The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and..

on the thrones. I imagine the sword is more prominent
because, technically, Malec was far stronger than Queen
Eloana.” He sent Casteel an apologetic look. “No offense.”
“Technically or not, it leaves a bad taste in my mouth,” I
said before Casteel could respond.
Kieran’s wintery gaze met mine. “If you take the Crown,
many will expect the arrow to become more prominent, as
you are more powerful than Cas.”
“If I take the Crown, the arrow and sword will be equal,”
I returned. “A King and Queen should be of equal power, no
matter what blood courses through their veins.”
The wolven grinned. “I would expect nothing less from
you.”
I opened my mouth, but he brushed past me, walking
along and leaving me staring at his back. “He’s annoying,” I
muttered to Casteel.
“But he’s right.” Casteel looked down at me, his eyes
like warm honey. “I would expect nothing less from you,
either.”
I glanced back at the banners, thinking they needed to
be changed, whether I took the Crown or not.
Pulling my gaze from the banners, we caught up with
Kieran as we moved through a hall that opened to
breezeways on either side and flowed straight into a large
banquet hall. The table could seat an army, but it sat empty
with only a vase of peonies in the center. We walked through
a smaller room, one with a smaller, round table that
appeared recently wiped down, and chairs with gray seat
cushions. I caught a glimpse of my wide eyes in a mirror on
the wall and quickly looked ahead. In front of us was a door,
slightly ajar, and two Guards of the Crown. Both men
bowed, and then one stepped aside as the other reached for
the door.
The muted sounds of conversation drifted out of the
room, and my heart skipped several beats. My steps slowed.
What if Kirha was wrong? What if Casteel’s parents had only