The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and..

your parents?”
Casteel nodded. “We are headed there now.”
“Then I will go with you.” Kieran turned to his mother.
“Do you need anything before I leave?”
“No.”
“You sure?”
“Yes.” She laughed. “Your father should be here any
moment now. He can help me with this.” She gestured at
the yarn. “I’m sure he’ll be thrilled to assist me.”
The look on Kieran’s face said he doubted that as
Casteel and I helped gather up the wayward balls of yarn,
placing them next to the basket.
“Penellaphe?” Kirha stopped us as we turned to leave. “I
know you didn’t meet Casteel’s parents under the best of
circumstances.”
His expression was stoic as I glanced at him. “No, I did
not.”
“And for that, I am even more saddened by what was
done to you,” she said. “Eloana and Valyn are good people.
They never would’ve allowed what happened if they had
known. That, I know for sure. And once they get past the
initial shock of everything that has occurred, I also know
that Eloana will accept you just as warmly and openly as I
have.”
Once we were near the stables, I looked over at Kieran,
still thinking about what Kirha had said before we left. “Your
mother? Does she have a way of knowing things like your
father?” Like you, went unsaid.
He frowned slightly. “At times, yes. Why?”
Well, as I had expected, that hadn’t been an odd
coincidence. “Nothing.” I shook my head, aware of Casteel