She is joined by Kieran, Casteels best friend who hurts almost as much as she does with Casteels loss. Poppy: "He can see me standing behind you. Kieran nudged my hand again, and I opened it, revealing the golden mark and the ring on my finger. ", Poppy: "I know, but I want to be here when Delano comes back. The tight throbbing response to the knowledge made me question my sanity. A muscle flexed in his jaw once more, but he said nothing. The kiss deepened, and the touch of his fangs, his tongue on mine, sent a hot, tight shudder through me. I was not expecting that. Always, and no matter what he chooses. Most of all, he is a true friend to Casteel and has been for many years. I love her unyielding strength and courage. 5 Stories. So fun to talk about this book with other fans! Casteel: "On second thought, my mother is definitely going to like you. His ears perked as he looked over to where Casteel stood. Together, Poppy and Casteel must embrace traditions old and new to safeguard those they hold dearto protect those who cannot defend themselves. ", Casteel: "But I know you won't allow it. ", Jasper: "You stabbed Casteel? Way too much. Can I have you? ", Poppy: "How is me threatening to stab you going to convince anyone that this engagement is real? What I feel? Your life depends on it. Thanks for your comment! My thoughts are if a Poly Ship or alike were ever to happen there would need to be complete trust, a lack of jealousy and be functional much like HeronGrayStairs. Indeed, Ive said repeatedly that Im really only there for the romance. He swallowed as his gaze lifted to the bed's canopy. ", Poppy: "I'm this close to shooting her in the face with an arrow. Casteel: "This is getting extremely annoying.". Whats more, Ill go as far as to say that had the author set out from the beginning to write a polyamory book (beyond the fact that she failed to truly set that up in any real way), this was a truly bad way to go about it. Casteel: "Forcing a warrior to don a veil of submission was never going to last. Just you and me, and the tradition of sharing ourselves with one another. I wanted you. I expected to be picking up pieces of myself.". ", Poppy: "I only stabbed him . a few times. Casteel: "I like how close it brings us, Princess.". I'd rather sharpen a sword than knead yeast. Bored with a hint of amusement. Casteel: "Don't get shot. And when his fingers sifted through my h air, guiding my head back, t here were no protests to be found. ", Poppy: "That's' an exaggeration. Casteel became so still, I wondered if he breathed. He dipped his head, his lips brushing against the shell of my ear as he spoke. ", Alastir: "Ah, yes, you did take her. He will protect him with his life. It must've been the wind. ", Kieran: "Is there something you wanted to discuss? If they are heartmates (which I think they are), he won't be able to endure that. He tossed the quiver of arrows I hadn't seen him grab toward me. Actually, there is something I want to ask. I loved him even though there was so much I didn't know about him. Even when Poppy and Casteel are reunited, Poppys mentally bemoaning Kieran not being around. ", Casteel: "There's something innately wrong with the idea of being stabbed and then having to clean up my own blood. I was expecting her to have a stronger bloodline, sure but I was not expecting that at all. And thats where we get to the subjective portion. ", Kieran: I was beside myself with worry. I wanted to be your first. she has enough stories to fill the shelves of the library of alexandria. I have been very devoted to LUX being my favorite series to date, but I think it's been bumped down to the number 2 slot. Probably the latter. Forget about sex. No? I inhaled deeply through my nose and exhaled slowly. ", Casteel: "It's about us. From the moment you stayed instead of walking out of that room at the Red Pearl, I knew you had a warrior's strength and bravery.". I cant imagine anyone from that community would like the parallel drawn here between their accepting and consensual love with the kind of emotional cheating that Poppy and Kieran were getting up to behind Casteels back and without his knowledge. Four books in, these flaws of bad world-building and endless secrets begin to feel as if the author just never planned her series. I nodded as Casteel cursed when the arrow he'd been pulling on most likely got stuck on something important. ", Older woman: "You are a second daughter. You being mortal or half-Atlantian wouldn't have changed what was already happening. I already knew that, Casteel. And Poppy, wouldn't either. I did. And if the whole world saw that mark between your pretty thighs, I'd have to then kill the whole world.". ", Poppy: "I wouldn't confuse submission for distraction, and I wouldn't mistake obedience for stupidity when it's apparent that you know very little about the people of Solis. Across from me, I heard the choked sound of someone trying to conceal laughter. The Crown of Gilded Bones Jennifer L. Armentrout (Blood and Ash #3) Publication Date: April 20, 2021 Paperback, 659 pages, Blue Box P. But talking doesn't require you to be shirtless. ", Elijah: "I also haven't gotten the chance to congratulation either of you on the upcoming nuptials. The King wants to use her to send a message. ", Casteel: "It's no secret that I planned to use Penellaphe as ransom. I loved how strong and curious Poppy was. I didn't get to choose what I ate, when I left my chambers, or who was allowed to even touch me. I stared down at the dazzling gold swirl on my palm. he murmured, and then caught the lobe of my ear between his teeth. ", Kieran: "Please don't die. ", Casteel: "It still turns me on, Princess. I had plans. She refuses to be the victim, and shows an astounding amount of empathy for even those who don't trust her. A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire by Jennifer L. Armentrout is the second book in her Blood and Ash Series, and starts off essentially where we left off in From Blood and Ash, with Poppy in the hands of Casteel/Hawke, struggling with the heartbreak from Hawke's betrayal, and trying to figure out what the truth is. And thirdly, the author seems to have broken a social contract with her readership by creating a soulmates romance story, publicly calling it such for years and writing three books setting that up, and then blindsiding them with a poor representation of a polyamory relationship at best or emotional infidelity at worst. Maybe you should try that. I stopped doing things I didn't want to do the moment I took off the damn veil. But I still chose him despite it all. Casteel: I just want you to know that Im not even particularly upset about you questioning what I intend to do. It feels like an injustice to Kieran imo either he has someone who loves him equally or he has a bond to Poppy but is nothing more than to protect her as his queen and friend. I do think it was inappropriate, especially for a couple (Poppy/Casteel) that had in no way established together that they have an open relationship. Poppy: "You ran how many miles? I just know it will. Along with this thing called common sense. Casteel had faced all his demons found true love and more or less completed his purpose as a. But I know that many fans were happy with this direction, so to each their own! He obviously pushed his daughter into a relationship with Cas to get his bloodline onto the throne, and when that didn't work, he tried to push his niece to marry Cas. I can promise you that some of the most interesting conversations take place with no clothes to speak of. She just admitted I was right. Reply. They will come to love her as fiercely as I do.". Whispers of war have become stronger, and Poppy is at the very heart of it all. -------> Sure, he kidnaps her but very quickly, it's her choice to stay with him. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. ", Kieran: "Yes, but your face is as red as a tomato. Accepting him and and allowing myself to feel what I did f or him was a betrayal to those who were lost in all of this, and it felt like a betrayal to myself. Im kinda surprised at myself since Im normally a only one guy to one girl kinda gal but the joining and how it went felt right to me. Sadthewidow says: Fucking. Rated: Fiction T - English - Family - Poppy, Casteel, Kieran - Words: 1,571 - Favs: 6 . ", Poppy: "Yeah, well Would that have changed anything? ", Casteel: "I'll admit, that would lead the average person to believe there were no fond feelings between us, but no one would believe that I would choose a submissive Maiden over my brother. Language: English Words: 1,037 Chapters: 1/1 Collections: 1 Comments: 4 Kudos: 9 Bookmarks: 1 Hits: 97; . Casteel dipped his head, and I felt the bridge of his nose along the side of my neck. ", Poppy: "I'm glad you didn't. Cookie Notice You would stop opening up to me. Emotionally, I believe you left him shredded. He respects her, physically and emotionally. <--------. Newly made queen of a people and country that barely know her, let alone trust her, she knows only that she must save Casteel as soon as possible. It's me. ", Casteel: "No, Poppy. But what a very un-Maiden-like talent to have. At some point, the story needs to move past the discovery phase and into the action phase. Confused, I glanced back to where Emil was walking toward the stairwell. ", Casteel: "But didn't you just say nothing was impossible?". ", Casteel: "You're not the only one. Will you do me the honor or allowing me to one day become worthy of you? I immediately thought of the Joining, and the humor dancing across Casteel's face was evidence that he knew where my mind had gone. Her answer? But she is not the Maiden, Alastir. Casteel: "I think you feel the exact opposite when it comes to my stupid dimples. It always will be. Unfortunately. Guard her well. You would've done it to save me. She is more than capable of handling things herself. Web King Casteel DaNeer pronounced. ", Delano: "Please, no stabbing. My lips slowly parted as I realized what the lumpy, red mass was. Partly, I think I just really liked the Kieran/Casteel relationship on its own (so rare that you see a friendship between two men this strong in a fantasy novel) and I almost didnt want Poppy encroaching on it. In the heart? He adds a level of humor to everything with his personality, but obviously also takes his role as protector very seriously. Poppy: "I don't like anything about you. ", Kieran: "You don't sound remotely sorry. ", He laughed as his lips skimmed the side of my throat, Casteel: "Your penchant for violence isn't anything to be ashamed of. Casteel Da'Neer is known by many names and many faces. Of course, Mom excels equally at both.". You're naked. Web The rescue and Casteel ascending Poppy because he doesnt want to lose her. Forget about sex. ", Poppy: "I can't just fall asleep. I love how aware of herself and her feelings she is. Myself, Casteel, Kieran, Viktor and Tawny. Cas can't even feed from someone else because of his love for Poppy. ", Poppy: "I don't know if you realize this or not, Casteel, but I'm not duty-bound to obey a single thing you say. ", Casteel: "You are so incredibly beautiful when you're angry. ", Casteel: "I'm going to to need you to hold onto me and not let go, because I'm about to fuck you like I promised. Not quite the joining but a Cas/Kieran/Poppy pairing none the less. Kieran doesn't show any interest in Poppy like that. Kieran was always a bit of a third wheel but now it kinda feels like Kieran is a background character who has feelings for Poppy and is there for her emotional support but doesnt get more than that, and I hate that thought. And that's because I need you. <-------. There's definitely been several minutes have gone by. Not like this. With the strength of the Primal of Lifes guards behind her, and the support of the wolven, Poppy must convince the Atlantian generals to make war her waybecause there can be no retreat this time. ", Poppy: "Yes. Poppy: "I know exactly what he's referencing, thank you very much. The problem is what I said before: thats not what this series set out to be (or at least theres no rational interpretation of the previous books or authors statements that could lead you to thinking otherwise). But ". War is only the beginningFrom #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout comes book four in her Blood and Ash series.From the desperation of golden crownsCasteel Da'Neer knows all too well that very few are as cunning or vicious as the Blood Queen, but no one, not even him, could've prepared for the staggering revelations. I know. And just so you know, the only reason I didn't end your life the second I learned that you stabbed him in the heart is because he care for you. Like how I want to take your pain away and yet throttle you at the same moment? I couldn't give you to them, not even for my brother. ", Poppy: "You seem to know a lot about that book. Web 40 CasteelPoppy Kieran Joining Chapter. Like Liked by 1 person. It was partly the length. ", Poppy: "What? I swallowed, but the knot was still there. Miss Willa has the same sleeping arrangement -", Kieran: "I really hope you two don't turn into one of those couples who are constantly whispering sweet nothings at one another. It's just that I would've paid good money to see him try to explain that to you. He is convinced that Hawke and Kieran have led them into a trap. Today. But by the end of the book, I was right back to thinking this asshole is shady. What we do learn about the world comes through exposition. ", Casteel: "Talking doesn't require any clothes at all. There was no silencing the laugh. You have many un-Maiden-like talents, don't you? That's the part you like the most. Casteel grunted out a curse. Casteel: "When will you realize I speak the truth? I wanted to believe we were heartmates in spite of everything that made that seem impossible. Change). ", Casteel: "You look You look beautiful, Poppy. Poppy and Kierans relationship has grown over the four books (well I guess 3 since he wasnt really in most of book 1) and they really emotionally bonded over the grief of Cas being held prisoner. Casteel: "You should see your face right now. . It was more the strangeness of the relationship between Kieran and Poppy while Cas was a prisoner. I'm jealous. Free my brother and, maybe if the gods were good, prevent a war - or at least lessen the bloodshed. It picks up a month after the end of the last book, and the war between Poppy and Isbeth has begun. ", Kieran: "Casteel will announce you as his fiance. I bit him extra hard for that.". You look at me like ", Casteel: "How do I look at you, Princess? and right there, basically, is all the dialogue that happens during this book. Read the full disclosure here. Somewhere along the way, I no longer saw her as a bargaining chip or a tool for revenge. ", Kieran: "Well, you do have a habit of doing exactly that.". Poppy and Casteel had A LOT to work through since he basically kidnapped her to use as ransom against the Queen of Solis in From Blood and Ash. Its complicated. Yeaahh, it reads pretty bad and checks all my marks for emotional cheating in my book (honestly, bordering on actual cheating with that naked sleeping scene). It's been a while since I have been so emotionally attached to a book/series. Anyways you might h Millions of unique designs by independent artists. What should have been an exciting addition (finally the heroes perspective!) It weirds me out. ", Casteel: "No one, and I mean no one, speaks of you like that. ", Casteel: "Gods, you feel You feel like all I could ever want. Casteel DaNeer knows all too well that very few are as cunning or vicious as the Blood Queen, but no one, not even him, couldve prepared for the staggering revelations. I needed to be your first everything. It's also true that I chose you when you were just Hawke, and it's not just because you were the first person to ever really see me. I knew it wasn't my naivety or lack of experience. It turns me on when you're armed with something sharp. ", Casteel: "How do you know that? If that had been all, I wouldve overlooked it. Casteel and Kieran have a beautiful life long friendship that brings them as close as brothers. To end what the Blood Queen has begun, Poppy might have to become what she has been prophesied to bewhat she fears the most. Hot . Proudly created with. ", Casteel: "If I'm not willing to risk my life for Spessa's End, how dare I ask the people here to do so? from someone else because of his love for Poppy. Cas is super possessive of Poppy except with Kieran, and I think its because Kieran almost feels like an extension of Casteel. Look, we here at The Library Ladies believe in Every book its reader, and every reader their book. But the converse of that is true: some people make choices of what to read based on what is and what is not in their books. The relationship between Casteel, Kieran and Poppy has been building since the second book, especially with all the talk about the joining. ", Kieran: "Possibly. Casteel/Hawke has earned his nickname, for sure. ", Kieran: "I would hope not. Casteel: "Or is it because you don't want to know that it's taking everything in me not to ruin yet another pair of your pants by ripping them off and fucking you so hard that days from now, you'll still be able to feel the extent of my gratitude.". I will not forget that., Casteel: And I will not be able to forgive you.. ", Casteel: "This reminds me of the stables. ", Kieran: "Then why are you sighing every five minutes? So what do you guys think? I was thinking she might have been part Wolven, considering her connection with them, but I like this. I stared down at him, at an absolute loss for words. ", Alistir: "He does seem quite taken with you. On there own, these actions are pretty condemnable from a partner who is in an established exclusive relationship. Does anyone else feel like the way JLA writes Poppys relationship with Kieran is odd? There was no reason to because what he didn't know was the he already held too many of them. Like I've seen people say JLA lied to them, like have you not read the lines and lines of Casteel and Poppy and Kieran discussing and joking and commenting on group sex, Poppy watching Kieran receive oral sex, Poppy giving Casteel head on a . ", Kieran: "There is not a single person surprised to hear that. A slow grin spread across his lips. The exact opposite when it comes to my stupid dimples his role as protector very seriously with one another,! Me on, Princess. `` - Poppy, Casteel: `` I 'm close. Getting extremely annoying. `` honest and unbiased product reviews from our users `` then why are you every! 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