The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and..

And I didn’t need to hide my scars.
I grabbed an undergarment and pulled the gown off the
hanger. I changed into the dress, relieved that it fit well
enough. I found a brush and worked out the tangles in my
hair. There wasn’t much I could do with it outside of braiding
it, so I left it down and then found a pair of sandals in the
wardrobe that tied at the ankles. I hitched up the folds of
the skirt, sheathing the dagger to my thigh.
Casteel was waiting for me in the sitting room, standing
before one of the open lattice doors with his arms loosely
folded across his chest. A warm breeze flowed into the room
and was spun about by the dual ceiling fans. He started to
turn as I walked under the archway. “There is some fruit.
And, of course, your favorite, cheese…” He trailed off, his
lips parting until the tips of his fangs became visible.
“What?” I stopped, glancing down at myself while
smoothing an imaginary wrinkle from the skirt. “Do I look
foolish? The bodice is a bit tight.” I fiddled with the cowl
neckline. “Or is it outdated? I figure this must be one of
Vonetta’s older gowns since she’s taller than I am, but the
length is almost a perfect fit for—”
“Unworthy.”
“Excuse me?”
“I am unworthy of you,” he stated roughly. “You are a
dream.”
My fingers fell away from the neckline as I looked over
at him.
Casteel’s arms had fallen to his sides as his gaze swept
over me. His chest rose sharply. “Your hair. That gown.” His
eyes heated. “You are so beautiful, Poppy.”
“Thank you.” I felt my throat warm as my heart swelled.
“And you are worthy.”
He smiled as he cleared his throat. “Please tell me
you’re wearing your dagger.”
Fighting a grin, I lifted the right side of the skirt to my
thigh.