Page 109 of A Broken Throne of Bronze

Before I realize just how far I would go for love.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

The red hues of sunset bleed into the sky when I return to the castle. It’s only when Tiffy’s eyes go wide at the sight of me that I realize how long I’ve been gone.

“There you are!” she squeals, taking my arm. “I’ve been looking all over for you!” She looks down at my arms, and then my skirts. “What on the gods’ green earth happened to you? You look like you’ve gone wild!”

“What time is it?” I ask, ignoring her remark.

“Nearly time for dinner.” Her voice is rushed, and I swear it elevates several octaves. Pressing her hands to my upper back, she ushers me upstairs and into my bedchamber. “We have no time, no time at all, to get you ready.”

“It’s all right, Tiffy,” I tell her. “Don’t rush. I’ll explain to His Highness that I simply lost track of time.”

That doesn’t seem to satisfy her, but she just takes a breath and busies herself with removing my tattered gown. I notice she’s alone tonight. Following our routine, I head to the washroom, where the tub is already filled with water.

I step into it. My muscles constrict.

It’s my own fault the water’s cold.

I don’t complain, but I can tell that Tiffy notices my reaction. She doesn’t say anything, instead scrubbing my skin clean.

“You’ve scratched yourself,” she mutters. “Shall I tend to them?”

I shake my head. “I’m fine, they’re just minor scratches.”

Tiffy meets my eyes for a moment, arching a brow.

“Really, Tiffy,” I say, lightening my voice.

“Oh, all right.” She smiles a little, moving her head back and forth slightly. She playfully nudges my shoulder. “What am I going to do with you?”

I shrug and make the best doe-eyed face I can muster.

Tiffy laughs with a roll of her eyes. “Enough of you,” she teases.

I can’t help but smirk. Then I remember what I overheard Viridian tell Myrdin.

And my stomach twists into knots.

How can I ignore it? How can I face him, and say nothing, knowing what I do?

Tiffy dresses me quickly and styles my hair into a simple knot. Once she finishes, I thank her and make my way to the great hall.

Viridian has already begun the first course when I arrive. He sits with his elbows resting on the table, head bent over his plate.

The door echoes when it closes behind me.

“You’re here,” Viridian says softly, looking up at me with a hint of surprise. As if he didn’t think I would come.

“I’m here,” I repeat, frozen in place.

“I’ll have someone bring out your first course,” he tells me, looking down at his own.

“That’s not necessary,” I say, taking my seat. “I’ll just start with the second.”

Viridian only nods.

I chew on my bottom lip. I had so many words a few hours ago. Where have they gone?

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