Total pages in book: 401
Estimated words: 390373 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1952(@200wpm)___ 1561(@250wpm)___ 1301(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 390373 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1952(@200wpm)___ 1561(@250wpm)___ 1301(@300wpm)
All at once, the mortals seemed to snap out of their daze and dropped to their knees, heads bowing as the hush of the atrium stretched on.
“There is no need to bow before us,” I spoke. “Rise to stand with us and not beneath us.”
The ripple of shock echoed in each face as they shuffled to their feet, hesitant and unsure. Considering how the Blood Crown had demanded reverence, my words were likely the last thing they expected. But it was Poppy’s response—the emotions that filtered out to me through her shield—that caught my attention. It tasted like warm, buttery cake. Approval.
My lips curved up, knowing she liked what I’d said. She didn’t want to be worshipped. And contrary to what some likely believed, neither did I.
“Please, return to your duties,” Hisa commanded in a tone that sounded surprisingly friendly for her.
The servants exchanged quick glances and then scattered, nearly bouncing into one another as they did. A few lingered for a handful of seconds, their eyes trained on Poppy, before quickly spinning around and rushing off.
“I’m surprised they didn’t approach,” Poppy commented quietly, nodding at the guards in the hall.
“They’ve been instructed not to,” Hisa explained. And then quickly added in a rush, “Not in a way that suggests they are not allowed, but in—”
“I understand,” Poppy interjected, smiling at Hisa’s back. “Thank you.”
I sensed Kieran’s nearness as Hisa led us down one of the northern halls lined with closed doors trimmed in gold—doors I suspected had been recently painted ivory to cover the crimson.
“The generals are also in attendance,” Hisa advised, her steps slowing.
“Sounds good,” I told her, realizing we weren’t going to the chamber where we’d met with the generals last time.
Hisa stopped in front of a set of double doors toward the end of the hall, knocking once before pushing the doors open to reveal a large, circular chamber likely not used by the Blood Crown during the day due to its tall windows.
Placing a hand on Poppy’s lower back as we entered, I scanned the chamber, taking note of the smaller antechambers on either side. Mostly empty settees and armchairs surrounded an oval table in the center of the space. Chairs scratched over the stone floor as their occupants pushed back and stood to face us, murmuring greetings. All the generals we’d met with before were present. So were Naill and—
“Poppy!” a familiar voice exclaimed. A second later, Netta rushed out of the antechamber, nearly knocking her brother aside.
My lips lifted into a grin as Kieran shot his sister a glare.
Netta streaked past me like I was nothing more than an old, worn boot, her tight braids streaming out behind her. She threw her arms around Poppy, causing her to stagger back several steps.
“Wow,” I muttered. “Don’t mind me. I’m just invisible.”
“You and me both,” Emil said under his breath. “But you’re not sleeping with her.”
Tilting my head, I peered at him as Delano coughed quietly. Emil’s stare met mine. I arched a brow. “Come again?”
Emil seemed to realize what he’d said and immediately pivoted on his heel, heading toward a serving table where decanters, pitchers, and glasses had been laid out.
I turned back to Poppy. Netta still had her in a fierce hug, lifting her onto the tips of her boots. My lips flattened. “Please don’t break my wife, Netta.”
“Shush it,” Netta replied, and I caught Poppy’s muffled giggle.
Gods, that sound…
It was light and infectious. My grin was looser when I looked up, catching General Aylard’s stiff posture as he stood between the dark-haired La’Sere and General Murin. He watched Netta and Poppy with an air of impatience and something akin to disgust.
Resisting the urge to peel Netta off Poppy before the damn wolven snapped a rib was as hard as not giving in to the desire to snap Aylard’s neck. I forced my legs to move past them. After everything, Poppy needed this. Her ribs would be fine, and Aylard could go fuck himself.
I made my way to where Kieran stood by the end of the table. “Thad?”
He’s in his chambers, he replied through the link. He’s injured.
I stiffened, now understanding why he’d been so late returning. How badly?
He’ll recover.
Before I could question him further, he said, How’s Poppy?
A muscle in my jaw ticked, and I debated not answering him. But even I wasn’t that big of a dick. I found her at the Cliffs of Sorrow.
His head cut toward me and then went to where Poppy stood with his sister. What the fuck was she doing there?
Trying to see if she felt connected to them.
Kieran exhaled slowly. Makes sense that she would. A moment passed. Did she?
I shook my head.
Not sure if that’s good or bad.
Neither was I.
Kieran pulled his gaze from her. Your father has returned, too.
My head swung toward him, but before I could question him, Poppy spoke. “We apologize for keeping you all waiting.”