Blood and Ash, #1
From Blood and Ash
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Contents
Chapter Nineteen
Overview
After the seditious outburst in the square, Poppy, Hawke, and Tawny debate rumors about the third and fourth children. Hawke presses Poppy to claim choice over her veil and stay vigilant against the Dark One. The next evening, Poppy seeks the Duchess’s counsel about her evolving gift and learns it is maturing near Ascension.
The Duchess warns Poppy to hide this from the Duke and breaks taboo lore: the first Maiden’s path ended in death at the Dark One’s hands.
Summary
Leaving the public address, Hawke ushers Poppy and Tawny inside as they process the Descenter’s accusations about the third and fourth children. Hawke argues that secrecy fuels suspicion and that allowing families to see their children would calm fears, while Poppy warns against spreading claims without evidence. Their debate underscores growing unrest and the power of rumor.
At Poppy’s door, Hawke insists on entering first, citing the Dark One’s continued threat. Inside, he questions her dizziness during the speech. Admitting she hates the veil, Poppy is urged by Hawke to choose for herself; she keeps it on, recognizing it as both burden and barrier. Hawke’s protectiveness and frankness deepen their fraught connection.
The next evening, at Vikter’s urging, Poppy privately visits Duchess Teerman to discuss her gift. She describes sensing anger, fear, and anticipation in crowds and during the Descenter’s outburst. At the Duchess’s request, Poppy tests her gift on her but feels only emptiness, as always.
The Duchess concludes Poppy’s gift is maturing as Ascension nears and pointedly warns her not to tell the Duke. Breaking divine taboo, the Duchess reveals why the first Maiden’s history is suppressed: regardless of her worthiness, her choices led to her death—killed by the Dark One—raising the stakes for Poppy’s future.
Who Appears
- Poppy (Penellaphe)The Maiden; debates rumors, confronts her veil’s constraints, and seeks guidance on her evolving empathic gift.
- Hawke FlynnRoyal Guard; protective, challenges secrecy around the children, urges Poppy to choose about her veil.
- Duchess Jacinda TeermanConfirms Poppy’s gift is maturing, warns her to hide it from the Duke, reveals the first Maiden died.
- Vikter WardwellMentor and guard; advises Poppy to consult the Duchess discreetly about her changing gift.
- Tawny LyonPoppy’s companion; reacts to the Descenter’s claims and observes Hawke’s candid views.