The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and..

Casteel choked on what sounded an awful lot like a
laugh. I looked at him, my brows raised.
“Sorry.”
My eyes narrowed. “You don’t sound sorry.”
He bit down on his lower lip, but the corners of his
mouth curved up. Not one but two stupid dimples appeared.
“You’re so annoying,” I muttered.
“Endearingly annoying,” he corrected, and his father
sighed.
“More like it’s a good thing you’re pretty,” I grumbled
under my breath.
Casteel tugged me back to his side, folding an arm
around me. Before I could protest, he lowered his mouth
until it was only an inch or so from mine. “More like it’s a
good thing you love me unconditionally.”
“That, too.” I sighed.
Casteel lowered his head, kissing me, and there was
nothing quick or chaste about the way his lips claimed mine.
It might’ve even been a little inappropriate—or a lot—but so
was the way I sank against the length of his body.
I jerked as howls and cheers erupted from the wolven
and the Atlantians in the yard and from the city, mingling
with catcalls and hoots.
Casteel chuckled against my lips as he pressed his
forehead to mine. “Our people are really into displays of
public affection, in case you haven’t noticed.”
“I noticed.” Face surely the color of a blood tree, I looked
out at the city—to our people.
Willa turned back to the crowd, which had quieted once
more. “From the Blood and Ash and the Kingdom of Flesh
and Fire, our King and Queen have ascended the throne,
sworn to defend Atlantia from enemies known and unseen.
To rule with kindness and strength, and to lead with
compassion and justice. From this moment to their last
moments, they are your protectors.”