wickedlyxenvy

[wickedlyxenvy]

We were all meant for more than this, Wrath, the only thing I ask is that you consider it when the time arrives after the King's out of our lives. You will find your higher purpose in the grand scheme just like every brother will. Don't worry yourself over what I might or might not be brewing, you know that I don't kiss and tell, but I'm just saying...I am here trying to make up the time I spent watching you suffer and doing nothing. I'm doing something for once. What you need to do is focus on the King.

I would have claimed Lust needed his lone honeymoon with his Prince had I not known the King was looking for their heads crushed like grapefruit. Never doubt the devil finds other means of punishment if Gluttony went with them. You remember the lengths Azriel and Kai went when I came for her, well, the protectiveness works both ways to an extreme level that beats even my psychotic ass. I'm not blind to the notion Greed's death is probable when he lied to the King, but we all know about Celeste, brother. What stops him from finding the truth?

Then I will be their sword, their weapon, what I'm meant to be. Envy, I trust you, but you're asking a lot. There's a reason why I'm kept on a short leash and it won't matter who helps me rule or assists with the diplomacy; some people aren't meant to rule. You talking like this makes me think you have something brewing up your sleeves, and I'm not the only one thinking it. Don't get too over your head with whatever you're doing.

Why wouldn't Gluttony have thought he was going with him? Those three blabbermouths have been attached at the hip for centuries. He probably thinks he should have left with them anyway; Gluttony might still have his voice if he did. It's the quiet ones that are always underestimated. Gianna is a First descendant anyway—the King was too shortsighted to see that, so he decided to step on her toes by threatening her family. You realize that if he gets his hands on Greed... our brother has a very slim chance of survival, correct?

[wickedlyxenvy]

I never said that was the reason you were rebelling, but Hell will land in disarray without a King. As much as I might see a world where Greed or Isabel could rule the Seven Kingdoms, no one will keep them in line quite like you. You were always the King's equal by every measure, Wrath, the people around you would help with the diplomacy. Allies you didn't have before. Do you trust me? Because now more than ever...I need you to.

The King would have figured out Lust and Aziel were gone even if Gluttony didn't open his mouth and release the cat from the bag. It's not surprising Lust told him he was leaving either, but the real sad part of that is, Gluts thought he was going with them. He didn't break Gianna the way he wanted to after those visits, Wrath, it's only lit this fire within her that proves she's every bit of the queen I knew she would be. The King's disinterest in us means his focus is elsewhere more important and that isn't good, brother. He saved Greed for last.

Brother, you're prone to crazy ideas, but that would be the craziest yet. I don't want the power or his seat; that's not why I'm rebelling. Give it to Greed for all I care. With Pride going through his midlife crisis, he's more fitting than I. Hell, give the seat to Isabel if you're so hellbent on advocating for her own kingdom. I'm not a diplomat, I'm a warrior. Strength isn't all that it takes to rule, and that's all I have.

He wouldn't be the Devil if he didn't keep us on our toes. We both know Gluttony and Lust's relationship enough to know that Gluttony would rather die than give up the knowledge of Lust's whereabouts if he knew. Though, it would have been smart if Lust hadn't told him in the first place. The King has already done damage to your Queen when he visited her dreams before, she's no longer of importance to him outside of any knowledge she has. You're right; he will push it off to someone else to clean up. You and she aren't even worth his time anymore.

[wickedlyxenvy]

Would it be such a crazy idea if you took his empty seat? With Pride suffering an existential crisis and the fact I cannot see any other brother suited for the throne, Hell can't jump back on track without a strong leader. Besides, Bel deserves her own kingdom for putting up with the King and Pride all at the same time.

It's one issue possessing an awareness of the consequence and another to suffer through them when it happens. I always know some bad shit will hit the fan when he travels in a completely opposite direction and does something we're not expecting. It's the same feeling I had before the curse and my gut is rarely wrong. Going after Gianna is a punishment, yes, but believing I know where they are means he didn't receive his answers from the brother who knows Lust the best. The King can't bother coming for us when we'll anticipate the move, he'll have someone else do the interrogation grunt work.

If we make it out alive, you should petition whoever takes the King's seat to give her a reward since it seems you're such a cheerleader of hers. Not that I disagree; she'll deserve it, especially after dealing with Pride after all of this is over. He's going to be in the biggest mess.

I'm sure Isabel is aware of the consequences—she doesn't seem the type to do things without thinking of the end game. The King changed his tactics, and part of me wonders if it's to keep me from figuring out his next move, but regardless, your punishment and Greed's punishments are around the corner. That thinking of yours makes me wonder what he'll do to you... he's not going to come out straight and attack the two of you. Not when you have what he wants. A connection to Lust, possible knowledge of his location. He's aware of the bond between the Foxwood siblings. He would get answers before eliminating the threat that you are, that's what I would do.

[wickedlyxenvy]

Just Like Fire // past para

Envy despised these little meetings for a reason. The balls were nothing but wasteful gatherings with the Princes while their King spent the entire evening primping and preening his authority. They were mandatory affairs even for the brothers who were less inclined to make an appearance without a forcing hand, namely Wrath, though even the devil himself could not deny unceremoniously stuffing his more brutal of princes in his royal garb wouldn't reap possible repercussions in the future. Nevertheless, the most grumpy of brothers arrived just before the feast began, seated within the ornate chair two down from Envy while the King sat at the head of the table. No one dared to settle in the chair at the opposite end, not even the favorite son Pride or in that case, Celeste. He couldn't ponder his gaze upon the First Daughter for a long period, but he certainly was not jealous of her seating arrangements being closest to the King.

Dinner was nothing special in his personal opinion. The delicacies were uneventful, the wine lacking its usual punch, or that could have been Envy's own off-kilter sense peeking through. Recently, an energy in the air floating above their kingdoms has felt unbalanced. Even absorbing the image of the King and the Princes of Hell around the expansive table was like a picture with something terrible wrong with it that he cannot place his finger on. Envy had quickly shaken off the emotion knowing the King held the power to practically taste when one of his children journeyed beyond the confines of the expectations he raised for the crowned demons. They were personifications of the Seven Deadly Sins, not beings designed for adopting any humanity. Serve your master, banish all feelings. Abandon all hope, ye who enter here. An accurate inscription branded over the gates of Hell itself.

The discussion after the meal proved fruitless and boredom-inducing, mainly consisting of Greed or Pride groveling at the King's feet and detailing their victories on the battlefield. Barking commands, training the demons for a war that may or may not arise and their leader lapping it up with satisfaction. Envy spent the duration sharing an eyeroll from Sloth across the table knowing his brother processed the same thoughts. The laughability of those two and the naivety that they thought competing for their father's approval did not equate to fear of what will happen if they ever fell out of his favor. Being the favorite son didn't keep Pride safe and it did not stop Greed from being used as a playable pawn on a chess board. At least Wrath feared very little of the King's retaliation for anything because the truth is...the two were alike. Their King's weapon, the sword used to inflict bloodshed and spread terror in all kingdoms, a nightmare whose name is spoken with hushed whispers among the demons too cowardly to say such out loud. Admittedly, Envy became jealous of the position as much as he admired his brother's infamy.

Once the conversations died down and the royals dispersed, this inevitably transformed the prime moment where Envy could stand along the outskirts of the dining hall and revel in his loneliness. Each brother, apart from perhaps two, wrote off this behavior as his innate nature remaining on the sidelines and seeing the Princes gain what they thrived towards while he's left in the dust. However accurate any observation might entail only strengthened the notion that he saw what others don't. The nuances of each brother written like words on a scroll perfectly embodied the dynamics from prince to prince. Envy leaned his back against the marble stone wall and adjusted the crown on his head, the green gemstones catching the light of the candles lining the chandelier hanging above them all.

Envy's gaze settled on Gluttony and Lust, the inseparable pair engaged in exuberant banter he knew would not possess the slightest bit of serious substance. Just jokes, the typical gossip from around the palace walls either latched onto as if nothing else mattered for them. Gluttony's personality in particular thrived on running his mouth and passing information regardless of how vapid Envy thought the subject topic was. What servants were sleeping with who, Lust's latest conquests, even the prattle about their own brothers. He watched Lust glance in his direction before turning to whisper something to Gluts and proceeded to shoot his brothers a glare as if daring them to say the shit-talking to his face. What they were actually talking about, he couldn't be one hundred percent certain, but Envy knew the likely criticism. Likely passing judgement about his knack for sitting on the sidelined bench. Fine, let the little assholes judge and take comfort in each other's petty company.

With a released huff and the incredulous shake of his head, Envy's eyes found Pride. The golden child and the favorite son emulating the King's mannerisms. Something that was clearly noticeable was the way his brother stood straighter in the devil's presence like an arrogant peacock exuding self-importance amongst his inferiors because that is what the siblings were in his eyes...inferiors. Distractions crowding his limelight. The Prince of jealousy's gaze traveled downwards, resting on the hand clutching Pride's sword at his side almost as if a foolish demon will burst through the doors and slay the King where he stands. Oh, Pride, always at the ready to maim and kill for a sack of shit who cares little about you, the thought crossed Envy's mind. Still, he loathed the sight as much as he admired it knowing the monster in him wanted what his brother possessed. The high ranking and the King's praises.

His attention drifted on Greed for a brief moment, spotting the similarities between him and Pride. Envy never really had a problem with Greed, sure, his brother seemed stuffy and pompous. He coveted anything his grubby hands reached toward and he couldn't say he did not indulge in the same practices. They're alike too, different sides of the same coin, Envy hoarded his possessions and fiercely protected his fancies when threatened or looked on with interest by another. They weren't provided the same path, however, he was brushed aside and forgotten about while Greed had been pitted against the prodigal Pride. It must reek fighting and clawing the way to the top only to land at the bottom every time his brother trailed the coattails of a glory barely within his reach. Truthfully pathetic, but Envy held no room for pity. Why pity any of his brothers when they gossiped about him behind his back? Or looked down their noses sneeringly at what was perceived as Envy's petulant habits? He resented them with his full being.

Except Wrath, who's as close to a sibling for him as one can get. Envy found Wrath's form from across the room, looking just as uncomfortable as he felt in a roomful of practical strangers. He considered himself pretty intuitive knowing the other demon better than most could claim and noticed any small changes in Wrath's expression. He knew a furrowed brow and hard stare spelled annoyance or a particular glint in his eye meant forthcoming death and a warning everyone nearby should run. Then there are the less obvious moments, when the sarcasm dropped and left a demon prince who seemed...unhappy? Envy suddenly discerned a change with Wrath's demeanor, small and barely spotted by somebody not as trained to see such differences as him. A flickered gaze, lasting longer than it should have, directed itself in the same vicinity the King and the First Daughter were standing talking among themselves. Envy followed the sightline slowly and thought for a moment Wrath zeroed in on the King, but no...Celeste felt the stare as well and raised those piercing blue orbs, somehow finding the other man. A forbidden look. It means nothing, Envy rationalized. It's just one small glance, their King cannot punish them for a simple meeting of the gazes. Or it could mean something.

"What are you staring at, brother?" Envy tore his gaze from the pair and shattered the reverie before coming face-to-face with Sloth, arms crossed and the first few buttons of his undershirt unfastened in a relaxed state. If anyone detested these meetings turned soirées more than him, it is Sloth who he knew would rather be holed away in his palace running around nude because he couldn't bother himself with overcoming laziness putting on his clothing. Envy nodded in Wrath and Celeste's direction until the other turned, "I think our brother and the First Daughter were having a little moment." He folded his arms across his chest and shot Sloth a quirked brow, "Do you think it means what I think it means?"

"Don't." The sharpness in Sloth's vocal tone took Envy aback as the other moved in front of him, blocking his view of the wrathful prince and the King's most prized possession. Strange, his brother never snapped at anyone with such seriousness, only the obvious hint of sarcasm. "Do not travel down that road, Envy. It leads nowhere safe." Sloth slightly turned to look behind him, releasing a sigh now that Celeste and Wrath dropped their stolen glance, before redirecting his attention on his other brother. "If you know what is good for you, you will drop this before you begin making mountains out of anthills."

"You were thinking the same thing, were you not?" Envy attempted peeking around Sloth's frame to steal another glance, scoffing in irritation when his brother obstructed any chance of him reading further into one single gesture. "You know him, Sloth. I could feel the weird electricity from that stare all the way across the room. Maybe it's nothing or it's something, I can't know with certainty unless it happens again."

"We both also know the King." Sloth drawled slowly as if conveying how exhausted he became from the topic at hand. It was his natural default he couldn't switch off. "Imagine any of our brothers heard of your theories about Wrath and the witch. Those whispers will find the ever churning gossip mill that is Lust and Gluttony before it trickled from servant to servant and then will it land in the King's lap. Even if it was not true, it does not matter with him. And do you understand what will happen to you when he discovers you began the domino effect? Your head, plate," Sloth held out his hand palm facing up in a makeshift platter motion, "Hello."

Envy nudged the man's hand away with an exaggerated groan, "I am not a simpleton." The bemused expression he spotted crossing his brother's face spoke the contrary, but he wasn't a petulant child needing dressed down to when the King filled that role perfectly. The immaturity of Sloth never failed as par for the course, on the flip side, what more did he expect from a sibling? Envy, Sloth, and Wrath were the unspoken trio bound by their titles, yes, but an understanding that Wrath possessed greater than a murderous appetite. Envy personally shared the bloodlust from time to time instilling jealousy through the subjects of his kingdom just for entertainment value and the laziest of the three could care enough to send any soul to their demise by staying in one place without moving an inch. They were all cruel by unique perspectives because that is an everlasting demonic heritage rising above the surface. "I know what I saw. I am frustratingly aware how Father Dearest will pop out my eyeballs and fashion them as ornamentation for his attire. Or, I don't know," Envy raised his arms in a shrug as he searched for the right words, "Commit the girl to a worse life sentence than the one currently served."

"Or attack the other party involved in the rumor, even while it could be just that, a suspected rumor." Sloth moved until he stood side-by-side with Envy, following the movement of every brother in attendance. He has been guilty of standing on the sidelines and observing exactly like his brother, picking their tells from the mixed bag, at least when he gave a shit. Envy shook his head and turned to glance up at him, their height difference not as apparent as when he stood next to another Prince, but of the six others, Sloth was perhaps the tallest. His lankier frame did not help matters. "In spite of threats, he wouldn't be so foolish as going up against Wrath and winning." Sloth's brow raised inquisitively at the claim, pushing Envy to clarify, "I see the King's fear. Others certainly don't, but I do. It's written in his actions barely bothering our brother in his kingdom when he isn't off playing the weapon."

"You are not one to be underestimated, Envy." Sloth's statement caught the Prince of Envy by slight surprise, especially with the hard stare he was being given as if his brother's gears were working tirelessly to figure him out. Envy raised his shoulders in a defeating shrug, resigning himself as no one who will ever live up to any expectation from the others. He was okay playing the monster if he couldn't fit a different mold. Who else can he be when the King dictated his essence? His behaviors and decisions? Somehow, Envy felt as trapped and suffocated as Celeste in that moment. "It doesn't matter. I say something, I die. I say something and others perish alongside me." Envy could see the fantastical image, his remains laying in a pile of nothing after the King executed him for slanderous gossip while the rest of his brothers looked on not so much as in pity, but without a care. Oh, poor Envy, if only he kept his mouth shut and not do what we anticipated, they would think. We didn't need him anyway. No, maybe they didn't need him.

"Do yourself the favor then, E. Drop it." Sloth reached out a hand as another lowly demon carrying wine goblets on a silver tray passed the princes with a curt polite bow, plucking a cup while he watched the servant scurry away. He tipped the rim towards Envy in a silent toast and sipped, releasing a sigh that seemed to unleash his frustrations over the heaviness surrounding this chat. "Forget about it."

"I can't." The blunt truth. Envy watched his brother take another drink from the goblet and roll his eyes as Sloth ventured away, leaving the resentful prince to stew in the choices entailing his observations. He never forgot about grudges, why in all seven circles of Hell would Sloth believe the man will brush aside one small non-verbal interaction between the First Daughter and Wrath? He couldn't shake this feeling no matter what he did just as he cannot bury the sensation something is churning underneath the surface of their feet like the labor of a sleeping storm encircling their way of life as the underworld saw it. A ticking combustion needing one tiny spark.

And Envy knew there will come a day he would not be the brother to light it.

[wickedlyxenvy]

I'm not certainly hounding them for their respect especially when Kai's the tougher egg to crack, but they've seen how far I went to keep her safe last time. Believe me, the whole ritualistic cult-like qualities of the coven are the number one reason we're going after their asses and he can fuck whoever he desires once they're wiped from the face of this earth. Even if it's my favorite seer who I will send him packing for if he dares hurting you in any way. Go ahead, go with the flow and let him suck your dick then.

Your Queen's brothers will be more accepting of you by the end of this, Envy, you will protect her where they cannot. I don't think it's entirely because of Wrath, but he didn't help the situation with that short fuse your brother holds. Imagine being raised in a coven that puts procreation above anything else, and then imagine being someone attracted to the same gender. I'm assuming that this... sexual repression is a long time coming. You know me, I go with the flow and let things happen, Vy.

[wickedlyxenvy]

"I wouldn't exactly put a stop to them hunting him down either, honey." What Kai and Azriel did when the problem concerned their bad-tempered adoptive father was not on his list of problems at the moment. He never saw Richard Foxwood as his kill anyway, but if the opportunity arose or the torment of a very bad man ever crossed his fancy as it so often does, he would take swift action. Envy experienced the uncomfortable jab of Gianna's anxieties combining with his own as the witch slowly absorbed the information. The idea of assassins as a demon Prince seemed fairly pointless for someone like him who shared a preference with the likes of Wrath that enjoyed eliciting the suffering from his intended victims. Envy's relationship with Gi changed him for the better, but somewhere deep within him lurked the hungering monster still perplexed by the new exposure to kindnesses. He watched the thought process overtake Gianna, speaking her epiphany out loud, and understanding the same conclusions. The King sent an assassin to dig and claw the location of their respective brothers. "Gluttony didn't give him the information he wanted so he won't stop until he finds what he is looking for. We all knew you never deny the devil of anything." Envy snapped his head in the door's direction, wondering if the creature lurked on the other side practically bearing its fangs to tear them apart once the two did not grant it what the King needed. "I kept waiting for my punishment. He already went after Gluts, Az and Lust are on his public enemy number one list, and Sloth's suffering one at this very moment. Now I know why he didn't come for me yet, Gi, he needed both of us." Eyes landing on Gianna again and making a decision, the demon prince reached along the inside pocket of his flannel shirt, removing his precious dagger from where he magically stored it. His brothers likely trusted a proper hiding place somewhere in their homes, well, he was paranoid enough to keep it on him at all times. "After this is all over, I'll share the importance of what this is, but for now, we have no choice but to stand and fight. Here's what we're going to do. I need your help telling me where it is at all times the minute I let it in, do you understand? And then," Envy turned on his heel and made his way over to the door, a spark of a maniacal grin stretching across his features. It was strange, almost feeling like his old self again, "We're going to kill this motherfucker. Are you ready?"

Gianna couldn't help the soft smile that overtook her with Envy's words. On the outside, she knew how everyone saw the siblings– seeing the lengths they all took for each other as over-the-top and borderline toxic. From her brothers abandoning the coven and joining the princes so they could be with her to Gianna taking a crown to protect her brothers. It was endless but it was them. It's all they knew, the three of them pitted against an unfair world out to undermine them at every step, but knowing that Envy disliked her foster father as well, a person that should be so beneath the demon, it filled her with a sort of vindication. "You haven't, but you aren't alone in that hatred. I wouldn't be surprised if Kai and Azriel hunted him down first." Alarm bells went off in her mind when Envy came back towards her, a seriousness so severe that it instantly made her nervous. Her prince quickly said it wasn't her, and the explanation made her eyes dart around the room even though she couldn't see or feel anything. The creature wasn't in the room with them; as far as she could tell, it never was. "Assassins?" Gianna replied, almost disbelieving, but there was no point in Envy lying– not when their lives were on the line. She never realized Hell used assassins, but who was she to rebuke it? The coven employed hex-witches as sort of the same. "If it's your King, why would he send an assassin to do his dirty work? He's already gone after Gluttony personally as punishment," the witch pondered, eyes landing on the grimoire, picking it up gingerly. "This being was so close to me; it could have killed me instantly, but it didn't. Why?" Gianna asked, thoughts and questions bouncing in her skull as she held the book up, "it's not the spell. I haven't felt it in the library, if I'm able to feel it at all times, and we don't talk about it much outside of here." Why employ something only to order it to go against its directive? Assassins are for killing, why wait? "We have something he wants," the witch breathed out in a whisper, answering her own question. Her wide gaze moved from the book in her hands to Envy, worry etched in the furrow of her brow. Envy's words returned to her mind, and the King was in her head– he would know. Her siblings would do everything for each other, and he thought they would know his location. "He thinks we know where Lust and Azriel are. Why else would he send someone invisible to our home to slink around in the shadows?" she whispered, not daring to voice the thought in her mind. The assassin will kill them once it gets the information, even if they know nothing. "What are we going to do?"

[wickedlyxenvy]

Envy breathed a sigh of relief at the same time the woman was finally allowed to take hers now that a barrier placed itself between them and whatever was bothering Gianna. In the moment, he found happiness that the overwhelming sensation had nothing to do with their discussions about having children. The Prince's gaze followed as Gi paced back and forth, a flurry of worry and confusion flooding him while she talked through the backstory of her abilities. Envy didn't hide the fact he conducted his own research on the Foxwood parents, grasping a sense of their personalities, and secretly enjoying the moment when they were wiped from the face of the earth once the coven met its well-deserving end. "Have I ever fully expressed just how much I hate your father? You're taking a page from your brother-in-law's book with how hungry you lot are to protect one another." Envy pushed off from his spot and headed toward the door as he listened carefully, both to Gianna's explanation and what was happening in the hallway, sifting through his vast knowledge while he searched for any viable options. What could not be seen, emanated an ill intentioned feeling, and can slip like a ghostly apparition? "Fuck." He knew exactly what this was, but couldn't be. "It wasn't your own doing." Envy backed away from the door and returned to her side, seriousness marring his features, "We have many weapons at our disposal, Gianna. Hellhounds, Knights of Hell, but for those of us who sometimes don't prefer doing our own dirty work, there are the assassins. Invisible creatures loyal to no one but Hell." He couldn't imagine any of his brothers sending one, Wrath had both Abbadon and Corson at his disposal, and it made zero sense why he would in the first place. "This is the King. It...has to be."

With the door closed, cutting the duo off from whatever feeling was causing such havoc on her abilities, Gianna finally was able to take a deep breath; her shaking hands placing the plate to the side before wiping the clamminess from the palms on her pants. "No, it wasn't that," Gianna agreed, eyes falling to the book that they had been pouring over for the last forever. Talks of having children wouldn't have been enough to throw her abilities off that harshly, she'd always known that she would eventually bear them, but with someone she loves? It should been a happy feeling. Not something... evil. The witch frowned before looking at her Prince and pacing a tiny bit. "When I was a child growing into these abilities, I could always tell when my foster father was in one of his... particular moods. It was like he became filled to the brim with ill intent. My brothers were pretty adept at seeing my tells even if I didn't know how to explain and were able to divert our father away at the expense of themselves." Growing up with the Foxwoods wasn't easy, especially for an Empath when the mood swings were brutal for her to process. Her brothers tried to protect her at all times, but sometimes they weren't enough. Richard and Moira Foxwood had their ways. "Whatever I felt reminded me of that. Like there was... something malicious right in front of me. So close that I could reach out and touch it. Passing by like a ghost, but that... sounds ridiculous." She could only nod at his words. Maybe her worry and fear for her brothers and her own hatred for the King was manifesting into some amalgamation of ill-intent. Gianna knew that her powers would be elevated in some manner after becoming Envy's Queen, she just didn't know how. There wasn't a manual for people like her, so there could be an adverse effect. "You didn't see anything; you didn't feel anything like I did. There's no logical explanation other than maybe it was my own doing? I've never pushed my abilities as far as I have lately, and I don't know my true limits."

[wickedlyxenvy]

Envy always could smell the bullshit that the King peddled, that the Princes were brothers only strengthened by one singular unity to protect their leader by any means necessary. Yet, the prodigal sons never were permitted strong emotional connections with each other at the same time, so they essentially became brothers by just name. If any Prince fell out of favor with the devil, they're replaced by the newer model who vied for approval until the next generation of demons caught his interest. The King bestowed their titles, he could steal them away just as easily, leaving the boys disgraced and forgotten. Envy wished Lust was still around otherwise this responsibility wouldn't be left hanging over his shoulders while their brothers either stayed in hiding or were stuck on a mission finding a resurrection spell. All various methods avoiding the King's radar. "I won't lie, your chatter and heartfelt speeches made me sometimes want to run myself through with my own dagger, but I see why it mattered for you." The demon reached down and plucked the notepad from the table, skimming the words with a nod, "I know, which is why you should crown Jo while you still have the chance, G. You lost the connection to her when he stole her soul, you can add the extra layer of protection she needs that comes from making her queen." Envy set down the notepad and pushed it towards his brother, "Wrath and Pandora are working on it. Isabel's focused on distracting the King, but it won't be long. We're in the endgame now."

Could Gluttony really fault Envy or his other brothers outside of Lust for not caring or showing that familial care like they did? No. In a way, each Prince simultaneously fit into the structure of a Prince but was also the black sheep in their own eyes. Perhaps they were never supposed to fit the mold their King set for them... maybe the inadequacy was their true leash; keeping them in line until their King disposed of them. Thinking you're the family's black sheep usually leads to fighting for approval the most, craving the approval of the entity that made them. Their father, their ruler, the hand on their throats. Gluttony shook his head, a small huff of air pushing through his nose– as much of a sarcastic smile as he could muster. Rubbing against his temple, he finally understood why most brothers couldn't handle his optimistic chattering. It was annoying when he wasn't in the mood for such... uplifting speeches. Burying his head in his hands to avoid looking at the brother he was surprised the most was giving him such a speech, though he wasn't too surprised. Envy was bonded to an empath, after all. Taking a deep breath, Gluttony quickly grabbed his notebook, writing, "I'm starting to see how I could have been annoying throughout the years if you were doing what I would have done." Lifting a finger once more, he began to jot again. Turning the pad to his brother, he tossed it onto the table. "He knows something is wrong, and the moment he realizes we're rebelling, he'll send Josephine to Hell. He'll kill everything and everyone we care about, E. I'll help, however much I can, but we're running out of time."

[wickedlyxenvy]

They were perfectly okay one moment, casting forth their dreams of starting a family, and then the mood shifted around them. Envy didn't understand what happened or why, he just knew that whatever became the cause on Gianna's end, was not a result of their conversation despite any insecurities he held. "You're as white as a sheet, Gi." Envy glanced between the young woman and the space around them in slight alarm, ignoring the hair raising at the back of his neck as Gianna's hand wrapped around his, seriously doubting the girl's brain would have guilt tripped her into making a return to their mission. He had no alternative but following her lead through the kitchen exit and making their way down the mansion's corridors. Envy wouldn't bother asking where they were headed, figuring the destination will somehow end up in the library. Though, it clearly didn't matter to Gianna when she needed as far away from their former occupancy as possible. "There's a chance discussing children overloaded your empathic levels, Gianna, but it's something more." Envy pushed open the library's oak doors and entered, closing them behind him and the witch. He turned to face his queen finally, head shaking with serious worry, "You were fine and then you weren't. Whatever it is, you sensed it." He pushed a hand through his hair with baffled confusion, "I was there and I didn't see anything. Maybe we're both going stir crazy and losing it."

The witch hummed in agreement, the only noise that was able to escape her throat as her abilities went haywire; a conversation that was once pleasant, now tanking in the oddest of ways. Gianna knew that sometimes she could be overwhelmed, her empathic abilities slipping when she was around too many people or she became too stressed, but it was just the two of them in the enclosed space. None of it made sense and yet the feeling of foreboding and dread was only deepening enough for it to be oh so close to stealing her breath away. "I don't... know. I don't feel so great," she managed to squeeze out, her blue eyes dropping to the plate that had been placed before her– appetite now miniscule the longer she sat in the kitchen. Pressing her fingers to her temple as if to ease the pressure, Gianna slipped from her stool but glanced quickly around the room as she did so. Still nothing to be seen other than the two of them. "It's probably my brain guilting me into getting back to work but I'll take this with me," she replied with a weak laugh, taking the plate in one hand before grabbing Envy's and all but pulling him out of the kitchen with her back towards the direction of the library. Would she have willingly brought something that could damage books with her like food with her to the library, no– but a part of her screamed to move as fast as she could. The more steps they put between them and the suffocating sensation, the better Gianna felt. "This is odd. I think my abilities are... malfunctioning or something," the witch stated with a confused glance to her Prince as her movements slowed a little, not as urgent but still going towards their destination. "I've never experienced that before."

[wickedlyxenvy]

Envy couldn't help but chuckle at the young woman's statement, heartily agreeing any enthusiasm the First Father will have being around any children they bring into this world will benefit the babysitting department whenever they required a watchful eye. He had zero doubt in his mind Ezekiel would spend time with the kids at no pay rate whatsoever. Envy fantasized for a moment what their lives will be once babies enter the picture, the dirty diapers, the long nights, calling up Zeke when he decided a date night between himself and his queen was well-deserved. They could be happy in parenthood, even if neither knew how to become a parent yet. "If only someone knew how to draw a map to help us navigate, but we'll make it up as we go along." The prince amusingly raised an eyebrow at his wife's sage advice, a time long past where he despised the mushy hallmark moments, now thought of as sweetly optimistic. A sap's true nature no one can deny. The pair were in this as a team, as partners, as the closest thing to a married couple as a demon Prince can possess. "It is not why I consider myself the monster, Sugarplum, it's the how. I travel to extremes." Grotesquely brutal extremes, is more like. Envy enjoyed every moment of the kiss, wanting nothing more than making it last longer than what was allowed. If either of them considered letting it travel further, the sandwich will burn for certain. "Oh, darling, you minx. We will enjoy the trying part very much. I have my ways." He moved toward the pan's direction with a sigh and flipped over the grilled cheese, turning just in time for Gianna's own interruption. "Gi, what is it?" The miniscule spike jabbed the demon in the stomach, an odd feeling that wasn't there before. Unease. Envy quickly placed the sandwich on a plate and set it in front of Gianna, brow furrowing, "Where did you go just now?"

Gianna smiled at the way her Prince referred to the First Father, a note of kinship in the singular word. It made her feel a little better about the situation with his King looming over their shoulders that at least Envy would have the positive influence of someone worthy of being called a father in his corner. "Well, it seems to be working so far but at least there would be free childcare involved." The witch knew that there was nothing much she could say that could alleviate the guilt of how the two of them began. It boiled down to sheer manipulation but it wasn't all that– not when she could feel her Prince's every emotion knowing that he truthfully cared for her in a way that he didn't fully in the beginning. Every bone in her body knew that if there was a chance for him to redo it, he never would have forced her hand. "No one knows how to be a parent, Envy. The only reference I know, myself, are parents who weren't around to raise me and an abusive household. We'll figure this out, that's what this is all about... a journey that we embark on together." She felt like an inspirational book on parenthood in the moment, but in all reality if it wasn't for Envy she never would have had the confidence she did in the current time. The witch knew that as long as they had each other, everything they could handle anything. "I wouldn't call you a monster for protecting those you love, Envy. That is what it means to be a parent, you know," she spoke softly before pressing her lips into his, squeezing the hand that still held hers lightly before releasing her hold on him and stepping away. "Once the war is over, I'm sure we'll enjoy the trying bit too," the witch said with a bat of her eyelashes before pointing at the pan and turning her back to walk back to her seat. "I'll go sit back down so that you don't get distracted and burn the...–," Gianna began but stopped abruptly, feet stilling as an odd sensation washed over her as if something had... moved right by her, yet, nothing was there. It was like an aura she couldn't place, ill intent that was almost enough to make her queasy– hackles rising and goosebumps forming on her skin. "Sandwich," the witch finally finished her sentence, forcing her feet to continue the walk to her stool. She sat back in her seat, resisting the urge to look around the room to try and place where the aura was coming from knowing that nothing would be there; hands dropping to fiddle with the rings on her fingers to distract herself from the feeling.

[wickedlyxenvy]

Truthfully, no one should doubt that woman's abilities when she's juggling everybody's protection on her shoulders. Apart from you or Sloth and even Greed, the others will be as bad as I'm making them out to be.

If she or any of us survive at the end of this, she's fucked when her emotions return. The King's already gone after Gluttony if you haven't heard already and more punishments are certain to follow. I'm banking on the fact with absolute certainty that he would dare go after Gianna as per his usual schtick. I'll tear the motherfucker to pieces if he lays even a finger on her head.

He won't hesitate to divulge information if she proves herself, and that will take something drastic but for being Pride's Queen, we can't really doubt her abilities. I'm sure the others won't be so bad when the King's dead but point taken.

That's strategic of Isabel, it may actually save her life in the long run. We'll just have to hope that out of sight out of mind weighs heavier here with the King than not. Which means with Lust and Pride in hiding, the rest of us will have the burden of punishment on our shoulders. You'll need to be prepared for anything, he may not go after you directly.

[wickedlyxenvy]

Sure, my own brother-in-law isn't my biggest fan and does not hide it, but I will take credit where credit is due. I personally think the hobo's feeling a little sexually repressed after his time with Wrath, so latching onto any handsome guy while drooling for the big D was anticipated. You don't seem to be objecting to the idea, Nik.

What a family man you are, Envy. You'll be doing every loveable asshole of a brother-in-law credit with this change of yours. I know, I can feel his eyes on me and not just from a protective standpoint, not to mention he's told me many times that I'm attractive, but to answer your question– no, we did not bang. Who knows if we will or not? Certainly not me.

[wickedlyxenvy]

Envy didn't forget about their bond, the worry he attempted to conceal flashing like a beacon shared between the prince and his emotionally empathetic queen. He wondered if Gianna understood where the guilty conscience stemmed from or if she too questioned the off-putting sensation not often present for some powerful being of his caliber. He wouldn't say guilt is a typical emotion one expects the demonic species to have, especially when it involves an extension of their own influence, but was that not his King's influence? His King's expectant mission with every prince? Envy could no longer fit that mold and neither will his brothers from the looks of the unfolding battle. "Pops has a way with words if his charming ulterior motive is to gain grandchildren in the process." The glowing adoration barreling towards Envy tasted sweet like honey on his tongue, spreading through the demon with endearment as Gianna made her way over to him. Her physical contact grounded him, vanishing away the perturbation as if his queen's light alone dissipated it altogether. "It does have equal parts to do with how we met and the impression I gave, but it's about the sheer truth I know nothing of being a father. The only thing baring any resemblance to such was the King and you know how well his lessons turned out." Envy's gaze dropped down to their connected hands with a head shake, squeezing hers gently, "I would do absolutely anything to keep you safe, I always have and I will always prove it. Even if protecting our children means I become a monstrosity I cannot pretend isn't a part of me anymore." His gaze lifted as did one of his hands in order to cup the witch's jaw, pressing a kiss to her lips that poured his love into every second. "Then let's have children, Gianna. Let's start a family the minute this war is over."

Gianna would have blushed at her Prince's innuendo had she not felt his worry as much as it was her own. His back was to her and the worry he carried was only miniscule, but she could see it as if it were written in large neon-lights around him. Coupled with that worry was a taste of guilt, she so wished she knew what ran through Envy's head. Her gaze dropped to her fingers, fidgeting slightly as he spoke– eyes lifting once he turned towards her once more, smiling at the mention of the First Father. "Ezekiel wasn't called the First Father for nothing, he could probably talk anyone into having children just so he could hold them if the legends are true." Gianna couldn't help the absolute fondness that absorbed her as she looked at Envy, the complete love she felt for him. So willing to embrace something unexpected and new because he cared for her that much. The witch moved from her spot, rounding the island so that she could stand in front of her Prince; placing her hands gently on his chest. "You say how I will be a breathtaking mother, yet you say nothing of yourself... I can feel your worry. Maybe you had the same trepidation as I did, that I wouldn't want children with you. I won't say that how we began is something to write about in a romance novel, but you would be an amazing father," Gianna began, her hands dropping to grasp his within them. "You who would fight your King to keep me safe. You, who would stop at nothing to return the First Daughter to your brother so he could be happy," the witch smiled up at him softly, "whatever children we have would be lucky to have you as their father since you would stop at nothing to keep them safe and do what you can to make sure they're happy. If they're with you, I would want children, too."

[wickedlyxenvy]

The more he thought about their shaky beginnings, the more Envy knew he experienced some semblance of guilt. He did not regret where crowning Gianna led, but the possibility she became his queen from his sheer love would have been the cherry on top of their relationship. Envy felt the strange spike in Gianna's emotions through their bond, hardly hiding his smirk that he could send his darling queen in such a tizzy and filing that action under things that will drive Gianna Foxwood bonkers. "You have very many hidden talents, love." Ignoring his own innuendo, Envy pushed off from the counter's edge and plucked a spatula from a drawer, using it to lift the grilled cheese in order to check on the bread's state. Still undercooked. At least that gave Gianna enough time to process the sheer shock of bringing up this topic despite who he was. And more or less as a way of hiding the small part of himself worried that Gianna wouldn't want children with a demon. With a man who practically forced a marriage on her. Envy knew he could be a monster sometimes. "You think I didn't want them." The prince finally turned back around, a frown marring his features, "Danger never stopped anyone from bringing hybrids into the world, Gianna. There's always going to be unknown." Envy tapped his fingers against the marble top with thought, shrugging, "Call it a First Father's influence. I never thought about having them before, you know, kids and the devil don't really mix well." He gave Gianna a small smile, "I would want them. As long as they were with you." Envy admitted. "You'd be a breathtaking mother."

The witch could never have thought that their relationship would progress to where it was in the moment. Contentment, adoration, complete and utter loyalty to one another that it was a wonder to her how they had started off on such shaky roots in the beginning. If Gianna could turn back time and change how everything had gone down when she got her crown... she didn't know if she could. Afraid that it would change everything that they are. Her blue gaze dropped to Envy's movements as he pushed his sleeves up and revealed his forearms. For Goddess' sake, she was a wreck when it came to Envy but managed focus when he spoke to her; comparing her choice of food to that of Pride of all brothers. The girl let out a small laugh with a shrug, "I know, I tell such amazing jokes at times. It's a real hidden talent." Gianna watched her Prince with a smile as he began the process of cooking her request, enjoying the simplicity of the moment; realizing that there most likely wasn't anyone else he would do this for. It's a heady feeling, really. She hummed in acknowledgement when he first spoke, then his words fully connected. Children. The two of them having their own. In all reality, she knew that at some point she would be having children in her life– it was how it worked in the coven and she had accepted it. Now that she was involved with a Prince of Hell and practically married to him, she thought children were off the table. Hybrids so looked down on that she couldn't fathom putting a child through that. Gianna let out an exhale of air when she'd realized she'd simply been staring, mind pretty much crashing at the change of topic so out of left field that it almost startled her. "I don't know, honestly. I never thought about it since I never thought it would have been in our future... with any offspring of ours being a hybrid and the fact that every time we turn around there's something going wrong that could potentially put them in danger," the girl mused quietly, a brow raising, "are they something you want, Envy? You wouldn't be asking if you didn't think about it a little."

[wickedlyxenvy]

We should see if Isabel can discreetly sneak any bits of information from him if he's hungry for a bragging session. You know, not everything I do has an ulterior motive cooking up schemes, maybe I just want one of my favorite brothers to stay alive so you don't leave me here with the torturous rest.

Right, and we could have another problem on our hands seeing that Isabel took upon herself to stifle her emotions when she's around the King. It's more worry on Pride's plate, but if Keilah gives him a real kick in the ass out the door, he'll stay away. You and I both know he has control from afar in other ways.

No, he will not. Whatever the King is planning, we'll need to keep ahead of– whatever he has planned, if thrown at us the right way, will cripple us before we even begin. If I didn't know better, it sounds like you have something cooking in that head of yours but of course it would be worth it in the end. He'll be fucking dead.

The only way we'll be able to get Pride to step down is to promise that no harm will come to Isabel, but with how close she's getting to the King... there may be a chance that we won't be able to stop everything. I'll see if I can get him to go under for a bit with Keilah– it may be the best chance we have to break the King's control over Pride completely.

[wickedlyxenvy]

"When it comes to the cool points, I smoke all of you bitches....I'm sorry, you did what now? Hot damn, you finally put a crown on her. All hail the Queen of Greed and her now ballsy Prince." Envy clapped a hand to his brother's shoulder in congratulations and couldn't help remembering crowning his queen wasn't exactly a form of love or protection, but his own selfish possessiveness. He didn't think Gianna completely forgave him for that, especially involving Wrath and the danger of her brothers in the mix. "She beat me to the punch, I guess." Envy shrugged a shoulder and slowly shook his head in dismay at the entire circumstance, "He's been making the rounds with the brothers, but I'm not telling you that you should sympathize with him. It's his personal nature and the King's influence. The least anyone can do is hear Pride out and take some enjoyment watching him grovel at your feet."

"So, you're a frustrated horn-dog. I'm sure Alexia is going to take that suggestion very well."

"Cool points? Only those who have none care about cool points. Just so you know, you're talking about a taken man now– I gave Lex my crown. She's the Queen of Greed now." It still felt surreal to say it out loud, almost like it was all a fever dream even though he vividly remembers the moment that Alexia had placed his crown on her head– an absolute vision in gold. Greed also understood what it meant in the long run with any punishment he was sure to get from the hand of their King. "I know, Pandora told me at the party after I had told her what you were up to," Greed offered, folding his arms over his chest. Did he wish that his brother was going through a possible existential crisis, no. He also didn't really believe he was completely undeserving of it either. "I'm the last person he would want to see, nor am I necessarily in the mood for sympathizing with him, Envy. All these years, all these centuries of that haughtier than thou mentality that he had, that you can't blame on the King all the time, is finally catching up with him."

[wickedlyxenvy]

Envy pretended to ponder the observation and then gave her a shrug, "Talking about taking lives does make me extremely hungry." He barked a laugh at Gianna's playful poking, the reaction to the slight tickle unbecoming of a demon. Who knew a Prince was ticklish? "I can cook well enough, let's put it that way, Sugarplum." Envy rarely used the kitchen when he could either hire the help or create his meals with a snap of his fingers. If the company ever presented itself, he would likely call in the big guns that were Gluttony's expertise and make him fix the dishes. The demon Prince began slowly rolling up his sleeves, pushing them just past his elbows before leaning against the counter. "Beef Wellington? What are you, my brother Pride?" Envy narrowed his gaze at the young woman, a slow grin stretching his lips at Gianna's actual choice of dinner. "Funny. Grilled cheese, it is." Blowing her a kiss, he began making the preparations for the sandwich. Grabbing the pan, retrieving the cheese and bread as well as the butter, and placing the pan on the stove. Buttering each side of the bread and adding the extra cheese Gianna requested, Envy placed it on the pan's surface, humming at its sizzle. "You know, I've been thinking a lot lately," Envy turned around and returned to the island, "What are your thoughts on kids? Not just children as a whole collective, but us...having them?"

Gianna squinted at her Prince's metaphor, a small laugh falling from her lips even though it honestly wasn't a laughing matter. "Maybe you're the one that's hungry with all that egg and omelet talk," she said before lightly poking Envy in the side, "we'll see how good you cook, then we'll talk about dessert." The witch let the Prince guide the two of them into the kitchen, somewhere she honestly couldn't remember if she'd actually seen or not. It was an opulent kitchen, something fit for a five-star chef– getting the vibe that it wasn't actually Envy that had designed it. She made her way to the island, hopping up on a stool before propping her chin in her hands, fully ready to watch him cook. Something so surprisingly domestic and docile, and it only made her love him more. "Hm, I want Beef Wellington," Gianna replied with a mischievous grin on her face, proud of herself for thinking of something particularly hard and arduous that she had picked up from the cooking shows her foster mother was obsessed with. After letting him stew on the choice for a few seconds, she shook her head. "I'm kidding, something super simple is fine. Oh, how about a grilled cheese, extra cheesy?"