The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and..

My stomach hollowed. The idea of being handed over to
the Ascended was terrifying enough. But to be used against
Atlantia—against Casteel? “Then let me ask you again, how
is that not Atlantia’s problem if they…?” I jerked back
against the wall, my eyes widening.
“Wait a minute. You said very few people knew what
Malec could do—that my gifts were like his. They could’ve
guessed that Ian and I had god’s blood in us, but how would
they know our lineage?” I leaned forward as far as I could.
“You’re working with the Ascended, aren’t you?”
His lips thinned. “Some Ascended were alive when
Malec ruled.”
“By the time Jalara fought the Atlantians at Pompay,
Malec no longer sat on the throne,” I said. “Not only that,
but he was able to keep the vast majority of the Atlantians
in the dark about his abilities—about who he descended
from. But some random Ascended knew? One who managed
to survive the war? Because it sure as hell wasn’t Jalara or
Ileana. They came from the Vodina Isles, where I’m willing to
bet they Ascended.” My lip curled in disgust. “You claim
you’re a true Protector of Atlantia, but you’ve plotted with
its enemies. The people who held both of your Princes
captive? The people—”
“This has nothing to do with my daughter,” he said, and
I pressed my lips together. “Everything I have done, I have
done for the Crown and for the kingdom.”
The Crown? A horrible coldness spread in my chest as
my mind reeled from one discovery after another. I opened
my mouth and then closed it before asking the question I
wasn’t sure I wanted to know the answer to.
“What?” Alastir asked. “There’s no need to play the
quiet one now. We both know that’s not who you are.”
My shoulders tightened as I lifted my gaze to his. “Did
Casteel’s parents know you were going to do this?” They’d
fought back in the Temple, but that could’ve been an act.
“Did they know?”