The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and..

if you thought that any of us would simply relinquish Solis.
I’d see the whole godsdamn kingdom burn before I ever
allowed Atlantia to seize even one single acre of land.”
I inhaled sharply as Ian closed his eyes, lowering his
chin.
“So that’s it?” Casteel stepped forward. “You really want
war?”
“I want Atlantia,” she replied.
“Then it’s war,” I stated.
The ruby crown glinted as she shook her head. “Not
necessarily.”
“I don’t see how there is any other option,” Casteel
returned. “You’ve rejected our offer.”
“But you haven’t rejected mine.”
Casteel laughed darkly. “It’ll be a no.”
“You haven’t heard what I have to say.” The Blood
Queen held her glass with both hands. “You will claim
Atlantia in my name and swear sovereignty to me. You may
retain your titles of Prince and Princess, but you will ensure
that several of my Dukes and Duchesses are able to safely
cross the Skotos to establish Royal Seats throughout
Atlantia. You will dismantle your armies and convince the
people of Atlantia that this is for the best, of course.” Her
head cocked to the side. “Oh, and I want the former King
and Queen brought to the capital, where they will be tried
for treason.”
Malik showed no response as he now stood beside the
Handmaiden. Not a flicker of emotion for what would be a
death sentence for his parents.
“You’re out of your mind,” Casteel breathed, and he was
right. There was no other explanation for why she would
think we’d ever agree to that.
“If you refuse, then war is inevitable,” she continued as
if Casteel hadn’t spoken. “But first, I do believe you should
understand what you’ll be up against if your armies cross
the Skotos. We have over a hundred thousand guards who