The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and..

bay,” Casteel said, making it clear he was not asking for
their permission. “Once we meet with the Blood Crown and
have their answer, then we can reconvene and discuss
whether or not you feel that you can give any of them a
second chance. But we haven’t crossed that bridge yet, and
we have no intention to burn it before we do.”
“I have innumerable reasons for why I want to see the
Ascended killed,” a female Atlantian stated. Her sandcolored
skin was without a trace of wrinkles and her brown
hair was free of any gray or white. I believed her name to be
Josahlynn. “But I only need one. My husband and son died in
that war.”
My heart clenched. “I’m sorry to hear that.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Her chest rose with a deep
breath. “As the rest of you know, I’ve been on the fence
about what to do. If we can prevent more husbands and
wives, sons and daughters from dying, we should.”
There were many nods of agreement, but Lady Cambria
leaned forward, resting her arm on the table. “But it is far
too dangerous for you two to be the ones to meet with the
Blood Crown. You are the King and Queen—our Liessa.
Someone else should be sent in your place. I will gladly go.”
“As will I,” Sven announced, and so did many others.
I felt Kieran’s wry amusement the moment our gazes
touched. “Neither of us will ask any of you to do what we
are not willing to risk ourselves,” I said. “Plus, it will be far
safer for us than it will be for any of you. The Blood Crown
does not want us dead.”
“We will also enter the city before we’re expected,”
Casteel explained. “Giving us time to see what they may
have in store for us.”
“And who set up this meeting?” Ambrose asked.
I braced myself. “My brother, who was Ascended.”
As expected, this created several outbursts and
questions. Once they quieted, I explained who Ian was to
me, and that even if we shared no blood, he was still my