders, not wanting to dredge up the past my sisters hardly knew anything about, because I refused to give them details. Except for Irina. She was the only one who knew most of my secrets only, so she would stop pestering me about why I was so depressed when I was younger. “You’re right, I’m sorry, we can speak of something else.”

  “No, no we’re speaking of this. Holden has not replied to anything?”

  I sighed, kicking myself for bringing it up, to begin with. “No, but he could be busy, or perhaps Hollis never had a chance to actually deliver the letters. They could have gotten lost.”

  Irina was shaking her head and opened her mouth to speak again, but Ezra was there behind her, pulling her in for a swift kiss. Inwardly, I melted to see how he held her so close and the love on their faces as the kiss deepened until they were both laughing, and I was clearing my throat, suddenly very warm.

  “You must be Princess Gabriella,” Ezra said when they finally parted.

  “I am. Pleasure to meet you, Prince Ezra.”

  He took my hand and kissed the back of it. “Please, we are family now, yes? Call me Ezra.”

  “Gabby, at least that’s what everyone else calls me,” I mumbled. “I think, I think I might just go for the night,” I said, trying to slip away, but Irina caught my arm. “Really, I’m certain it’s nothing.”

  “Something wrong?” Ezra asked, brow furrowing with concern.

  “It’s nothing you should worry about on your wedding day—” I told him.

  But Irina was already talking over me. “Holden has not replied to any of Gabby’s messages.”

  Ezra sighed, rubbing his forehead as he cringed. “That sounds like my brother, sadly.”

  “But why?” Irina pushed. “He could at least send a reply.”

  “He could, but that’s not his way.” He turned around slowly, eyes searching, but when he faced me again, I could tell from the look on his face Holden was, in fact, not here, though I’d hoped. “I will have a word with him tomorrow.”

  “No, no really,” I said quickly. “I don’t want to make trouble, I just… never mind.”

  I longed to leave the reception now and was working on any excuse to do so when Nell suddenly rushed us, hugging me, then Irina fiercely as she giggled.

  “Why won’t you come dance with me?” she pouted, tugging on my hand.

  “You seemed to be enjoying yourself, you can continue to do so without me,” I told her, prying my hand out of her grip.

  She sighed dramatically, flipping her hair over her shoulder. “You are never any fun.”

  Irina and I both glared at Nell at the same time, but she was oblivious to it as always. I waited impatiently for her to take off again for the dance floor, but she stayed right by my side as if suddenly attached at the hip.

  “You can go on without me,” I said pointedly.

  “No, I think I’ll stay with you for a while.”

  “Well, I am getting ready to leave.”

  “You are?” Nell and Irina asked at the exact same time.

  “Why so soon?” Irina smiled warmly at me. “Please stay here for a few nights. You are more than welcome to visit.”

  “Yes, absolutely,” Ezra confirmed. “Any of you may stay here any time you wish.”

  I glanced around the hall one more time, so filled with a cheer that I no longer felt. “What if I return in a few days’ time and we can speak more of this situation then.”

  Irina nodded enthusiastically and hugged me again. “Have faith, little sister. And do not doubt yourself. Whatever that prince is thinking, I doubt it has anything to do with you directly. Trust me, our first meeting was not exactly… perfect,” she added, glancing at her new husband.

  Ezra barked a laugh. “No, it was not.” He took Irina by the hand and bade us goodbye before he led his new wife back into the dancing.

  “I can’t believe we’re all going to be like that soon,” Nell whined.

  “Married? I thought you would be happy to have a husband.” I started to make my way toward the door to the hall.

  “Why would I want that?” she exclaimed loudly.

  “One person to give you attention for the rest of your days together? To care for you and be there for you, to make you laugh and smile and love you until the end of time,” I said softly, a strong yearning to have what Irina did growing in me. “Who doesn’t want that?”

  “Yes well, maybe for Irina, or you, but I am going to put this wedding off as long as possible.”

  “I wish you luck with that, but truly, sister, I’m tired, and I’m going home.”

  “You’re never any fun!” she repeated louder as if that would change my mind.

  I shrugged, not sure what else she expected me to say, and left the hall. The music trailed away behind me, and I exited the castle, taking my time walking to the mirrors set up to accommodate so many gods traveling from their realm. I neared the one to the left, ready to return to my temple in the human kingdom, since I was a demi who refused to stay in the god realm.

  I stopped short.

  A warm breeze ruffled my violet skirts, and I turned to see a hellhound standing guard in the moonlight at the edge of the garden path. His red eyes locked onto mine and he shook out his furry neck.

  I grinned. “Are you bored?” I walked to his side.

  At first, he growled at me, baring fangs as his eyes flared red. I wasn’t afraid, though I stopped walking, holding out my hand for him. I ran with wolves the same size as these hounds nearly every night in Channon, the human kingdom I resided in. No hellhound would ever frighten me. His lips remained pulled back, but he approached, sniffing my fingers. The hackles on his back instantly lowered as he nuzzled my hand, licking my palm happily.

  “See? Not so bad,” I said, and he grumbled in reply.

  He plopped his massive form down on the stones and yawned, as if to say yes, he was indeed bored of his guard duty. I scratched his head, and he leaned into me, nearly toppling us both over. My fingers rubbed over his black fur as he grinned at me, looking a bit silly.

  “Not so ferocious after all, huh, big guy?” I mused.

  I’d seen hellhounds a few times, but always kept my distance because everyone else seemed so wary of the beasts. No one was around right now, and I let him fall right into my lap as I sat on the stone path, giving the hound some apparently much-needed attention. I was always happier with animals over people, or at least demis and gods. So many were full of themselves, it got a bit old after a while. My mother had been a healer and a witch amongst her tribe when Alric seduced her into coupling with him during one long, freezing winter. He acted as one sick, and she took him in. The moment she found she was with child, he’d revealed himself, but instead of being thrilled, my mother, Tori, was furious. She believed the gods were selfish beings and had wanted nothing to do with them.

  My hands stilled in the hound’s fur as my mind turned back to those dark few years.

  Tori had wanted nothing to do with me either, after a while. I was six, maybe seven, when one day she said she was going to the next village over to help the sick there. She never returned.

  My own flesh and blood had left me to die because of the blood running through my veins. If not for the villagers in Channon taking me in, I would have died. Not as if Alric was ever there for me. He appe
ared once or twice throughout the years as I grew up but did nothing else for me. When I was old enough, I returned to Tori’s cabin in the woods and fixed it up, redid the garden and planted more herbs. I studied the art of healing and tonics, learning how to take care of myself. I replaced my mother for the kingdom of Channon, and when I became their new official deity, they welcomed me with open arms.

  During the war, I had remained with my people, taking care of them, healing them the best I could. Though Alric had wanted me to side with him, I remained as neutral as possible. As did Irina. Neither one of us had wanted any part of so much death. I only killed to survive, not to take down an enemy that should never have been my enemy.

  The hound, as if sensing my sorrow, nudged my arm as his tongue lolled out the side of his mouth, making me smile again.

  “I know, it’s in the past, yes? I should just forget it all.”

  And I had been doing well moving on, focusing on my people and the animals with which I spent my free time in the woods. I’d been doing just fine until Alric summoned us and told us we would be wed within a year. To Princes of the Underworld. I’d be lying if I said I did not dream of having a happily ever after, but after not hearing anything back from Holden, that bright future slipped further and further away. I was used to disappointment in my life, used to betrayal. Used to nothing going my way. I was better off alone, not the most sociable of my sisters, though I was usually the most light-hearted. Probably because I decided that was from keeping my distance from other gods and demis. Not getting involved. It was always the best option.