Blood and Ash, #1
From Blood and Ash
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Contents
Chapter Eleven
Overview
Poppy unveils before the Duke and Duchess; the Duke insults her scars, but Hawke counters, calling her wholly beautiful. Hawke takes an unconventional oath, pledging himself to Penellaphe by name. Later, Poppy confesses to Tawny that she and Hawke once kissed at the Red Pearl, weighing the danger if he exposes her.
The chapter deepens Poppy’s conflict between duty and desire, raising stakes around secrecy, power, and Hawke’s true intentions.
Summary
Before the Duke and Duchess, Poppy removes her veil, bracing for Hawke’s reaction and the Duke’s cruelty. The Duke derides her face as half masterpiece, half nightmare. Hawke studies Poppy without revulsion, then publicly contradicts the Duke by declaring both halves beautiful.
Hawke formally vows to protect her, notably using "Penellaphe" instead of "Maiden," which angers the Duke and signals a personal allegiance. The moment leaves Poppy shaken by both the violation of protocol and Hawke’s unexpected defense.
Back in her chambers, Tawny exults that Hawke is now Poppy’s guard, while Poppy worries he secured the post to advance quickly. Their debate shifts to whether Hawke recognized her from the Red Pearl once he heard her voice.
Pressed by Tawny, Poppy confesses that she and Hawke kissed at the Red Pearl. She fears he might reveal her transgression to the Duke to gain favor, yet admits she enjoyed the intimacy and feels conflicted. Tawny argues Hawke’s defense suggests he won’t betray Poppy.
Poppy resolves that what happened must remain a one-time lapse, but she cannot tell if she hopes Hawke recognized her or not. Tawny predicts everything is about to become far more complicated and exciting.
Who Appears
- Poppy (Penellaphe)Unveils before the court; endures the Duke’s insult; hears Hawke’s personal vow; confesses past kiss and wrestles fear and attraction.
- Hawke FlynnNewly assigned personal guard; calls Poppy wholly beautiful; vows to Penellaphe by name; potential recognition from the Red Pearl.
- Duke Dorian TeermanForces Poppy to unveil and cruelly mocks her scars; angered by Hawke’s praise and unorthodox oath.
- TawnyPoppy’s companion; excited about Hawke’s assignment; hears confession of the kiss; urges caution yet anticipates complications.
- Duchess TeermanUrges patience during unveiling; offers soft counterbalance to the Duke’s pressure.