The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and..

shoulder to the door. “And I knew he was seeking the same
thing that led you to the Red Pearl that night.”
My brows knitted. “He was there to discuss his plans.”
Thick curls swayed as she shook her head. “That was
one of the reasons, but deep inside, he was searching for
the same as you.” She paused. “To live.”
Air lodged in my throat.
“Can I share something with you?” Willa leaned in,
touching my arm. A faint charge of energy danced over my
skin. “You weren’t the only one seeking sanctuary that
night. He was in need of shelter—one that could bear the
weight of his desires, his love, and his pain. And he found it.
He may have given you freedom, but you have given him
more than you could ever know.”
Emotion clogged my throat, stealing whatever words I
had to speak.
“Don’t forget that,” she said.
“I won’t,” I managed.
Willa smiled.
“Penellaphe,” Eloana called from the doorway. “Are you
ready?”
Inhaling deeply, I nodded. “I am,” I replied and then
lowered my voice. “Thank you for answering my questions.”
She inclined her head. “Always. And if you become…
curious enough to ask those other questions I’m sure are
brewing in your head, I’ll be more than happy to answer
them or refer you to a certain…chapter.”
Oh.
Oh, my.
“T-thank you,” I stuttered out and then started to turn.
“Your Majesty,” Willa stopped me, and when I faced her,
her smile was gone. “A Seer cannot always know things
about another, nor can most close their eyes and look past
the now into tomorrow and the days that come after. I
cannot,” she told me, and those tiny bumps returned.