The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and..

embrace was the type a mother would give, and it brought
forth a rush of bittersweet emotions. Nothing about my
smile was forced when she pulled back, clasping my arms
once more. “I am so happy to meet you.” Her gaze swept
over my face, not lingering on the scars. “I hope you are
feeling well?”
I nodded. “I am.”
“Good.” She squeezed my arms and then let go, placing
a hand on her belly. “Kieran told me you met Vonetta?”
“I have,” I said as Casteel appeared at my side, resting
his palm on the center of my back. “Vonetta was so kind to
me. She let me borrow one of her gowns and helped me get
ready for the marriage ceremony. I hope I get to see her
again soon.”
“What about me?” Kieran asked, and his mother and I
looked at him. “I’ve been kind to you.”
“Someone sounds like they’re already experiencing
middle-child syndrome,” Casteel murmured under his
breath.
“And I’m also, like, standing right here,” Kieran added.
“In front of you.”
My lips twitched as I glanced at him. “You are…okay.”
“Okay?” he repeated with a huff of offense, crossing his
arms.
“Don’t pay him any mind,” Kirha said. “He’s annoyed
because the Healers believe he will soon have another
younger sister.”
Casteel chuckled. “You and Jasper are about to be sorely
outnumbered.”
“Tell me about it,” Kieran muttered.
“When are you due?” I asked.
“Within a month, if the gods are willing,” she answered,
rubbing her stomach. “And not a day too soon. I swear this
child is already as large as Kieran.”
“That sounds disturbing,” Kieran frowned, and I had to
agree with him on that. “You said you were going to see