Blood and Ash, #2
A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Contents
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Overview
Casteel takes Poppy to see the true Spessa’s End, asking they pretend to be Hawke and Poppy for the day. He teaches her to ride, introduces her to a wolven stablemaster, and reveals the town’s Atlantian roots and elite Guardians. The people embrace Casteel but regard Poppy cautiously, underscoring fragile trust and looming choices—including marriage on Atlantian soil.
Summary
After recovering from their intimate feeding, Poppy dresses in Casteel’s clothes. Casteel proposes a “field trip” to see the real Spessa’s End, asking that they pretend to be Hawke and Poppy and not dwell on past or future. He seals the deal with a sudden kiss, and they leave through the terrace.
At the stables, they meet Coulton, a wolven stablemaster who reacts to Poppy with a charged, “static” sensation. Casteel decides to teach Poppy to ride solo, choosing two gentle mares. With Casteel guiding, Poppy successfully mounts and practices basic commands, gaining confidence as they ride beyond the fortress.
In the woods, Casteel explains how he and Kieran conceived rebuilding Spessa’s End due to its strategic location near Atlantia. He says the land is reclaimed Atlantian soil, meaning they could marry there, though he insists the outing isn’t about that. They discuss Casteel’s captivity and the Ascended using mortals with Atlantian blood to feed him; Poppy reassures him he did what he needed to survive.
They reach a training glen where elite female Guardians effortlessly disarm a larger force of men and then instruct them. Casteel identifies the Guardians as the last of their warrior bloodline, each worth many trained soldiers. He notes few such bloodlines remain—besides Poppy’s—and doubts many undiscovered Atlantian-blooded mortals still exist.
Riding on, Poppy sees a thriving Atlantian-style town: homes with gardens, markets, and the half-ruined coliseum. In the bustling center, townsfolk greet Casteel warmly by name, revealing genuine affection. Poppy senses mixed emotions; some stare at her scars and greet her coolly. She resumes the pretense, framing Casteel as her Prince while recognizing the community’s acceptance of him and its caution toward her.
Who Appears
- Penellaphe (Poppy)Narrator; agrees to pretend with Casteel, learns to ride, witnesses Guardians, and senses townspeople’s wary emotions toward her.
- Casteel Da'Neer (Hawke)Leads Poppy to the real Spessa’s End, teaches her to ride, reveals the town’s purpose, and is warmly embraced by his people.
- CoultonWolven stablemaster who provides calm mares; senses a charged, static feeling around Poppy and greets her respectfully.
- Guardians of AtlantiaElite female warriors who dominate training exercises and instruct male soldiers, representing a rare surviving warrior bloodline.
- Residents of Spessa’s EndAtlantians, wolven, and Descenters who welcome Casteel enthusiastically but respond to Poppy with curiosity and caution.