Page 144 of A Broken Throne of Bronze

Someone killed Vorr and put what’s left of him on display, for everyone to see. Even his crown has been purposefully placed, as if symbolic of the murderer’s intent.

An end to the Bronze Court’s hold over the Inatian throne.

Though, if that truly is their aim, they didn’t finish the job. Then, I remember Vorr’s last words to Viridian and me.

“My sins have come for me.”

He must have known his wrongdoing—whatever mistake he attributes the curse to—would end his life. That even though the curse itself wouldn’t take him directly, its icy hold would still direct the sword that ended him.

But now, Vorr isn’t my concern.

Viridian just stands there, eyes fixed on his father’s lifeless form.

I see everything he doesn’t say aloud.

The grief. The shock. The apologies that will forever remain unsaid, forever waiting on his tongue.

I do the only thing I can. I wrap my arms around him, offering support with my body. I send whatever comfort I can give down the bond, hoping it’s enough to soothe him, if only a little. In response, he leans into me, unsteady. Though he still doesn’t look away.

Maybe he can’t look away.

I finally turn my face. When I do, the realization settles over me.

“Viridian,” I start. As far as we know, Vorr had yet to lift the command on High Keep preventing anyone from entering or exiting. The gates have remained locked, keeping everyone inside. “The one responsible for this is still—”

“Here, among us.” He scans the small crowd gathered around us. They’re all servants, mostly, some lesser fae diplomats spread out amongst them.

“I don’t think it’s any of them,” I tell him. I look at each of their faces. At the horror, the shock, and the fear I see there. Most of them are human, whose families have served for years.

“Neither do I.” Viridian’s voice hardens, quiet rage seeping from his expression. There’s that electric pulse again, buzzing in the air around us. “I want to see the High King’s council,” he announces, demanding the immediate attention of all those who still linger here. “Now.”

Without another word, Viridian moves to the staircase, amber storms raging in his eyes. Free of any hesitation, I go where he goes, close by his side. Electricity fills the air around him, so palpable, I feel as though I can almost reach out and touch it. Through the bond, I can sense the power roaring inside him, just beneath the surface. Now, I know there’s more untapped power dwelling inside him than I ever could have known.

Perhaps even more than Viridian himself knows is there.

With a wave, Viridian slams the door into the council chamber open. The wood slams against stone, so hard I think it may splinter.

“Viridian,” I say, with a touch to his back.

My voice seems to snap him out of whatever frenzy had taken control over him. His eyes widen, looking at the open door.

He takes a breath, deeply inhaling. “I’m sorry. I lost control of myself.”

“It’s all right,” I tell him, sending more waves of calm through the bond. I feel his thundering emotions on the other end, wrath and grief and fear swirling around themselves into a lethal tempest. “You have every right to be feeling the way you do.”

“But I am the High King now,” Viridian finishes for me, taking another long breath. “And I must maintain decorum.”

“Yes.” I nod. Reaching for him, I press my palm to his cheek. “You’re not alone. Not now, not ever. I am with you, every step of the way.”

Viridian touches his forehead to mine. “Thank you.”

The chamber door opens, and Viridian and I both straighten our postures. Hopefully, we look every bit the High King and Queen we have to be, in this dark hour. I don’t have to see Viridian’s face to know he’s unsure of himself. I am, too. Neither of us knew we’d be forced to begin our reign like this, in the wake of such tragedy.

And because of that, our appearance before the council is more important than ever.

We must stand united in our strength.

Once everyone is seated around the long table, I nod to Viridian. Placing my hand on his upper arm, I give his shoulder a light squeeze and find his eyes.

---