The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and..

“As you were,” Casteel issued with a nod, and I
committed that phrase to memory as the staff and Elders
immediately straightened.
His father broke away from where he’d stood with a
woman with deep brown skin, and a man with long, reddishbrown
hair.
“We are still waiting on a few to return from their rooms,
but they should be here shortly,” Valyn said, clasping his
hand on Casteel’s shoulder. His voice lowered. “You will be
expected to choose an advisor. Both of you. It doesn’t have
to happen today, but you should choose one soon.”
“I already know who I will choose.” Casteel looked at
me, and I could only think of one person. I glanced to where
Kieran now stood just inside the door, his head tilted as
Delano spoke quietly to him. I nodded in agreement. “I will
want to speak with him first.”
Valyn’s gaze flicked to Kieran. “He is a good choice.” He
squeezed Casteel’s shoulder, and I was relieved to see the
gesture. “For both of you.” There was a pause as he looked
at his son, clearing his throat.
Opening myself up, I could…taste what reminded me of
vanilla—sincerity—but there was also a warm, cinnamon
flavor. Pride. Emotions seeped through the cracks in the
walls his father had built around himself, and even without
my gift, I could sense that he probably wished to speak with
his son alone. The gods only knew how long Valyn had
waited for this moment, having gone from expecting one
son to assume the role and then hoping the other would
eventually take the throne.
My gaze skittered over to where Naill and Emil had
roamed into the chamber. “I’ll be right back,” I said, and
Casteel’s gaze shot to me. I smiled at him and then his
father. “Excuse me.”
Vonetta prowled alongside me as I walked into the
chamber, aware of the eyes that followed. I let my senses
open wide, and once again, I tasted the springy freshness of