The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and..

this way. We’re just making sure you and the Prince are
protected from all fronts.
Were they worried about the Unseen or something else?
I focused on the road we traveled. Eventually, we passed
under the bridge that led to the east, a district of Evaemon
that Casteel had said was called the Vineyards.
“Wine,” he explained as we rode near the bank of the
main canal. Ships with white and gold sails were docked at
the numerous piers. People hustled on and off vessels,
carrying crates. “The district gets its name from the
vineyards.”
The other district was called The Splendor for its cache
of museums, art, and some of the oldest buildings in all of
Atlantia. I couldn’t wait to explore the enclave, but that
would have to wait.
We traveled along the thicket of glossy blood trees,
climbing the rolling pasture hills. My breathing became short
as the trees thinned out, and smooth, jet-colored stone
became visible through them.
“Why is the palace so different from the rest of the
buildings in Atlantia?” I asked, forcing my grip to remain
loose on Storm’s reins.
“It didn’t always look like this. Malec renovated it when
he took the throne,” Casteel explained, and I felt my
stomach dip. “He said that it was to honor Nyktos, claiming
it was more in line with the Temples in Iliseeum, from what I
recall.”
I thought that over. “Do you think he traveled to
Iliseeum?”
“I don’t know, but it’s possible.” The cooler breeze lifted
the wavy strands of Casteel’s hair. “Otherwise, how would
he know what the Temples looked like there?”
“Good point,” I murmured. “Priestess Analia once told
me that the Temples in Solis were the oldest buildings, there
long before the Ascended ruled.”