The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and..

The King turned to us—to me. “Would you like to head
inside?” he offered. “It appears you were caught unprepared
for battle and visitors.”
Mindful of the dagger I held, I crossed my arms over my
chest. “Putting on more appropriate clothing won’t change
the fact that you’ve already seen me in nothing more than a
shirt,” I said, surprising myself. I wasn’t at all used to so
much exposed skin, but then again, I’d just faced down a
bunch of creatures who had no face. My legs being visible
didn’t even make the top fifty things I was currently
concerned about. “I’m fine if you are. I would like to hear
about whatever the Unseen are.”
Amusement radiated from both King Valyn and his son.
A familiar half-grin appeared on the King’s face, and damn if
there wasn’t a hint of dimples. “I am fine,” he said, handing
the mask to the female guard. He sheathed his sword. “This
is Hisa Fa’Mar. She is one of my most trusted. Commander
of the Crown Guard.”
The woman drifted forward, and I knew the moment I
saw her that she was an Atlantian, possibly even an
elemental. She bowed slightly at the waist, first at the
Prince and then to me.
“I do not believe we have met before,” Casteel said.
“No. We have not.” Her smile was quick as golden eyes
shifted to me. “You are quite skilled at combat. I saw you
briefly,” she added. “You have been trained?”
“I have. I wasn’t supposed to be, but I didn’t want to be
helpless like I was the night a group of Craven attacked an
inn my parents and I were at,” I explained, when the crisp,
fresh taste of curiosity reached me, conscious that King
Valyn was listening intently. “One of my personal guards
trained me so I could defend myself. He did it in secret at
great risk to his career and possibly even his life, but Vikter
was brave like that.”
“Was?” King Valyn asked quietly.