The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and..

technical term would be that they committed treason
against me and you.”
“Yes, but having beliefs or concerns that have not been
acted upon does not immediately equal treason. If there is
evidence that they were aware and did nothing, they
should, at the very least, have a trial. Or is Atlantia no
different than Solis when it comes to due process?”
“Atlantia believes in due process, but there are
exceptions. Namely—you guessed it—treason.”
“Still, if people have been misled, they should be given
the chance to redeem themselves, Cas.”
His eyes flared an intense shade of amber. “You’re not
playing fair, Princess, knowing how much I love hearing you
call me that.”
The corners of my lips curved up just the faintest bit.
He tsked softly. “Already wrapping me around your
finger.”
I fought the smile. “I’ll only wrap you around my finger if
you agree with me.”
Casteel laughed at that. “I agree,” he stated. “But…my
condition is that I agree to hear them speak—to state their
case. They’re going to have to be really convincing if they
have any hope of surviving.”
My shout of victory died a little before it reached my
lips. “I don’t like your condition.”
“Too bad.”
I narrowed my eyes.
“Sorry,” he demurred, not even sounding remotely
apologetic. “What I meant to say is that we’re compromising
between our two wants. I’m meeting you halfway here. I am
giving them a chance.”
I wasn’t sure what chance he was giving, but this was
a…compromise. It was also a definite improvement. “Okay.
Then I will meet you in the middle.”
“You should since you’re practically getting what you
wanted,” he remarked with a grin.