Page 103 of A Broken Throne of Bronze

“The Steel Court will not sit idly by while our people die.” She stands. “Your Majesty, if I may be excused.”

Vorr tightens his mouth. “You may, Lady Wynterliff.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Head of House Wynterliff bows her head to Vorr, and then to Viridian when she passes us.

“What do the miners demand?” a male with rich brown hair asks Viridian.

“An audience with the High King,” Viridian responds, staring down at his father.

The male nods and turns to Vorr. “Perhaps it would be wise to consider making a statement.”

“And do what? Tell them the crown has no answers?” Vorr’s voice sharpens. “You know that would only sow more panic, Tanyl.”

Lord Tanyl Tarrantree—Myrdin’s father, I realize—keeps his expression calm. “The people’s fears may be eased if they know the crown hears their cries. Show them that the crown stands with them.”

I recognize Head of House, Lady Maelyrra Pelleveron, by the scowl on her face.

“Tensions have yet to reach the Gold Court,” she says, raising the crown of her head. “Perhaps we should leave it to the affected Courts to manage their own issues.”

Viridian’s brows furrow, and he clenches his jaw. “That’s—”

I place a hand on his arm. He closes his mouth and takes a breath.

“With all due respect, Lady Maelyrra,” I say, addressing her, “the tensions will come to the Gold Court soon, if it’s true they haven’t already. We’ve already lost so many miners—so many good, hardworking miners—to the sickness. It won’t be long before what’s happening in the other Courts comes to your doorstep. Make no mistake, this is a kingdom-wide issue.”

“And why should I take your word?” she sneers at me. I hear what she leaves unsaid. You’re a human. “You are no one of importance.”

Viridian tenses at my side. But before he can come to my defense, I glance at him, as if to say, “Leave it to me.”

“You’re right,” I tell her, straightening my posture. “I am no one of importance. But I am a citizen of your Court. And I have seen the sickness firsthand. My lived experience gives me a better understanding of this issue.” I pause, letting my words sink in. “Better than anyone else in this room.”

Tanyl tilts his head back, his mouth curved into an approving smile. “Spoken like the future High Queen.”

The other Heads of House, save for Maelyrra, share Tanyl’s expression. To my side, I can feel Viridian watching me in awe.

Vorr’s jaw ticks. His brows stitch together, creased with worry. With fear.

But his fear isn’t the look of someone that’s been left in the dark.

No, his fear has a knowing edge to it. As if he knows more than he’s letting on. More than what he’s telling the council.

And it terrifies him.

I think of what I saw in the East Tower. I remember the commoner’s gossip in Keuron, what Tiffy told me about the stranger, the invitation Viridian and I found.

Whatever is happening, whatever dark magic is causing all of this, I know one thing.

The High King is at the center of it all.

“That is enough for today.” Vorr’s tone hardens. He stands. “This meeting is adjourned.”

“What?” Viridian asks. “What of the humans outside?”

“What of them?” Vorr’s face goes flat, burnt-orange eyes empty.

“You really won’t see them?” Viridian says, resigned, as if he already knows the answer.

Vorr says nothing and brushes past Viridian when he leaves.

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