Total pages in book: 247
Estimated words: 231436 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1157(@200wpm)___ 926(@250wpm)___ 771(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 231436 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1157(@200wpm)___ 926(@250wpm)___ 771(@300wpm)
Pretty sure I would feel the same.
It’s clear that her powers are growing, and it absolutely awes him. However, it concerns him, as well. He discusses her gifts with her and asks her not to use them in front of crowds until they know more and can control the narrative.
They talk about their upcoming nuptials, and Cas tells Poppy that he wants to marry her now in Spessa’s End. She agrees, but Alastir is anything but pleased by the news. Casteel isn’t happy with the wolven’s reaction and reiterates that Poppy is what he wants. After the encounter and needing to share some of the beauty of Spessa’s End with Poppy, he takes her to the poppy fields and the caves, letting little bits of his truth free and telling her how he feels.
While in the cavern, they agree to stop pretending and have wicked and wondrous sex in the hot springs. When they return to the others, Alastir’s ire turns vile, and he blurts out that Casteel is already promised to another—namely, Alastir’s niece, Gianna.
Poppy is clearly hurt by the news—who wouldn’t be after everything they shared? Casteel can almost see her thoughts on her face and argues with Alastir, saying that what he did was a weak move. He explains his actions once again, reiterating his love for Poppy. He even goes so far as to reveal that she stabbed him in the chest after learning of his original plans in an attempt to smooth things over with those in attendance.
Poppy tells everyone that she knew about his plans to capture and use her, but she fell for him anyway—when he was still Hawke. She goes on to say that he is the first thing she’s ever chosen for herself.
Be still my heart.
Later, when Casteel goes to her chambers to wake her, they fight about Gianna. He tells her that he never openly protested the suggestion of the two of them marrying because he didn’t want to hurt Alastir’s niece but ensures Poppy that he’s been completely honest with her about everything—except his need to feed. And he kept that from her for a good reason.
He asks her if what she said at dinner was true—that she’s fallen for and chooses him—and admits that he wants everything from her. He shares that his original plan made less sense the more they interacted. And that with her, he can just be.
Before he can show her how much he loves her, they’re interrupted and told the sky is on fire.
Yeah, that would be an ardor douser.
They wonder if it’s an omen and go out to investigate, finding it’s not actually the sky but something large in the distance. A bit later, Delano arrives, wounded, with news that the Ascended are on their way with an army.
Casteel sends Alastir and Kieran for reinforcements and asks Poppy to go with them. But, as usual, she’s stubborn and resists. He threatens to compel her if she doesn’t go but finally relents when she argues that she can be an asset and won’t be a liability.
She’s a great fighter. I would have believed her.
Kieran is angry about leaving Cas but knows it must be done. They share an emotional goodbye, and Casteel goes to determine who can fight. Once he’s assessed, he arranges a strategy meeting and invites Poppy to join. Another sign of trust and love.
In a heartfelt exchange, Casteel admits that the most shame he’s ever felt is tied to her and says he actually planned on taking her during the Rite. He even had Kieran and others waiting to move in. He also admits that he wanted…no, he needed to be her first everything, and that he still wants everything from her. He adds that he pretends he can have it, even when he knows she’ll inevitably leave, leaving him still wanting.
Poor guy. I just want to hold him close.
In a moment of vulnerability and honesty, he finally tells Poppy about Shea, revealing that he doesn’t talk about her. Not because he loved her but because he hates her and loathes what he was forced to do. He tells Poppy that only Malik and Kieran know the truth. The people of Atlantia think Shea died a hero, and he’s okay with that. He goes on to explain that one of the big reasons he couldn’t marry Gianna was because she looks like Shea, and it bothered him.
Poppy reciprocates by pouring out her heart to him and telling him how she really feels. He proposes again and asks her to marry him immediately. She accepts and tells him to remember he’s worthy.
Casteel and Poppy marry in the traditional Atlantian way, but when they are pronounced husband and wife, the afternoon sky turns as dark as midnight. It’s an omen, something that hasn’t happened since Casteel’s parents married, and is believed to be a blessing from Nyktos, showing his approval of their union.