Blood and Ash, #2
A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Contents
Chapter Thirty-One
Overview
Poppy and Casteel abandon pretense and consummate their relationship at the hot springs, cementing mutual desire while agreeing to keep it private. During dinner, Poppy faces wary scrutiny after healing Beckett. Alastir advises her on public perception and drops a bombshell: Casteel was previously promised to another, blindsiding Poppy.
Summary
At the hot springs, Poppy confirms she wants Casteel without pretense, and they have an intense, mutual encounter. After, Casteel tenderly holds Poppy and fetches clothes Kieran brought. They agree—at Casteel’s urging—that what happened there will remain private, and Casteel confirms he has taken contraception.
That evening at a communal dinner, word of Poppy healing Beckett draws persistent stares from Atlantians, wolven, and mortals, which Poppy endures despite discomfort. Beckett, recovered, quietly thanks her yet betrays a flicker of fear. Casual conversation reveals Casteel’s studious youth and Malik’s mischievousness, briefly lightening the mood.
Poppy notices hostile looks and struggles with the pressure of becoming Princess and possibly Queen. Alastir counsels her to project calm, noting Casteel will retaliate for insults to her, and frames her influence as pivotal.
As Casteel returns to the table, Alastir—pressed by Poppy—reveals a crucial secret: Casteel had already been promised to another, a revelation that shocks Poppy and casts doubt on the meaning of their newly solidified relationship.
Who Appears
- Poppy (Penellaphe)Protagonist; commits to a real sexual relationship with Casteel, endures public scrutiny after healing Beckett, and learns Casteel was promised to another.
- Casteel Da’NeerPrince; shares a genuine, passionate encounter with Poppy, urges secrecy, shows care, and is confronted about a prior betrothal.
- AlastirAdvisor; supports Poppy, counsels political composure, and reveals Casteel had been promised to someone else.
- KieranWolven; tracks the pair to the springs and brings clothes; later observes dinner dynamics.
- BeckettYoung wolven Poppy healed; expresses thanks at dinner but briefly shows fear.
- QuentynAtlantians’ youth; helps serve at dinner alongside Beckett.
- EmilCompanion; shares light banter at dinner, easing tension briefly.