The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and..

and some of us feel that this is not the time to transfer
power.”
Anxiety hummed in my chest as I studied him. A year
ago, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to find the courage
to ask such a question. Six months ago, I might’ve accepted
that what I knew was only half the answer. Today, I didn’t.
“And that is all?”
Lord Gregori stared back at me, his spine rigid. “No. We
do not know you,” he stated coolly. “You may share the
blood of the gods—”
“She is a deity,” Valyn corrected sternly, surprising me.
“Descended from the King of Gods, and is Malec’s child. She
is not one who simply shares the blood of the gods. You
know that.”
My eyes grew wide.
Pink spotted Lord Gregori’s cheeks. “My apologies,” he
murmured. “You are a deity, but you are still a foreigner to
our lands.”
“And one raised by the enemy as the Maiden?” I finished
for him, wondering if it was too much of a leap to consider
that he may sympathize with the Unseen, possibly even
support them. “Our enemies are the same, Lord Gregori, as
are our loyalties. I hope you give me a chance to prove that
to be true.”
Approval flickered through Casteel’s father, and I’d be
lying if I said that it didn’t feel good.
“I pray to the gods that you do.” Lord Gregori bowed
stiffly before stepping back into the shadows.
“Anyone else feel the need to share their opinion?”
Casteel asked. There was no movement from the alcoves,
but obviously, others shared Lord Gregori’s concerns.
“Good.” Casteel smiled tightly. “Because there is much we
need to discuss with the Council.”
“They are eager to hear what you must share,” Eloana
replied. “We can relinquish the crowns now, and while you
meet with the Council, we will send word to the people