Blood and Ash, #2
A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Contents
Chapter Forty-One
Overview
In the battle’s aftermath, Poppy heals the wounded while Casteel sends a lone survivor to deliver a peace parley and warning. A wary wolven cautions Poppy about Atlantian loyalties, and wolven reveal they felt Poppy “calling” them. Casteel plans their immediate departure for Atlantia and Poppy’s crowning, while Poppy admits the Duchess’s unsettling claims about Tawny, Malik, and the Queen’s interest in their marriage.
Summary
On the training field turned infirmary, Poppy surveys heavy casualties among Atlantians, Descenters, and wolven. Only one Solis soldier is spared; Casteel has sent the boy toward Pompay with a warning and an offer to negotiate. Exhausted, Poppy continues healing, though some refuse her touch.
An older wolven, newly healed by Poppy, recognizes her marriage to Casteel and warns that many Atlantians neither chose nor trust her, recalling empaths as feared “Soul Eaters.” He hints that while Casteel is Prince, King Valyn commands their loyalty and may still intend to use Poppy as a message.
Later, in the bathing chamber, Casteel returns, thanks Poppy for healing, and grieves Elijah. He reveals Kieran and Jasper felt Poppy “calling” the wolven during the battle; Poppy recalls Delano once claimed the same in New Haven. They cannot explain this ability, which does not match known empath traits.
Casteel outlines immediate plans to leave for Atlantia so Poppy can be crowned, leaving armies to secure Spessa’s End. Poppy fears the people’s distrust and the King’s power, but Casteel vows no one—not even his parents—will harm her.
Poppy confesses she lied about the Duchess’s last words: the Duchess claimed Tawny might Ascend early, that Malik and Ian were together, and that the Queen would have welcomed their marriage, saying Poppy had “taken Atlantia.” The claims unsettle them both; they doubt the truth but recognize the implications.
Who Appears
- Poppy (Penellaphe)Heals the wounded, faces distrust, exhibits a mysterious call to wolven, plans to be crowned, reveals the Duchess’s claims.
- Casteel Da’NeerSends a spared Solis boy with a warning and parley; grieves Elijah; vows to protect Poppy; plans swift return to Atlantia.
- Older wolven (unnamed)Warns Poppy about Atlantian distrust and King Valyn’s primacy; benefits from her healing.
- KieranConfirms the wolven felt Poppy’s call during battle; stands guard after the fight.
- JasperAffirms the wolven sensed Poppy’s call; a knowledgeable elder referenced for insight.
- TaliaHealer tending those who refuse Poppy’s touch during the aftermath.
- QuentynAssists among the wounded and recovering at the field infirmary.
- BeckettHelps care for the injured alongside Quentyn after the battle.
- DelanoPreviously reported hearing Poppy’s call in New Haven, supporting the new revelation.
- ElijahFallen ally mourned by Casteel; his death underscores the battle’s cost.
- Young Solis soldierOnly enemy survivor; sent to Pompay with a warning and negotiation offer.
- King ValynAtlantian King whose will may outweigh Casteel’s; potential threat to Poppy.
- Queen IleanaAscended ruler; alleged by the Duchess to have wanted Poppy’s marriage and kinship.
- TawnyPoppy’s friend; allegedly set to Ascend early to manipulate Poppy.
- MalikCasteel’s brother; said by the Duchess to be alive and with Ian.
- IanPoppy’s brother; reportedly together with Malik per the Duchess’s claim.