The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and..

Hisa stood at the doors. The Elders had already stepped
outside onto the balcony, joined by Willa. Casteel’s parents
waited with the commander.
Eloana had asked if Casteel or I wanted to change
before we greeted the people of Evaemon. While there had
been a brief moment where I’d pictured myself in a pretty
gown, I’d declined, only taking enough time to tame the
strands of hair that had slipped free from my braid. It was
unlikely that the people would see me in anything other
than what I wore today—or things like it—for some time,
and it seemed rather pointless to present myself in another
fashion.
Besides, it only delayed us speaking with Kieran, and
me talking with Casteel about what Willa had shared. So, we
stood there as we had been when we first rode into Atlantia
earlier.
It had truly been a long day.
“You two ready?” Valyn asked.
Casteel glanced at me, and I nodded. “We are.”
I looked to my side, where Vonetta remained in her
wolven form, and Kieran stood in his mortal one. The
remaining wolven, including Delano, flanked us. Naill and
Emil were among them. I refocused on Casteel’s parents.
“Will you introduce us?”
Eloana shook her head. “We will stand beside you, but
the eldest member of the Council will introduce you and
Casteel.”
Remembering who the oldest Elder was, I said, “Willa?”
Valyn nodded as he eyed his son, who grinned. “I feel
like I’m missing something,” Valyn murmured.
“You’re not,” I said when Casteel opened his mouth,
having no idea how no one in Atlantia appeared to know
about Willa’s journal. “I promise.”
Casteel shot me a look, which I ignored.
“This won’t take very long,” Eloana said, a thread of
weariness in her voice. It had been a long day for them, too.