The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and..

curiosity and the undertone of concern, thick like buttermilk.
As I continued on, my chin lifted, my gaze moving from Naill
and Emil to the round windows spaced between similarshaped
mirrors throughout the chamber. I could see just the
steel gray and ivory of buildings. Eager to see more of
Evaemon, I almost didn’t catch my reflection in the mirror
just inside the room.
But I did.
My steps faltered. My eyes appeared brighter than
normal, the silvery sheen behind my pupils more noticeable.
There was a faint pink blush to my cheeks. I didn’t really
notice the scars. The crown of twisted bone that sat upon
my head drew my attention.
And the fact that my hair was a bit of a mess. It was
braided, but the ride here and the skirmish with the Unseen
had caused many strands to sneak free.
Realizing that I was still in clothing dusty from the road
and probably stained with blood during my crowning and my
first Council meeting, I swallowed a sigh and glanced out
into the reception hall. My head tilted as I scanned the
Elders. It wasn’t until then that I realized they were dressed
similarly to Casteel and me. They were all dressed in either
black or gray tunics and pants trimmed in gold—even the
women. There were no fancy, gauzy gowns made of rich,
supple material. The clothing was pragmatic. I suspected
that all of them were fighters in one way or another.
I glanced at my reflection once more, still a bit startled
to see the golden crown. Gods, what would Tawny think if
she saw this? She’d probably laugh in surprise and then fall
into stunned silence. A sad smile tugged at my lips. And
Vikter? Gods, he…
Blowing out a sharp breath, I managed to resist the urge
to reach up and touch the crown and forced myself to walk
past the mirror. I was sure that Vonetta probably wondered
how long I would stare at my reflection.
“I see you found sanctuary and more.”