The ​Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and Ash, #3)

by Jennifer L. Armentrout

“And your reason for coming to this decision?” Eloana asked. Thinking of what Casteel had said to me, I met her stare. “My reasons don’t matter as long as they’re my reasons.”

ooop

“You are a deity, but you are still a foreigner to our lands.” “And one raised by the enemy as the Maiden?” I finished for him, wondering if it was too much of a leap to consider that he may sympathize with the Unseen, possibly even support them. “Our enemies are the same, Lord Gregori, as are our loyalties. I hope you give me a chance to prove that to be true.”

tell emmmm

“Rise,” Eloana ordered softly, her eyes glistening with bright tears when I looked up. She smiled. “Rise as the Queen and King of Atlantia.”

“I’m not sure what the formalities of such meetings are, but those of you who already know me are well aware that I’m not one for formalities,” Casteel announced as he looked over at me. “And neither is my wife, Penellaphe. So, we may as well get to the point. There is a lot to discuss, and very little time to waste.”

straight like thatttt.

“She did, and she was right. We do not know her, and she was raised by the enemy. That was stated but not discussed.” “There’s nothing to discuss beyond what was already stated,” I spoke up, meeting Ambrose’s stare. “I understand your concerns, but I also know that nothing I say will change them. All I can do is prove that you have nothing to fear.” “Then, if you wish to prove that there is nothing to fear, you should have no issue with us voicing our concerns,” Ambrose countered.

“There is too much to discuss to sit here and talk about what cannot be changed in a discussion, nor will I sit here and answer for crimes or choices or decisions that the Ascended or the deities made before me. I have already paid dearly for their sins.” My gaze returned to Ambrose. “I will not entertain doing so again.”

exactly

“You will bow before your Queen.” Casteel eyed the Atlantian coolly. “Or you will bleed before her. It is your choice.”

hellll yesssssz

“And it can take time for them to find their way out of that, but it is who they are in their hearts and souls that determines whether or not they can be trusted.”

“I’d rather be optimistic than bigoted and close-minded, but I am never naïve. I have more than a thousand years on you,” she said softly, and I blinked. “Consider that before you speak so ignorantly, and maybe you will save yourself future embarrassment.” I…I really liked Willa.

HELLLL YESSSS

“Whatever you do, do not enter Dalos, the City of the Gods. You will know it when you see it. If you enter, you will never return.”

“The best kind of adventures always carry a hint of danger, as I’m sure you know,” she said, and my cheeks warmed.

“You weren’t the only one seeking sanctuary that night. He was in need of shelter—one that could bear the weight of his desires, his love, and his pain. And he found it. He may have given you freedom, but you have given him more than you could ever know.”

“This…this is good, right?” I asked. “They’re sending a message,” Eloana said from behind us. “What kind?” Casteel smiled down at me. “That they are yours. And that, if need be, they will go to war for you.” War was what we were trying to prevent, but…I supposed their willingness was good to know. “You mean that they are ours.”

“I, for one, am glad that I’m surrounded by those who have more loyalty and thirst for adventure than common sense,” Casteel remarked. “And now for the rules.” “Yawn,” Vonetta tossed

“How are we going to wake him?” Delano asked. “Well,” I glanced at Casteel, “we thought we’d cross that bridge when we came to it.” Vonetta lifted her brows. A moment passed. “That sounds like a wonderfully detailed plan.” Casteel smirked. “Aren’t you glad you signed up?”

lmfaooo

“Poppy.” His head jerked up. “I know you said you didn’t think you should use the eather, but I really think now would be a good time to go full deity on these fuckers.”

lol

Draken. “If this thing comes to life, I am out of here,” Emil grumbled. “You will never see an Atlantian run faster.”

lmfao

“it’s admirable of you to do so. I see that my approval of the union was not a mistake.”

“Bravery is a fleeting beast, isn’t it? Always there to get you into trouble, but quick to disappear once you’re where you want to be.”

“Let’s make one thing clear, Queen of Flesh and Fire,” he said, and a shudder worked its way through me as he looked over at me. “I do not threaten death. I make death happen. I was simply curious to see what you and your chosen were made of.” He smiled slightly, pouring wine into the other glass. “Sit.”

oOpP

“You were born of flesh with the fire of the gods in your blood. You are a Bringer of Life and a Bringer of Death,” Nyktos interrupted. “You are the Queen of Flesh and Fire, due more than one Crown, one kingdom. What you seek, you already have. You always had the power in you.”

You always had the power in you.

Relief started to seep through her. “I have no feelings for your husband,” she said. “Not before, and definitely not now.” “Good.” I met her gaze, smiling. “Because if you did, I would probably tear you apart, limb by limb, and then feed what remained to a pack of hungry barrats,” I said. “Now, would you like to find Kieran? I think I remember which room he’s in.”

perioddddddd

My head jerked to her. “Shut the fuck up.” Her laughter died in a hush as she turned to me.

please

“From this moment to the last moment, they are yours, Queen of Flesh and Fire.”

“The one beside you?” He sniffed the air. “Nothing more than a heathen. An overgrown dog.” The King sneered. “Disgusting.” “Disgusting?” I repeated. “The one beside me comes from the line of those given mortal form by Nyktos himself. The one who stands to your left reeks of decay and rot.” The Revenant frowned. “I do not.” He plucked at the front of his tunic. “Rude.” “Oh, I’m sorry.” I stared up at the Blood King. “Is it you who taints the air instead?”

lmbo