The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and..

stepped aside. He extended a hand toward me. “I would like
to properly introduce you to my wife,” he said, warm honey
eyes meeting mine. “Penellaphe.”
Keeping my gaze locked with his, I came forward,
placing my hand in his. He squeezed my hand as the sweet
taste of chocolate filled my senses. I exhaled slowly,
returning the gesture as I looked at his mother. Maybe it was
my years as the Maiden because instinct guided my actions
and had nothing to do with the hum of awareness that
seemed to vibrate through my blood. I bowed at the waist
and then straightened. “It is an honor to meet you officially.”
The words spilled quietly from my lips. “Casteel has spoken
so warmly of you.”
Amusement stretched from Casteel, but from his
mother, I got what felt like a cool splash of water filtered
back to me, mingled with an edge of disbelief. It was almost
as if she were finally looking at me. And maybe this was the
first time since I’d entered the room. There was no doubt in
my mind that she had learned what had happened in the
Wastelands, so I couldn’t exactly blame her for being
shocked to see me standing before her, relatively normal
and not a blood-hungry vampry.
A jolt ran through me because as unbelievable as it was,
I sometimes forgot, if only for a few minutes, what had
happened. When I remembered, like now, I also felt a dose
of disbelief.
But Casteel’s mother had gone completely still as she
stared at me, the blood draining rapidly from her features.
“Mother?” Casteel started toward her. “Are you all
right?”
“Yes,” she said, clearing her throat as her husband came
forward a step. My spine stiffened as she continued staring
at me. “It’s just—I’m sorry.” Her golden eyes widened as a
weak smile formed. “I just can’t believe what I’m seeing.
Valyn told me what happened—that you were Ascended.”