A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire (Blood and Ash, #2)

by Jennifer L. Armentrout

“What matters is that I choose her,” Casteel spoke, and my stupid, stupid heart skipped a beat, even though I did not choose him. “And that is all that matters.”

Letting go of the wolven, Casteel stepped back, watching Landell slide down the wall, the wolven’s head lolling to the side. He turned to face the table, his right hand stained with blood and gore. “Does anyone else have anything they’d like to share?”

“There is no side of you that is not as beautiful as the other half. Not a single inch isn’t stunning.” His lashes lifted, and the intensity in his stare held me captive. “That was true the first time I said it to you, and it is still the truth today and tomorrow.”

“But he’s the one thing in all the kingdoms that you, and only you, never have to fear.”

“If you’re looking for a fight…” came a voice that sent a shiver down my spine and then over my skin. My head jerked in the direction of the sound. “You’ll fight me, Princess.”

“I had to do it,” he said, dipping his head so his cheek pressed against mine. “No one, and I mean no one, speaks of you like that. Threatens you and lives.”

“Six,” Casteel called out. “You?” “Four,” I answered, calming myself as I almost wished I didn’t know what he’d meant.

Tipping forward, he held my stare. “It’s not just the Ascended that stain my hands. There are innocents. Mortals and descendants of Atlantians alike, caught between what I want and me. Your guard, Rylan, was one of those.”

WOOOF WOOF

“Can he somehow sense…like what I’m feeling? Not like I can, but in another way?” Kieran tilted his head toward mine, dark brows furrowing and then smoothing as a hint of amusement played across his lips. Oh, no.

Atlantia rose from blood and ash.

“Just so you know, Penellaphe doesn’t need protection. She is more than capable of handling things herself. But that is my future you are walking away with. Guard her well. Your life depends on it.”

Casteel moved forward, touching my cheek just below the scar. “Thank you.” “For what?” The touch of his fingertips was light, but a shiver still rolled through me. “For choosing me.”

:')

Gone was the veneer of civility. His face contorted, cheekbones sharpening as his jaw dropped open. Those eyes burned like coal—like a Craven’s. I stumbled back, bumping into Delano as I saw— I saw the truth once more.

“It’s okay. Shh, it’s okay, Poppy. Stop. Look at me,” a voice demanded. “Look at me, Princess.” Princess.

“You are a second daughter,” she whispered, sending a chill through me. “Not a Maiden but Chosen nonetheless.”

But he would be gone one day. When this was all over and we parted ways, he would be gone from my life. That was what I wanted—what I planned. Then why did I suddenly feel like crying?

“With your dagger?” Kieran sounded impressed. “That and my sparkling personality.” The wolven snorted. “It was probably the latter that did him in.”

“I think he broke the bow, though.” “But he didn’t break you.” Casteel straightened his tunic, the tension bracketing his mouth easing. “And that’s all that matters.”