Blood and Ash, #2
A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Contents
Chapter Two
Overview
Alastir’s arrival forces Casteel to shield Poppy and conceal details of their shifting relationship. Escorted by Kieran, Poppy confronts the brutality around her, debates Casteel’s motives, and learns her empathic gift is unusual among Atlantians. Kieran warns more threats will come but vows Casteel is dangerous to others—not to Poppy.
Summary
In the stunned aftermath of Casteel killing Landell, Casteel defends his action as a necessary response to a threat against Poppy and pointedly reassures her about her scars. Poppy asks to return to her room, but a warning from Casteel halts her as visitors arrive.
Alastir Davenwell, royal advisor and family friend, enters. He notices the bite on Poppy’s neck, prompting Casteel to state that his relationship with Poppy has changed. Casteel sends Poppy away with Kieran before further discussion.
Crossing the hall of impaled bodies, Poppy grapples with Mr. Tulis’s choice and the horrors of the Rite and the Ascended. Kieran identifies Alastir and explains why Casteel acted, warning more will try to harm Poppy. He also remarks that Poppy “smells of death,” unsettling her.
On the walk, Poppy and Kieran debate Casteel’s authority, wolven emotions, and Poppy’s growing empathic gift. Kieran stresses that Atlantians don’t share her ability, and that knowledge of it should stay limited. He affirms the gods are real but resting, and the Ascended are cursed like Craven, not Blessed.
Back in Poppy’s rooms, she argues that Casteel intends to use or ransom her despite talk of marriage. Kieran challenges her assumptions, asking what she’s fighting to return to if she believes the truth about the Ascended. He concludes that while Casteel has earned the name Dark One, Poppy is the one person who never needs to fear him.
Who Appears
- Poppy (Penellaphe)Protagonist; shaken by Landell’s death, questioned by Alastir’s presence, reflects on Ascended truths and her rare empathic gift.
- Casteel Da’NeerPrince; defends killing Landell, publicly protects and compliments Poppy, shields her from Alastir, hints their relationship has changed.
- Kieran ContouWolven; escorts Poppy, explains Casteel’s motives and coming threats, notes she ‘smells of death,’ confirms her gift’s rarity, asserts she needn’t fear Casteel.
- Alastir DavenwellAdvisor to Atlantian royalty; arrives unexpectedly, notices Poppy’s bite, prompts Casteel to conceal details and send her away.
- Mr. TulisExecuted mortal on display; his choice and fate trigger Poppy’s reflections on the Rite and the Ascended’s cruelty.
- LandellWolven killed by Casteel for threatening Poppy; his death underscores Casteel’s authority and the danger Poppy faces.
- JerichoWounded man displayed and whimpering; a grim reminder of the night’s violence as Poppy passes.