The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and..

asked Kirha when I saw her this morning. Gianna’s in
Evaemon.”
I was a little relieved, but also strangely disappointed. I
wanted to see her. I didn’t even know why.
“There’s something else we need to talk about before
we inevitably meet with my parents.” Casteel finished off his
glass, and having a feeling of where this was going, I
tensed. “We need to discuss your claim to the throne.”
It felt like the floor rolled under my chair as I swallowed.
A ball of uncertainty rested heavily in my stomach.
Casteel set his empty glass down and leaned back in his
chair as he studied me. “You have the blood of the gods in
you, Poppy. How much and what that truly means is
unknown, but what is clear is that the kingdom is yours.
Alastir knew it. My mother recognized it. And despite what
my father said about her reacting with emotion, he realizes
what it means. The bonds with the wolven breaking and
shifting to you is further confirmation. The Atlantians you
saw on the street when we entered Saion’s Cove? Many who
saw what the wolven did were confused, but word of what
you are has already begun to spread. It will reach the capital
before too long, especially if the Elders have been
contacted.”
“Do you…do you know what has been said about the
trees of Aios? I’m sure it was noticed.”
“It was. From what my father said, the people see it as a
sign of great change.”
“Not something bad?”
“No. Most do not see it as such.” His eyes never left
mine. “But some aren’t as positive. As I’m sure you already
realize, some Atlantians will be resistant to what this
signals, only because they do not know you,” he quickly
added. “Only because they fear change and differences.
They will see you as an outsider.”
“And the Maiden,” I pointed out.