Blood and Ash, #1
From Blood and Ash
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Contents
Chapter Ten
Overview
Poppy, exhausted and troubled by growing unrest after the Tulises’ denial, is summoned by the Duke and Duchess. Commander Jansen assigns Hawke Flynn as her new personal guard, citing his fresh perspective and outside-the-Rise experience for potential travel to the capital. The decision sidelines promoted Rise Guards and signals tightening control. The chapter ends with the Duke ordering Poppy to unveil to Hawke per protocol.
Summary
After a sleepless night, Poppy fixates on Malessa, Rylan’s death, and the Tulises’ denied petition. She senses growing resentment among citizens and wonders if the Rite’s rigid rules could change. Poppy resolves to petition the Queen when she returns to the capital and, if Ascended, continue pressing for case-by-case exceptions.
Vikter interrupts to announce a summons from the Duke and Duchess, canceling Poppy’s session with Priestess Analia. Anxiety mounts as they pass the Great Hall, where night-blooming roses trigger memories of blood.
In the Teermans’ office, Poppy finds Hawke standing beside Commander Jansen. Fearing he might recognize her from the Red Pearl, she braces as the Duke addresses Rylan’s death—misnaming him “Ryan”—and declares the need for a replacement guard.
The Duke announces Hawke Flynn as the new personal guard. Commander Jansen argues Hawke’s fresh eyes reduce complacency and his experience beyond the Rise prepares for sudden travel to the capital, avoiding reliance on Huntsmen. The Duchess underscores dangers outside and the value of Hawke’s skills as Poppy’s Ascension nears.
As protocol dictates, the Duchess notes a personal guard may see the Maiden unveiled. After dismissing Commander Jansen, the Duke orders Poppy to reveal her face to Hawke. The moment closes on Poppy’s tension and the charged significance of unveiling before her new guard.
Who Appears
- Penellaphe (Poppy)Maiden; reflects on unrest and the Rite, is summoned, and is ordered to unveil before her newly assigned guard.
- Hawke FlynnRoyal Guard; assigned as Poppy’s new personal guard for his fresh perspective and outside-the-Rise experience.
- Duke TeermanAuthority presiding over the decision; announces Hawke’s assignment and orders Poppy to unveil.
- Duchess TeermanSupports the assignment; emphasizes dangers outside the Rise and the need for Hawke’s experience.
- VikterPoppy’s primary guard; escorts her to the meeting and observes the appointment decision.
- TawnyPoppy’s lady-in-waiting; helps veil Poppy and accompanies her to the summons, reacting to Hawke’s presence.
- Commander JansenJustifies assigning Hawke, citing complacency risks and travel needs; leaves before the unveiling.