Blood and Ash, #2
A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Contents
Chapter Nine
Overview
Kieran explains Atlantian bloodlines and heightened senses, exposing Poppy’s vulnerability when Casteel can scent her desire. After Poppy likens him to the Ascended, Casteel leads her to an underground memorial of Ascended victims, forcing her to confront their atrocities. They return sobered, and Casteel insists marriage is the only way to secure his goals and protect Poppy’s life.
Summary
Poppy questions Kieran about Atlantian bloodlines, fixating on changelings and mental gifts. Kieran clarifies that not all can shift and that elemental lines have heightened senses. When Casteel arrives, Kieran reveals Atlantians can scent arousal, embarrassing Poppy and exposing her attraction to Casteel.
Upset over being confined and her loss of agency, Poppy accuses Casteel of being no better than the Ascended. Casteel silently responds by taking her outside through snow to a hidden door and leading her into an underground chamber.
There, Poppy discovers a vast circular memorial carved with names, ages, and portraits of victims of the Ascended, many children and many dead during Rites. Offerings lie beneath the carvings, and some names lack death dates for the disappeared. Casteel explains the chamber’s purpose and contrasts his own killings with the innocent lives lost, invoking Vikter and others. Poppy is devastated but understands the gravity of the atrocities.
They emerge into night. Poppy asks why he removed the bodies from the hall; Casteel says he believes in dignity in death and that she reminded him of who he was as Hawke. He also explains speaking to Mrs. Tulis and offering her safety or passage.
Back by the fire, they speak of leaving after the storm eases. When Poppy deflects his sincere compliment, Casteel insists the truth is why they must marry: it is the only way he can secure what he wants while ensuring Poppy lives a long, free life.
Who Appears
- Poppy (Penellaphe)Protagonist; learns about Atlantian senses, accuses Casteel of being like the Ascended, and is shaken by the memorial of victims.
- Casteel Da'Neer (Hawke)Prince; exposes Poppy to a tomb of Ascended victims, affirms dignity in death, and insists marriage protects her and his aims.
- Kieran ContouWolven; explains Atlantian bloodlines and heightened senses, teasingly reveals Casteel can scent Poppy’s arousal.
- Mrs. TulisOff-page; Casteel speaks with her about her husband’s actions and offers safety or passage after his execution.
- AlastirMentioned; Casteel’s longtime family friend whose impression of Poppy is discussed.