Envy: Kingdoms of Hell, #1

By Kit Bladegrave

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 Irina's fate.

She and her six sisters—some are half-sisters, really, but who's counting, when parentage involves gods and mortals?—have been promised to the sons of Hell. Literally.

The one that Irina's promised to?

The sharp-tongued, brutally honest Ezra, the Prince of Envy, who loves creating drama among the mortals.

Irina has her own battles to deal with, the darker side of herself that's more like a father she doesn't want to emulate. A struggle she wishes she didn't have to face as often as she does.

How do you make nice with a Prince of Hell? You don't.

Until you see something about him that you like. Kind of. A little bit. Until you try to save his life from the darkness that threatens to consume it.

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.

• Language: English
• Publisher: KitBla
• Release date: May 11, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393896685

Book preview

1

Irina

The sweet scent of burning beeswax candles mixed with fresh lavender brought in from the spring fields met my nose before I even left my home.

I stepped through the large, silver-framed, ornate mirror, my portal from the gods realm into the human kingdom of Makaria. I breathed in deeply. Spring was a very short season, but the humans in this kingdom made the most of it, with a little help from me—and the other gods, of course.

Makaria and all its inhabitants had been in my charge ever since the civil war came to an end. The war. I sighed. Not a human war. No, a godly one that sadly enough spilled over into the human world.

The other five kingdoms suffered worse than mine, but still, the scars were evident.

I walked slowly through the humble stone temple that had stood for hundreds of years. Long ago, it used to be dedicated to another goddess, but the war claimed her life, and I was given patron status of the temple these last few years.

Ours—that of the gods and the citizens—was a strained relationship at first, but I’d proven my caring nature to these people, and that was not about to change. None of the gods were all powerful, but we used our strengths to guide the mortals the best we could. I picked up one of the lavender stems and ran it under my nose, smiling as I saw the other small gifts and tokens of respect and admiration left behind. Bright orange and red lilies, the first of spring. A few small hand-carved trinkets of the horses Makaria was proud to breed.

I might be a full-blooded goddess, but this… this was my home.

Many of the gods within our world visited the human world of Dor’Klens, but not all cared for it the same way. Nor for the people. The gods came and did what needed to be done. Blessed the land, the crops, ensured the people in the harsher climates could manage a living where the warm season lasted barely half the year, and the remainder was cold with enough snow to bury villages.

The creaking of the front door drew my attention, and I turned to find two teen girls entering my temple. They were giggling as they walked in, carrying baskets of flowers. I remained invisible to their eyes, listening as they talked about one of the village boys. Love, it was so bountiful this time of year. As I passed them, I gently brushed my hand along both their shoulders in blessing and walked outside into the bright sunshine.

The village outside the castle of Makaria’s ruling family bustled with life. People smiled and laughed, enjoying the warmth of the sun as they shed their winter furs for lighter cotton shirts and dresses, ranging in colors from reds to blues. Everywhere, green grass grew, stretching out into pastures. Crops planted last fall were coming in now that the winter cold had been chased away.

I walked through the village streets, blessing all I passed, and only when an older woman dropped the basket of fresh lavender did I reveal myself.

I reached her and bent low as I helped scoop the long stems back up.

Oh, the older woman gasped in surprise. Irina, you don’t have to help with this.

I smiled at her and continued helping. It’s my duty to help all under my care. I placed the lavender back in the basket, picked it up and handed it to her.

She took it with a grateful nod, and I noticed others around us stopping and whispering my name.

All is well, yes? the old woman asked quietly.

Yes, there is no reason to worry.

Many of the older generation had lost loved ones in the gods’ civil war and tended to be suspicious when I made myself visible. The old woman didn’t have to say it, but the fear was in her eyes that the war wasn’t over as the gods had sworn that it was.

All those responsible for the warring were being held accountable, a fact that did cause me discomfort. I decided it was best to move on before my sudden discomfort became evident. I raised my hands in blessing to them all and let myself slip from their view.

A few continued to search for me, but I moved away from the village center toward the pastures where the horses grazed. Great black and white beasts with sleek fur and solid, muscled bodies. Two painted foals raced each other in the fields, and an old grey mare whinnied, trotting toward the fence where I stood.

Hello, old girl, I whispered, running my hand down her nose. You appear in good spirits.

As she should, another voice said.

I turned around.

Hollis, another god, older than me, and one of the many messengers for the ruling pantheon in our realm stood in front of me.

Spring should be a happy time.

And it will be, I insisted, worried as I glanced at his drawn face, his brown hair pulled back in a long plait. You have a message for me?

His face relaxed into an easy smile. Easy, Irina, you have been given charge of Makaria by Jaspen and the other ruling gods for a reason. They are not going to take it away from you. Not now, not ever. You are not your father; they know this.

I sighed in relief and let my gaze wander to the mountains in the distance, creating the border between Makaria and its neighboring Kingdom of Foux, another realm in the care of one of my five sisters. We each had been given our charge at the same time. The gods told us it was because too many of the older were wounded, and they believed it was time, even in our young age, to take up the mantle of responsibility. My younger sisters might have believed the gods’ words, but Petra and I, the two oldest at the age of twenty-one, knew the truth. Jaspen—King of the Underworld and a god himself—wanted to keep an eye on the six daughters of the god who started the civil war. Our father, Alric. He was the guilty party. So, Jaspen wanted to keep a close watch on us, just in case, one—or more—of us decided to rebel, too. I would never think of it, and though I loved my father, I did not personally forgive him for his actions.

His war cost the lives of so many innocents, innocents he was meant to watch over. Not to mention, those of his own family and other gods. But, he was still my father at the end of the day, and I would continue to be a dutiful daughter.

To a point.

I know, I finally replied, still absently petting the grey mare. What message do you have?

Comes from Jaspen. He has summoned you and your sisters to meet with Alric.

Why would Jaspen want us to meet with our father? What for? I asked, my happy mood from the morning starting to slip away.

That is something your father will have to tell you. I’m just the messenger, as always.

Thank you, Hollis.

He will be expecting you at his residence by sundown. He rested a hand on my shoulder, and I covered it with my own, appreciating the comfort. All will be well, Irina.

I hope so, but where Alric is concerned, I fear my hope is somewhat lacking.

Understandable. He gave my shoulder a squeeze and then he was gone, taken away by the warm breeze rustling the tall grasses of the pasture.

I longed to stay with the horses, but my duties called to me and I left the old grey mare for the fields being planted. I was not a goddess of the harvest, but one of compassion and kindness. I sowed those traits into the very soil as it was tilled in the fields yet to be planted. I also blessed the crops already growing. I moved on from the fields back to the village, reaching out to those in pain and in need of comfort. Some had lost relatives and friends this past winter, dying from the cold or sickness that I hadn’t been able to chase away. My power was limited, as was it for all the gods. Not even we could stop death from calling. I comforted them silently and without being seen for I was no longer in a mood to speak with anyone. Not if I had to face my father.

Before I departed for Prestigen, the kingdom watched over by my youngest sister Nell—where Father now resided—I felt the need to speak with the King and Queen of Makaria.

I closed my eyes, listening for and hearing the queen’s prayers, letting them pull me to her inside the castle. Queen Piper was on her knees in her chambers, her hands clasped together. Tears streamed down her cheeks.

Irina, please hear me, she pleaded, I fear for the future of our family. Please, if you can hear me, I need your guidance.

Piper, I said quietly.

She jumped as I made myself visible.

I took her hands in mine. What troubles you, my Queen? The King, he’s not ill, is he? And you, you seem in good health and spirits.

Her fingers trembled in mine as I knelt with her on the floor. Irina, I’m afraid… for the babe.

She rested her hands on her belly, and I did the same, feeling the life growing within her, strong and true. I knew what she had lost already, two miscarriages that had devastated her husband. Their love was pure, though, and I rested my hands more firmly on her belly.

Piper, your baby is strong and filled with life and the love you two bear, I assured her as I helped her to her feet. Please, do not trouble yourself with worry.

But the others. She looked more her age of twenty-five than her typical visage of the regal queen who put on a strong face for her people. In a way, we were friends. I spoke to her often, and there were many evenings we whiled away the hours laughing and drinking sweet wine. I can’t help but see what happened before, and dream about it.

And I’m certain Lloyd tells you to stop overthinking, I said.

She laughed as she nodded, wiping away tears.

That he does.

Then listen to him. He loves you and this child, it’s safe.

She squeezed my hands, but I went ahead and pulled her into a hug. Thank you, Irina, your presence helps all of us so much. I hope you know that.

I do, I replied and stepped back.

She frowned. What is it?

Nothing that you need to trouble yourself with, I said, but she planted her hands on her hips and arched her brow at me, the same look she gave Lloyd when he thought he could get away with not worrying his wife over something or another with the kingdom. It’s my father, I finally told her. I have been summoned to see him at sundown.

Will your sisters be there with you?

They will, but I don’t know what it’s for and though he’s my father, being around him reminds me of all the pain he put so many of our people through. Your people, I mumbled. But, if I’m summoned then I must go.

At least you can rest easy knowing you are nothing like him.

I nodded, but I feared turning out like him every day. Out of all his children, I was the one who was the most beautiful, same raven black hair and blue eyes. He was after all the god of beauty, and I was considered among most a rare vision. Or so it was said. I was compassionate, loving, never raised my voice or gave in to anger or violence.

But Alric had caused a civil war amongst the gods. He was my father, and his blood ran through my veins. Once upon a time, he too had been loved by all and seen as one who cared for mortals and the gods. Treated them like family. And then he turned on them. No matter what I went through in my life, I swore never to be like him. Not to give in, not to let my emotions get out of my control. I strived to be like my mother, a goddess of serenity. She was calm, peaceful. I would be like her always. I had to be. Polite, poised. Only thinking of others.

Irina? Piper asked with a worried tone.

Sorry, lost in thought. I studied her face, searching for any remaining doubt that her baby would make it full term, but her spirits had lifted. She was quite a beauty herself with hazel eyes and dark brown hair that hung to her waist, but her looks were not why Lloyd chose her, a commoner, as his bride. She was fearless and strong. Showed her anger only when necessary, but she could control it. The perfect queen.

Traits I didn’t have and would not let myself have. Not if I could help it.

I must be going, I sighed as I noticed the sun starting to sink along the horizon. I will return for a visit soon.

Good. There is quite a stock of sweet wine that someone should enjoy. She squeezed my hand one more time, then she stepped back, and I wisped out of sight.

I manifested back at my temple and breathed in the lavender one final time to give me strength, then I stepped up to the full-size mirror and pressed my palm to it. I closed my eyes and pictured my sister’s temple in Prestigen. The glass shimmered, and I walked through, stepping out into a very different temple. Bright flowers and silks covered the space from wall to wall. Cushions lined the floor, and empty pitchers lay scattered, as were goblets and platters of half-eaten food.

Nell, when are you going to learn? I whispered to myself as I stepped around the mess, holding up the blue skirt of my flowing dress as I did.

Nice to see one of us is still enjoying her life.

I paused until a shadow separated from the far wall. Petra.

She waved at me briefly then glanced around the temple, annoyed. Though she was only a demigod, she acted like a full-blooded one. Where I was quiet and polite, Petra was outspoken and loud. Most of the time.

Looks like we missed quite the fun evening, she said as I joined her near the door leading out.

When isn’t it, with that girl?

My, Irina, are you envious?

I bristled. Of course not, I lied, shoving down that exact emotion that flared up, but envy led to anger. There was no room for either in my world. I just wish she would start taking her duties a bit more seriously.

Oh, come now, it’s good to let loose sometimes.

I gave her a blank look. Your definition of sometimes seems to be as often as Nell’s.

She shrugged and snaked her arm through mine, leading me out the door. We’re young, remember? We’re allowed to have some fun.

And we have duties as well, though I seem to be one of the few who actually cares.

Don’t say that. Gabriella cares, she argued. And Meris.

Meris? Meris is only happy if she’s starting a brawl somewhere or running her sword through an enemy’s gut, I said with a cringe. Have you spoken to Remi recently?

Petra hung her head, kicking at a rock with her barefoot as we walked. No. Honestly, she’s too depressing for me to deal with.

Petra!

What? It’s true. It’s been almost three years, and she looks as if we’re still in the war.

Her mother died, I reminded her. A lot of gods died. They were close and Alric… I sighed. Alric has done very little in trying to help her find closure.

I offered to stay with her for a while, but all she did was cry during the night and stare at nothing during the day. How she manages to do anything for the people of Drear I haven’t the slightest idea. She continued to ramble on about our poor sister, but I was used to her talking far too much and tuned her out, throwing in a random nod when I felt a break in her speech. And here we are.

We stopped outside of a tiny cabin on the outskirts of the village where our father had been banished to live out all eternity for his crimes. He was no longer a god except for his immortality. All his other power was stripped, and he could only serve those mortals he tried to use for his wicked scheming to take over the realm of the gods. I was almost certain they would have killed him, but Jaspen showed mercy instead. Mercy that came with strings, of course. The six of us knew we were being watched closely by his spies to ensure none of us tried to pick up where Alric left off. He was also banned from having any visitors except his six daughters.

Are the others here already? I was stalling, not ready to go inside and see Alric.

Most likely. Shall we? I’m dying to know what this is about.

I considered coming up with a reason to leave, but Petra was opening the door, and I had no choice except to follow. Firelight glowed from inside the cabin, and I heard my sisters greeting Petra followed by the boisterous voice of our father. Reminding myself to stay as poised as I always was, I walked inside and was immediately enveloped in a hug by Gabriella, followed by Nell. Meris was next, picking me up off my feet in the way she always did that drove me insane. I might be the second oldest, but I was the smallest out of my sisters.

Your armor is killing me, I muttered, and she finally set me back on my feet. Must you wear that everywhere? I complained.

She glanced down at the black armor overlaid with red and brown leather. It suits me.

Yes, that it does.

Meris stepped aside with a haughty laugh, already chatting with Petra.

And there stood Alric, in the flesh, right in front of me. His black hair was braided beautifully, and his blue eyes shone in a way that told me whatever he was about to tell us tonight, we were not going to like.

Father, I said, and he pulled me into a hug that I forced myself to return.

Irina. My fair Irina. I have not seen you in some time, daughter, he said, not trying to hide his annoyance.

I’ve been busy with my duties.

Yes, your duties, but your sisters have all made time to come see me.

I will try to visit more, father, you have my word.

The smile disappeared from his eyes though it lingered on his face. I will hold you to that. Please, take a seat with your sisters. There is much we need to discuss this evening.

I walked around him and took a seat at the round table next to Remi. How are you, sister?

She turned her dull blue eyes to me, so lacking in life. If she weren’t moving, I would have thought she had actually died.

When I figure it out myself, I’ll tell you, she said quietly.

I held her hand, trying to give her any sort of comfort I could, but then Alric was sitting down and clearing his throat loudly. His eyes narrowed on Remi, and I swore I saw his lip lift in disgust for a split second, then he beamed at all six of us. His six daughters. Whatever he was about to tell us seemed to be putting him in a better mood than he’d been in the last three years, since the end of the war, and I resituated myself nervously in my chair.

As you know, at the end of the conflict, a deal was struck with the other gods. He tapped his fingers loudly on the table. I made several concessions, but the most important part of the deal was struck with Jaspen.

I raised a brow and said nothing. Not a single damned