The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and..

“But I suppose it could be considered an Ascension of the…
flesh?”
Casteel exploded.
He shot toward his brother, lips peeled back, and fangs
bared. He was fast, but Kieran launched himself at Casteel,
wrapping both arms around his waist. “That’s what they
want,” Kieran said. “Don’t give it to them, brother. Don’t.”
Queen Ileana’s laughter was like tinkling windchimes as
she helped herself to a glass. “Please, do,” she said, and I
saw the knights and guards back away from Malik and
Casteel. “I’m curious to know who would win this fight. My
bet is on Casteel. He has always been a fighter.” She
grinned as she lifted one of Vonetta’s braids as she drifted
past her. Vonetta’s lips peeled back in a silent snarl. “Even
when he was on the verge of being broken.”
My head jerked to her. “Shut the fuck up.”
Her laughter died in a hush as she turned to me. The
Handmaiden stepped back while Malik took another drink of
his wine, one eyebrow arched. Ian edged toward me as
Tawny paled. Casteel stopped struggling to get at his
brother as he and Kieran turned to where I stood, my chest
humming with eather and rage, rising and falling rapidly
with my breaths.
“I am being kind, Queen Penellaphe, and hospitable.
Because I will always have a great fondness for you, no
matter where we stand,” she said, her voice cool as she
smiled at Naill. “I’ve invited you to speak with me, so we
could hopefully come to an agreement about what the
future holds. I assume that’s why you two agreed.”
“It is,” I bit out.
“I’ve even had drinks brought in and offered food to
your friends, even though they attempted to trick me into
believing that it was you instead of her.” Queen Ileana
gestured at Lyra with her glass, and the wolven snarled at
her. “But do not mistake my fondness for weakness or for