The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and..

Casteel’s lips twitched as my glare swung toward the
wolven. “I’m sorry, but maybe faceless people is a common
occurrence in Atlantia, but it’s not something I’m used to.”
“That is not a common occurrence,” Casteel replied as
he tried to lead me to the bathing chamber.
“And you and I need to have a quick chat,” I continued,
stopping. Casteel sighed heavily.
“We do?” Kieran raised his brows.
“Oh, yes, we need to talk about what you tried to do out
there.”
Casteel’s head turned slowly toward the wolven. “What
did you try to do?”
Kieran folded his arms across his chest. “I tried to get
her to stay inside and remain safe.”
A loud, rough laugh burst out of Casteel. “And how did
that go?”
“As painless as you can imagine,” Kieran retorted dryly.
“I was only pointing out that you would prefer that she
remain unharmed, and that who she is to you, to me, and—”
“Casteel has never once asked that I not engage,” I cut
him off. “And he is my husband.”
Casteel dropped his head to mine as a deep, rumbling
sound radiated from his chest. “Husband.” He pressed his
lips to my temple. “I love hearing you say that.” He lifted his
head to look at Kieran. “My wife can defend herself. You
know that.”
“I do.”
My eyes narrowed. “Seems like you forgot.”
“I didn’t.” Kieran’s jaw flexed as his stare held Casteel’s.
“Things are different now, and you know that.”
“No, they are not.” I pulled free of Casteel. “I am not a
Queen, but like I said before, even if I were, I would never be
the kind that expects others to risk their lives while I sit
back and do nothing. That will never be me, and I seriously
doubt Casteel would be that kind of King.”