The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and..

brother to me and that there is no one I trust more, but now
things are just kind of awkward, so…yeah. We would like for
you to be our advisor.”
Now it was Kieran who stared at us, his eyes wide, and I
felt the coolness of shock from him—something I didn’t
think he often felt.
“You’re…you’re surprised,” I said. “How can that be? You
have to know that Casteel trusts you. As do I.”
“Yeah, but…” Kieran rubbed the heel of his palm down
the center of his chest. “The Advisor to the Crown is usually
someone far older than me, with more experience and
connections.”
“The King and Queen are usually people far older than
us,” Casteel replied dryly.
“I know, but…why wouldn’t you choose my father?” he
asked. “He would serve you well.”
“But not as good as you,” Casteel told him. “You don’t
have to accept—”
“No, I accept,” Kieran confirmed. “It would be an honor.”
His wide, pale blue eyes darted between us. “I just…I really
thought you’d ask my father.”
I was shocked that he’d thought that.
“Literally no one else entered my mind.” Casteel
stepped forward, clasping the back of Kieran’s neck. “It
would always have been you.”
What I felt from Kieran warmed my chest. He was
surprised but proud and swimming in that warmth. I swore
tears glimmered in his eyes as he said, “It will be my honor
to serve as advisor to both of you,” he repeated. “From this
moment to the last moment.”
“It is our honor,” Casteel said, pulling him in for a onearmed
hug. “Seriously.”
Kieran returned the embrace. Seeing them hug it out
brought a smile to my face. Friendship was a far stronger
bond than even something the gods could create. “Okay.”
Kieran cleared his throat as he stepped back.