The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and..

onto you. I also know what that means. I could potentially
lose both of my sons.”
My heart twisted sharply in my chest.
“And I do not bring this up for you to carry that burden.
From what I can tell, you already carry enough. I have a
feeling if you were asked to take the Crown today, you
would refuse.”
I stared at her. “Would you want me to accept it?”
“I want what is best for my kingdom.”
I almost laughed again. “And you think that’s me? I’m
not even nineteen. I barely know who I am or understand
what I am. And I don’t know a single thing about ruling a
kingdom.”
“What I think will be best for my kingdom is my son and
you.” Amber eyes met mine. “Yes, you are young, but so
was I when I became Queen. And when mortals ruled the
lands before our kingdoms existed, there were Kings and
Queens younger than you. You’re a deity, descended from
the King of Gods. That is who you are now, and no rules
prevent you from discovering who you will become while
you rule.”
She made it sound so simple, and yet she had to know it
wasn’t.
“I also have to disagree with you saying that you know
nothing about ruling a kingdom,” she continued. “You have
proven that is not the case in just this conversation with
me.”
“Just because I don’t want to make war doesn’t mean I
am fit to rule.”
“Because you are willing to think of the people, speak
your mind, and do what is necessary even if it kills a tender
part of you, means you are fit enough to wear the crown,”
she returned. “Ruling a kingdom can be learned.”
All I could do was stare at her. I was willing to consider
taking the Crown, but I hadn’t expected her to support it.
“Why do you not want to be Queen?” she asked.