âIt is a great honor that I introduce He who is born of the First Kingdom, created from the blood and ash of those who fell before him, the second son of the former King Valyn and Queen EloanaâCasteel Hawkthrone DaâNeer, the King of Blood and Ash.â My breath caught at the title that belonged to the Ascendedâ to the Blood Crown. Casteel stiffened beside me, but the crowd erupted in shouts and cheers, roaring applause that echoed throughout the valleys and the streets like thunder. Willa held up her fist, and silence fell. âHe is joined by She who carries the blood of the King of Gods, the Liessa, and the true heir of AtlantiaâPenellaphe Balfour DaâNeer, the Queen of Flesh and Fire.â