Wrath Read online

  Wrath

  Seven Deadly Sins Saga

  Jade Royal

  Contents

  Other Works by Jade Royal

  Prologue

  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

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Afterword

  Copyright © 2020 by Jade Royal

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  Other Works by Jade Royal

  African American Romance

  Love is Worth the Sacrifice (Completed Series)

  Two Halves of a Broken Heart

  How Deep is Your Love? (Completed Series)

  Seduced: Her Sweetest Obsession (Completed Series)

  Savior and Sycret: A Forbidden Love (Completed Series)

  Goodbye Love

  Hello Love

  Stolen (Romantic Suspense)

  Paranormal Romance

  Phoenix Pack Beast Series

  Saved by a Beast (Phoenix Pack Paranormal Book 1)

  Craved by a beast (Phoenix Pack Paranormal Book 2)

  Confessions of a beast (Phoenix Pack Paranormal Book 3)

  The Heart of a beast (Phoenix Pack Paranormal book 4)

  Raised by a Beast (Phoenix Pack: The next Generation book 1)

  Becoming a Beast (Phoenix Pack: The next Generation Book 2)

  Betrayed by a Beast (Phoenix Pack: The next Generation Book 3)

  In love with a Beast (Phoenix Pack: The next Generation Book 4)

  Forever with a Beast (Phoenix Pack: The Finale)

  Legacy (Rise of the Hybrids Spin off)

  The Legacy Continues (Rise of the hybrids spin off)

  The Legacy Reigns (Rise of the hybrids spin off)

  The Final Legacy (Rise of the hybrids spin off)

  Siren Series

  Snatching the Soul of a Siren (Completed Series)

  The Lost Soul of a Siren

  Vampires

  SUCKulence

  SUCKulust

  Year 780. Emberdom, Kosmos.

  “Son. I implore you to see the importance of this event. This is what will save our clan for the future. Can you understand that?” The stormy gaze of fire was prominent on Killeon Thorn’s face. Those eyes pierced through eyes that matched his own.

  “Sire, I understand the severity of this event as well as anyone because it is only me that is being affected! We have decades before any harm can come to our clan, before we can even think we’re going to die out. Why now? Why are you imposing this on me now?” Kapono Thorn glared right back at his father. Even though the male was imposing, Kapono was raised not to show fear, even if the person opposing him well outmatched his strength.

  “Kapono. Come here.” Killeon stood from his golden throne, sighing as if old age ailed him. Grunting lowly, Kapono entered the throne room completely. His boots tapped against the stone, the only sound echoing around them. When Kapono approached his father, the man gave him a warm smile. They stood at the same six foot height, with the same blistering, violet eyes.

  “Let me show you something,” Killeon said, turning away from Kapono. His black cloak fanned the floor as he turned around swiftly and started towards the back of the throne room. Kapono followed his father through the floor to ceiling double doors that led out onto the balcony of their castle.

  The castle overlooked their homeland, with skies of scarlet that made the land below them look as if they were bathed in a red shadow. They were at one of the highest floors of the castle, so looking down on the land made everything seem small, yet vast. Kapono could see trolly’s moving with rickety wheels, as horses strode gallantly in front of them. People were walking by the castle, some looking up at its greatness, others not paying it any attention. Ever since his father took the throne, Killeon had disbanded the gates that closed off the castle from the people. Others thought it was insane for a king to do so, but in hindsight, Emberdom was the royal capitol of Fireland. Those that dwelled in Emberdom were amongst prestige even if they weren’t the ruling family. It was those outside of Emberdom that posed threat, although these days, no one really caused any fuss. This was a time of peace.

  “Kosmos is one of the greatest countries of our time, son. This country is proof of the existence of the four elementals,” Killeon explained.

  “Father. I know my history. You’ve drilled it into me enough times as a child. Kosmos is the land of the great four elements. Fire, earth, air, and water. All four of those things make up Kosmos.” Killeon chuckled and nodded.

  “You are right. You know your history well. I guess I should get to my point.” Killeon stroked his dark, thick beard.

  “Emberdom is the capitol of Fireland. As the royal family, we don’t only rule Emberdom, we rule the entire Fireland state. However, the time will come where my phase as king will cease. It will be you, Kapono that will take over the reign as King. You’re the only heir to the throne.”

  “This I am well aware of father. Since I was a teen, it was made evident that I would be the only heir. However, I don’t see the haste in—”

  “We’re the royal family Kapono because our dragon blood is the strongest of any dragon clan in Emberdom, or even in Fireland. Period. However. I’ve been fortunate enough to father a son who has unspeakable dragon power. Even more than any other descendant of the red fire dragon. I am weakening. I know you have felt the decline in my power. And do not lie about it.” Killeon looked at his son, waiting for an answer.

  “I have felt your power decline. Yes. But that’s nature, is it not? We must grow old, sometime. Even if it takes decades. We may age slowly, but we’re not immortal. After all this time father, I assume your power would naturally begin to simmer down. That is life,” Kapono shrugged.

  “And the cycle must continue Kapono. You have the most potency of dragon power in your blood at this point in time Kapono. Our enemies do not know this however. Just me, you, and your mother.”

  “Enemies? We have enemies now? When did this occur? Have we been attacked in some way? Why have I been kept in the dark?!” Kapono demanded to know.

  “Please. Keep calm. We have not been attacked. Yet.”

  “What are you saying? Some other clan is lying in wait to somehow think to assassinate you to become the ruler?”

  “That is exactly what I am saying. A formal threat was made. Because of my dwindling power, other clans assume that I am no longer adequate to rule. If a war between clans erupt, our allies may not fight by our side because they too think my weakness will ruin this kingdom. There was only way to keep one of our alliances.” Killeon hung his head slightly. Kapono connected the dots himself.

  “This is why the arranged marriage between myself and a female of another clan was created,” Kapono said. His father nodded.

  “She is also the only heir of the leaders of her clan and possesses a high quality of dragon power. When she became of age to take a husband, no man in her clan could seem to measure up. When the threat occurred and I realized that I would have to nudge you to taking a wife and producing an heir to keep our allies and protect this kingdom, I thought of her immediately. I went to speak with both her and her parents. As you may assume, she was not quite happy of
this arranged marriage, but she would do whatever necessary to protect her clan and this kingdom. I tell you all of this with hopes that you would understand the severity of the arranged marriage and agree to it just as she did.”

  Kapono felt himself grunting again, steam passing through his nose. The fire that burned inside of him that signified his being as a descendant of a dragon was a burn that he associated with his life. His skin had always been hot, his lungs had always been equipped to spout fire, and his eyes always seem to burn with the flame of his ancestry.

  Below them, carriages began to approach the front of the castle, dropping people off. With the sun beginning to set, Kapono figured it was time.

  “The gala will soon start my son. Have you taken my words into consideration? Are you prepared to do this for your kingdom?” Killeon asked. As the sole heir of the kingdom, it only made sense that Kapono would have to make a sacrifice such as this. He never thought it would come so soon, or that he would be faced with the weakness of the man who raised him. It was proof that time stopped for no one.

  “So, I’m to marry this woman and produce an heir?” Kapono asked. Killeon nodded.

  “How long do I have?” Kapono posed the question and saw the slight hesitation in his father.

  “Oh no. Father. What have you done?” Kapono asked.

  “This gala was created for you to meet your future bride, Kapono.”

  “Yes. And what else is there?”

  “The gala was also created as a way for you to announce your betrothal.” Kapono’s fists burst into flames.

  “What?!! The same night I meet her is the same night I’m to announce we’ll be married?!” Kapono roared.

  “And a week from now you will be married. We are all expecting her to be with child within two months of the wedding.”

  “And if she isn’t?” Kapono asked.

  “Your manhood would be called into question and our alliance will be in danger. I have explicitly promised heirs. You just have to back your old man up. But you’re a virile young man I have no doubt in your ability to fill a woman’s womb with a child.” Kapono shook his head. At the end of the day, he couldn’t necessarily blame his father for this alliance. As a king it was his duty. In hindsight, that was his purpose for having his own heir.

  Kapono let steam shoot from his nostrils again, exhaling heavily. He looked at his flamed fists and let the fire extinguish. Much like the female from the other clan, Kapono knew this was his duty and like her, he would do what he needed to do for his kingdom. Especially if that meant he was protecting his father and mother from dragon clan wars.

  “I need to prepare for our guests,” Kapono finally spoke. His father looked at him.

  “I do have to look somewhat decent for my bride, do I not?” Kapono asked. Realizing that Kapono had agreed to the marriage, Killeon bowed his head.

  “You have saved our kingdom,” he declared.

  “He will be arriving in a moment.” Ashbel’s mother nervously picked at Ashbel’s hair, trying to smooth down her tresses.

  “Mother. Please stop,” Ashbel ordered. She was already nervous and didn’t need her pestering mother to make the situation worse. Agreeing to this marriage was easy for her. Ashbel hated conflict and war. As the heir of her the leaders of her own clan she knew at some point she would have to produce her heir and marry. Only difference was she didn’t choose the man she would be with. She trusted her parents to choose the right man for her to conceive with, but Ashbel already vowed that she was not going to love him because he was not her choice.

  Instead of meeting in the ballroom, Ashbel was waiting for her future husband in the King’s study. For the time being, Ashbel studied the rows and rows of books lining the walls of the room. She was using the smell and the fell of old books to calm her nerves. It made it worse that the room was vacant except for Ashbel and her mother. That meant her mother was constantly hovering over her with her fidgeting. Her father was meeting with the king and the prince before they came to the study. Losing interest in the books, Ashbel sat on a tufted bench with her legs crossed. Suddenly, the door to the study opened. Ashbel remained seated but her mother jumped up. She tugged Ashbel into a standing position, giving her a scolding look, warning Ashbel to behave.

  Kapono burst into his father’s study. His father had insisted that they walk in together but Kapono felt this moment was one he should share only with the woman he was being arranged to marry. When he stepped inside, he paused stiffly. With a mane of long apricot tresses and golden eyes, Kapono couldn’t help his hesitation. His father bragged that the woman was beautiful but Kapono wasn’t going to believe it without seeing it. Now, he was stunned.

  She was wearing a long white wrap skirt that didn’t hide the swell of her hips. It was paired with a matching top that barely clung to her breasts. It seemed as if any sudden movement would send the fabric flying from her busty body. Her stomach was smooth and bronzed, flattened gently. Although she was essentially a princess of her own clan, she was not decked out in fancy garb. She was wearing a royal cape on her shoulders and a gold plated neck collar with the crest of a dragon at the center. Most females of Fireland seldom wore clothing that covered their bodies completely as it wasn’t in their nature or their blood. Every inhabitant of Fireland possessed fire magic, or were a descendant of fire beasts or creatures. The shifters who lived in Fireland were all hot blooded and used the heat of the land as their natural habitat. Naturally, their blood ran hot, as did the climate and that meant, little to no clothing. Kapono himself was shirtless, but he was wearing a gold collar, similar to hers and a cape, with white pants.

  Entering the room completely, Kapono made sure to bow at the woman’s mother. With a hand on her chest, she was in awe, staring at Kapono.

  “My apologies queen. May we please be left alone?” Kapono asked. Ashbel looked Kapono Thorn up and down. She knew well who the prince of Emberdom was. Has she ever seen him? No. Had she ever thought that he would be this fine of a specimen? No. Blazes, no.

  “Mother. Go,” Ashbel ordered, knowing her mother would try to talk her way into staying.

  “Alright. Fine.” She bowed at Kapono and took her leave from the room. None of them spoke until they were completely alone. Kapono started with a bow.

  “My name is Kapono Thorn,” he greeted.

  “I know who you are,” she stated. Kapono went to speak again. Ashbel held her hand up to silence him.

  “I know of the women who would die to have you court them. I know of how your father rules this kingdom, and I know how you yearn for politic peace but you’d cut an enemy down in a second. You train the royal guard yourself; you handpick the Emberdom army and you apparently wield the most dragon power. Now it’s time for you to know me. My name is Ashbel. My clan rivals yours in our power but we’ve chosen to be allies to fight back any threats that could ruin Emberdom. I am not a submissive woman. I will not kiss your feet. I may become your wife, but I am not your pet or will be your lackey. We will have at least ONE heir. Anything after that will be up for negotiation. We will not have sex after I am impregnated and we will only have sex while I am fertile. After our wedding and we have successfully reproduced, you are free to have any woman you’d like, you had just better keep it under wraps so the kingdom doesn’t know that our marriage is a farce to begin with. Is this to your agreement?” Ashbel asked him. Kapono couldn’t say he wasn’t stunned. He didn’t know what kind of woman she was, but one that agreed to an arranged marriage for the kingdom would seem to be less talkative. The fact that she was talkative however intrigued Kapono, he couldn’t lie. Most men would not deal with such a woman, but Kapono was not most men.

  Without saying anything, he closed the distance between them. The fire in his veins licked and roared to life as he got close to her. The citrusy scent that tickled his dragon nose intrigued him. It was as if he was on a citrus tree farm, picking the freshest of fruits.

  “I like the way you smell,” Kapono said. He tugged at one
of her spry curls and let it go, watching the way it bounced back.

  “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a woman with orange hair,” Kapono commented.

  “Well. It’s a trademark of the Red Breath clan. Oddly enough, I’m the only dragon descendant of the clan to be birthed with orange hair in about two decades. No one really knows why the trademark seemed to die out until there was just me with my orange hair—wait a minute, what are we even talking about? Did you hear everything I just said to you?” Ashbel asked him.

  “We are both of dragon kin Ashbel. So, you are aware my hearing is as sharp as they come. I heard you.”

  “And your response is?” she snapped.

  “You can let go of all those thoughts and rules. We are together for our kingdom and we will do what we must. Nothing more needs to be said.”

  “Yes, there is more! Because I refuse to be a submissive wife. And you should know—” Kapono wrapped his large hand around her wrist and tugged her towards him. She slammed into his chest with an ‘oomph.’ Ashbel’s breath caught in her throat as her body met with the solid heat of his chest. Blinking, she looked up at him slowly. The fire in both of their veins seemed to clash before slowly simmering, effectively melding them together.

  His neatly trimmed beard was a reflection of his princely status, keeping clean cut and fresh for the eyes of the people of the kingdom. Ashbel was never astounded by the looks of a man. As the princess of her clan, she was courted daily and she ignored those men just as frequent. Just because she was a princess, the only thing men seemed to see in her were heirs, and the prospect of becoming the head of the red breath clan. Ashbel wasn’t going to give those things away easily. Her clan meant everything to her, and if she chose wrong, it could spell disaster for the future of the clan.