Page 234 of Born of Blood and Ash

His thumb smoothed over my lower lip. “I love you.”

I opened my mouth, but he silenced me with a kiss. And,gods, he kissed me like a man coming out of a drought, sipping and savoringuntil I felt a bit weak in the knees. There was no reason for him to kiss melike that in front of everyone, including my mother. Not that I wascomplaining, but my face felt like it was on fire.

Ash lowered his hand and stepped back. He faced those nowstanding at the table. Poor Lady Faber looked like she might pass out again asshe smoothed a trembling hand over her gray-streaked midnight hair.

Lady Faber need not worry, though. Ash was focused on mymother like a predator when they spotted their prey.

“Your daughter is brave. More courageous than most. She isloyal, even to those who do not deserve such,” Ash said, and his tone said hewas talking about the present company as he stepped toward the table. Shadowspeeled away from the corner of the lamplit chamber and gathered at Ash’s bootedfeet. “And she cares deeply for others, even for those who, yet again, are notdeserving.”

Mother flinched.

“Your daughter cares deeply.” Ash’s low voice echoedthroughout the chamber, bringing frost with it. “Even when doing so hurts her.”

My chest lurched. “It’s okay.”

“No, it is not.” Ash lifted a hand, and the table flippedhigh into the air, sending bowls and platters of food flying. It came backdown, right on Callum. “Because none of those things has anything to do withwho she has become.”

“Ash,” I said, stepping forward.

“Did any of them bow when you entered?” Ash asked.

“No,” Nektas answered with a smugsmile before I could point out that I hadn’t given them time to or that therewere far more important things to discuss.

“Perfect.” Shadows rose up Ash’s legs. “Bow.”

Everyone at the table began to lower themselves before him.

“Not to me,” Ash stopped them, swiping his arm toward me.“Bow to her, the One who is born of Blood and Ash, the Lightand the Fire, and the Brightest Moon, the true Primal of Lifeand the Queen of the Gods and Common Man.”

“Oh, my gods,” whispered Marisol as she lowered herself toone knee, her mouth hanging open. Her parents did the same.

Everyone looked shocked. My mother couldn’t even move. ButEzra…

She smiled and shook her head as she lowered to her knee.“It makes sense,” she whispered, glancing at Marisol. Her eyes glistened as hergaze swung back to me.

“You do not bow?” Ash’s voice was like the crack of thunderthat had torn through the room earlier. “Do I need to repeat myself for you tounderstand?”

“You do not.” My mother trembled, her throat working on aswallow. “I understood what you said. All of it.”

I stiffened, my back becoming as unbendable as an iron rodwhile my mother lowered herself to her knees. She bowed her head, blue jewelsglittering in the mass of icy pinned curls.

I jerked as Ash shadowstepped tomy mother’s side. “Ash.” I hurried forward. “Do not hurt her.”

He knelt at my mother’s side as smoky tendrils whippedinches from her cheek. “It is only by the grace of my wife that you live. Ihave told you that already,” he said as small bits of ice clung to the hem ofher gown. “But I am willing to face her anger to ensure that your sharp tongueleaves no more cuts.” His head tilted. “Do you understand me?”

Trembling, my mother nodded.

“Ash,” I repeated. “That’s enough.”

The curve of his lips was achingly cold. “For now, it is.”

I opened my mouth, but Ash was suddenly in front of me. “Beangry with me later,” he requested, kissing me again. “I need to return.”

I wasn’t sure if I was all that angry. Still, I nodded.“Callum—”

“I’ll take him,” he said. “And I will ensure he’s given ourbest accommodations.”

Knowing he was talking about the dungeon, I snorted.

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