The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and..

“Of course, Lord Ambrose.” Casteel leaned back, resting
his hands on the arms of the chair.
“Lord Gregori spoke for those of us who have concerns,”
the Atlantian began, and my senses zeroed in on him.
Distrust coated him. “We understand that there was nothing
that could stop the ascension of the Crown, but we do feel
that we must address those concerns.”
Across from him, Willa took a drink of her whiskey and
not-so-discreetly rolled her eyes.
“Didn’t Lord Gregori address them in the Temple?”
Casteel questioned, head tilted. “I believe he stated them as
succinctly as possible. Or rather your Queen stated them as
succinctly as possible.”
Ambrose glanced in my direction. “She did, and she was
right. We do not know her, and she was raised by the
enemy. That was stated but not discussed.”
“There’s nothing to discuss beyond what was already
stated,” I spoke up, meeting Ambrose’s stare. “I understand
your concerns, but I also know that nothing I say will change
them. All I can do is prove that you have nothing to fear.”
“Then, if you wish to prove that there is nothing to fear,
you should have no issue with us voicing our concerns,”
Ambrose countered.
“I don’t,” I replied as Casteel began tapping his finger
on the arm of the chair, his ring making soft thuds against
the wood. “I’ve been told that it is wise to heed the advice
of the Council, and that when it hasn’t been, nothing good
has come from it—advice Casteel and I plan to follow. But I
already know how you feel, Lord Ambrose. I already know
how several of you feel.” My gaze swept around the table.
Gregori’s lips thinned. A woman with dark hair sat back.
Lady Cambria’s smirk matched Willa’s. Sven appeared
bored. “There is too much to discuss to sit here and talk
about what cannot be changed in a discussion, nor will I sit
here and answer for crimes or choices or decisions that the
Ascended or the deities made before me. I have already