Page 62 of A Broken Throne of Bronze

How much more of him I want.

“What makes you say that?” I ask at last.

“Well, let’s see,” he drawls, bucking his hips against me. “Your perfect ass against my erection, perhaps.”

I gasp. His hardness presses into my rear. Our clothes are the only thing stopping him from slipping into my wetness.

“Perhaps,” I muse, trying to keep my voice even.

“I thought so.” I can hear the wicked smirk in his voice, though I don’t dare look back.

“How do I know you’re not the one teasing me?” I ask, scooching my hips back more.

A growl catches in Viridian’s throat. The sound sends heat trickling down my neck. I shudder.

“Teasing you?” His voice sounds strained.

“Yes,” I breathe. “Teasing me with your rubbing.”

“Mmm,” he purrs. “That would imply that I’m the one with all the power.” He touches his lips to my neck. “And we both know that’s not true. Don’t we, Little Fawn?”

I can’t deny that.

We approach the castle gates. Viridian clears his throat and waves to the guards up in the tower. I look down at my hands to hide my flushed cheeks. A moment later, the gate screeches as it rises. Wood creaks when the drawbridge sinks to its lowered position.

We pass under the gate and cross the drawbridge. Nightfoot’s hooves clack on cobblestone as we advance further into the city.

I try not to think of how close Viridian is while we ride through the city. To suppress the desire thrumming in my core.

Though, the task proves to be more difficult than I’d like. All the things he whispered in my ear just moments ago still run through my mind.

So, I study the city instead.

Keuron is much different than Slyfell. At home, I’d gotten used to wooden and cobblestone houses with thatched roofs lining gravel roads. Here, I’m surrounded by multistory buildings made from stone bricks and marble, topped with richly colored clay roof tiles. Shops and artisan workshops make up the bottom floor, and I assume living spaces sit above them. Cobblestone streets run between the buildings, connecting every part of the city. It’s only sunset, but glowing oil lamps sit at every street corner, giving off warm light.

Even the human districts here are wealthier than the ones back home. It only reminds me of how much we have to lose if the mines run dry.

“Where to?” Viridian asks.

“Let’s find a stable,” I say. “Did you bring coins?”

“Yes.” Viridian taps his pocket.

“Don’t do that,” I scold him.

“What?”

“Don’t tap your pocket. That’ll only tell thieves where your valuables are.”

“Oh.” His voice goes soft. “Thank you.”

“Of course,” I say. It feels strange to be on the same side. I brush away the thought.

Our alliance is only temporary.

We ride down the main road until we see a sign marking a stable. Viridian tugs on the reins, and Nightfoot slows to a stop.

He puts a hand on the flap of the saddle and swings his leg over Nightfoot to dismount. Then, he turns to face me, holding out his hand.

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