The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and..

rasped.
“Tawny is safe,” he stated flatly. “As is the Dark One’s
brother. Both are well taken care of and provided for.”
“Do you truly expect us to believe that?” Casteel
demanded, his anger rising to the surface.
“You don’t have to. Both of you can see for yourselves,”
Ian replied. His words fell like frozen rain. “That is why I am
here.”
I suppressed a shudder as the spark of hope died. There
was nothing familiar about Ian’s tone now, and his words
meant more than what was spoken. He wasn’t here out of
concern. “The message from the Blood Crown?” I managed.
He nodded. “The true Queen has requested a meeting
with the Prince and Princess of Atlantia.”
True Queen? I almost laughed. I was surprised that
Casteel didn’t. I glanced at him. His striking features had
sharpened. “Funny, we wish to speak to the false Queen, as
well.”
“Then she will be pleased to hear that you will meet
with her in a fortnight to discuss the future. At the Royal
Seat in Oak Ambler,” Ian told us, referencing a small port
city just before the Wastelands. “Of course, she extends this
offer with a promise that no harm will come to either of you
in hopes that you will honor her offer and leave the armies
you have gathered to the north.”
My stomach dropped as a cool shower of surprise
echoed from the wolven and Casteel. How did they know?
“Yes.” Ian smiled then, and it killed me a little when I
saw the hint of fangs along both rows of teeth. “The King
and Queen know of the armies gathering. They hope that
this meeting can prevent unnecessary bloodshed. He
glanced to where Vonetta stood. “You are more than
welcome to join.”
My brows crept up on my forehead. Ian had been a bit of
a flirt growing up, but wasn’t he married now? Then again,