The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and..

Chapter 36
Eloana unclasped her hands, letting them fall to her
sides. A heavy breath left her, one I hoped was of relief or at
the very least acceptance.
His father stepped forward. “And if we contest your
claim?”
My head shot in his direction. “You can,” I said before
Casteel had a chance to respond. “But it won’t change the
inevitable.” Vonetta brushed against my leg as she prowled
forward. Lyra had leapt onto one of the stone benches, and
without looking, I knew the others had also moved in closer.
I slipped my hand free of Casteel’s and stepped forward,
looking at his father. “The only people I will ever know as my
parents were killed to prevent this moment. I was left dead
and scarred because of my birthright and forced to wear the
veil because of my bloodline. My brother was Ascended
because of it. I’ve had years of controlling my own life taken
away from me. Innocent people have died because of what
is owed to me. I almost died. And on the way here, we were
attacked. None of that has stopped this moment from
coming. The Crown belongs to me and my husband, and I
believe you already know that.”
Valyn stared down at me, his expression unreadable,
and I doubted I would succeed if I tried to read his emotions.
His gaze flicked to where his son stood. “Do you have
anything to add?”
“Not really.” A shadow of a smile filled his tone. “She
pretty much summed it up. You know that the Crown
belongs to her. To us. We will need your help—both of you—