Total pages in book: 241
Estimated words: 229266 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1146(@200wpm)___ 917(@250wpm)___ 764(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 229266 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1146(@200wpm)___ 917(@250wpm)___ 764(@300wpm)
“What do you mean by ‘at least’ you think that?”
“Atlantians don’t often share their blood with mortals, not even half-Atlantians.” He sat on the edge of the bed. “In fact, it’s forbidden.”
“Is it because of your bloodline?”
“Our blood doesn’t have much impact beyond its healing and aphrodisiac qualities to mortals. But you’re not completely mortal. I imagine it may strengthen the part of you that is Atlantian, at least temporarily.” He faced me again. “But there is a worry that sharing one’s blood with those who have mortal blood could eventually lead to an Ascension.”
“Oh.” I could see why that would be a concern. “Would you get in trouble if it was discovered?”
“You don’t need to worry about that.”
“But I do,” I blurted out.
An eyebrow raised. “Then you’re worried about me, Princess?”
My skin flushed. “If something happens to you, then that would jeopardize what I want.”
His head tilted as he studied me. A too-long stretch of silence passed. “No one who saw how injured you were either time will ever share that I gave my blood to you.”
That was good to know. “But what would happen?”
He sighed. “Kieran was right. You do ask a lot of questions.”
My eyes narrowed. “Curiosity is a sign of intelligence.”
Casteel smiled at that. “That is what I hear.” The dimple disappeared. “The King and Queen would be unhappy, but since I’m their son, they would probably yell at me, and that’s about it.”
I wasn’t sure if he was telling the truth or not.
“I figured you’d be mad,” he admitted.
“How can I be mad when you made sure that I’m not in pain?” I asked, and I truly wasn’t. “It didn’t hurt me. It doesn’t hurt you, right? I’m just glad I don’t have a throbbing headache and…” I looked at the faint marks. “I won’t have yet another scar.”
Two fingers pressed under my chin and lifted my gaze to his. “Your scars are beautiful,” he said, and there was a swift, swelling motion in my chest that couldn’t be deflated no matter what my brain yelled at it. “But I refuse to allow your body to be scarred again.”
My heart started thumping once more. “You say that like you mean it.”
“Because I do.”
I wanted that to be true, and that was enough of a warning. I leaned away from his grasp. “When…when do we leave?”
“Naill is out scouting, making sure there is no unexpected traffic on the western roads. I can’t leave until I am sure that there are no immediate threats to the keep,” he explained, and that made sense. “I hope we will be able to leave by morning or the following day at the latest.”
Nodding, I closed my eyes. When I started to see Lord Chaney’s face, I shifted my thoughts beyond that to what I’d learned before the Ascended arrived. I’d likely discovered what bloodline I descended from—a line of warriors.
The need to get up, to move—to do something—hit me again, but this time, I had a purpose. “Are the injured ones in pain?”
Casteel’s brows knitted. “They’ve been given what we have on hand to ease their pain. Magda left to retrieve more.”
“I can help them.” I scooted to the other side of the bed and pushed the blanket off.
He rose. “Poppy—”
“I can help,” I repeated, coming to my feet. “You know I can. Why shouldn’t I?” I raised my brows when he didn’t answer. “There’s no good reason for why I shouldn’t.”
“Other than that you were just injured?” he suggested.
“I’m fine, thanks to you.” My hands opened and closed at my sides. “You know I hated not being able to use my abilities before, being forced to do nothing when I can help people. Don’t do that to me.”
“I’m not trying to do that to you.”
“Then what are you trying to do?” I demanded. “These are your people. I want to help them. Let me do that.”
“You don’t understand.” He thrust a hand through his hair. “The people here don’t know you. They don’t—”
“Trust me? Like me? I already knew that, Casteel. I don’t need either of those things. That’s not why I want to use my abilities.”
Casteel fell quiet and stared at me for so long that I braced for an argument. “Then you should get changed,” he said, turning away. “I’ll get jealous if anyone else sees how pretty your legs are.”
Chapter 17
I found myself in borrowed clothing once more as Casteel and I left the room. The heavy sweater was a deep, forest green, warm and soft, but this time, the pants were a size or two too big. Gathered around my waist with gold rope, the breeches were baggy through the entire leg. I was positive the tie was normally used to hold curtains back from a window. I felt a little foolish, like a small child playing dress-up in adult’s clothing, but I wasn’t going to complain. The clothes were warm and clean, smelling of lemongrass.