The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and..

Swallowing thickly, he nodded as he looked over at me.
“I know you will.” He paused. “My son is a very lucky man to
have found you and made himself yours.”
His words embraced my wounded heart, and the
acceptance behind them choked me. It took me a moment
to speak. “It is I who is lucky to have been found by your
son and to have become his.”
Valyn reached over, cupping my cheek with his gloved
hand. “And Eloana and I are even more lucky to have you as
our daughter-in-law.”
Tears filled my eyes. I hadn’t cried, and I told myself I
wouldn’t cry now. If I did, I wouldn’t stop. “Thank you.”
He nodded and then lowered his hand, his gaze fixed on
the wall. “I have a favor to ask of you.”
I searched his profile as I opened my senses. I didn’t
need to search long to feel the agony pounding through
him. “What is it?”
Under the gold and steel armor, his shoulders tightened.
“If you see my other son before I do, all that I ask is that you
make his death as quick and painless as possible.”
I blew out a thin breath as the knot expanded in my
throat. The two words I spoke hurt. “I will.”
“Thank you.” Valyn nodded as he shifted his helmet to
his other hand. “We will await your return in the foothills of
the Skotos, from the cusp of the Wastelands to the walls of
Spessa’s End, Your Majesty.” He bowed and took his leave.
I watched him as he strode back to where his horse
waited. I would see him after I sent my message.
“That took a lot for him to ask,” Kieran said, already
mounted on his horse.
“I know.” Holding onto Setti’s reins, I swung myself up
as Vonetta prowled forward in her wolven form beside
Delano.
Several dozen wolven rose from where they rested in
the plush grass and the warm rays of the afternoon sun as
the gates of the northern wall opened, one after another.