The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and..

“Actually, no,” he replied, surprising me. “He could still
accomplish what he intended. Probably would’ve been even
better positioned to do so with you as his wife and not his
captive.”
“Then why? Because I’m…because I have a drop of
god’s blood in me?”
“A drop?” Jansen laughed. “Girl, I know what you did in
that Temple. You need to give yourself more credit.”
My temper spiked, and I welcomed it, holding onto the
rage. It was far better company than the welling grief. “I
haven’t been a girl in years, so do not call me one.”
“My apologies.” He bowed his head. “I would be willing
to bet you have far more than a drop. Your bloodline
must’ve remained very clean for you to exhibit those kinds
of godly abilities.” He moved suddenly, grasping my chin. I
tried to pull free, but he held me in place. His dark eyes
swept over my face as if he were searching for something.
“Strange that I never saw it before. I should have.”
I reached up, gripping his forearm. The manacle on my
wrist tightened in warning. “Remove your hand from me.”
“Or what, Maiden?” His smile kicked up a notch as my
anger flared hotly. “There is nothing you can do to me that
will not result in you harming yourself. I just said you were
always clever. Don’t make a liar out of me.”
Helpless anger prodded at the deeply rooted
desperation I felt at not being able to defend myself. “Let go
of me!”
Jansen released his grip and rose suddenly. He glanced
over at the pile of bones beside me as I dragged in deep
breaths. My heart pounded way too fast. “I knew it wouldn’t
be wise for me to linger in Masadonia,” he said. “So, I left
shortly after you did. I met up with Alastir on the road to
Spessa’s End. It was then that I learned what you were.”
My fingernails pressed into my palms. “So, Alastir knew
what I was?”