The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and..

assume that you’re here to discuss more than your meeting
with the Ascended.”
Irritation sparked at him referring to Ian as the
Ascended even though he was…an Ascended. I could
recognize the irrationality of that, but it still didn’t stop the
burn of annoyance.
“You’re correct,” Casteel replied and then looked at me.
Our gazes met. “We have come for more than that.”
I focused only on Casteel, not allowing myself to read
his parents or the shadows standing in the alcoves. The
taste of chocolate-dipped berries calmed my nerves, and
the steadiness in his golden eyes eased the tension
gathering in my neck.
I was brave.
I was fearless.
Squeezing Casteel’s hand, I turned back to his parents.
“We have come to claim what is mine—the Crown and the
kingdom.”