The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and..

Ian said nothing.
Queen Ileana tugged on her arm, but I held on for a
moment more. I didn’t know why. Maybe just to prove I
could, that my tongue wasn’t the only thing about me that
now had sharpened edges. I slowly let go, lifting one finger
at a time.
An eyebrow rose as she stared at me. Then she leaned
her head in, and the scents of rose and vanilla reached me.
“Poppy,” she said softly, holding my gaze. As close as she
was, I thought her eyes…weren’t as dark as an Ascended’s
normally were. I could see her pupils. I opened my senses,
but I felt nothing from her, which wasn’t a surprise. “How
quickly you’ve turned on me, after all the years I protected
you, cared for you, and kept you safe.”
Her words did nothing to my heart. “You mean after
spending years lying to me and keeping me in a cage?”
“You were not caged, child. I am sure your dear Prince
can tell you that.”
Casteel’s head whipped in her direction, and his fury
blasted my skin. “A room and a life of lies is still a cage,” I
bit out, refusing to look away. “And I am not a child, nor is he
a Prince.”
Queen Ileana’s brows knitted and then smoothed out as
she glanced at Casteel. Another soft laugh left her as she
pulled back. “Well, that explains so much.” She looked over
her shoulder at Malik. “The younger brother surpasses the
eldest.” She turned back to us. “And the Maiden becomes
the Queen.” The corners of her lips lifted again. “Just as I
had always hoped for you.”
Warning bells rang, but they’d been ringing since she
entered the room with Prince Malik at her side, as if he were
her Consort. “Where is the King?” I asked.
“In the capital,” she answered, eyeing Kieran. She
reached to straighten the collar of his tunic but caught my
move toward her. “Territorial, aren’t you? Never would’ve
expected that. I have a question for you, dear. One that may