The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and..

wave of awareness. None of us was sure exactly what it
was, but now that I see you, I know. Makes sense,” he said
as if the fact that I was a deity wasn’t remotely shocking or
a big deal at all.
I kind of liked that. “By the way, you don’t have to call
me that.”
“I know.” Coulton grinned, and I had a feeling he would
continue calling me that. “Keeping our Prince in line?”
“I try.” I smiled at him as I walked to Setti’s head on legs
weak from such a long journey.
The wolven chuckled as I stroked Setti’s nostrils. “I
imagine it’s a full-time job.”
“I’m offended.” Casteel dragged a hand through his
windblown hair as he squinted up at the wall. “How is
everyone doing with the unexpected guests?”
“Nervous, but okay and prepared,” Coulton answered,
and my fingers curled into Setti’s mane. “Once I get Setti
taken care of, you all want some food sent to your rooms?”
“That would be good,” Casteel said, lifting the
saddlebag over a shoulder as the weary wolven streamed
across the courtyard, many of them panting, even Delano.
Concern blossomed as I watched Vonetta lower her belly
to the ground, her fawn-colored fur identical to her
brother’s. Jasper sat beside her as he scanned the
courtyard, his large body hunched slightly. I searched for
Kieran and found him nudging a smaller wolven with deep
brown fur. Opening my senses, I focused on the wolven. The
grittiness of exhaustion came back to me. I pushed past that
as my chest hummed, finding the individual pathway.
Through the cord, I felt the…warm, rolling waters. Lyra was
the brown wolven. I shifted my attention to Kieran,
searching until the phantom scent of cedar reached me.
Having no idea if this would work, I followed the individual
cord, pushing my thoughts through it. Are you all okay?
Kieran’s head jerked in my direction as Coulton began
leading a tired Setti to the stables, where I hoped they