Page 146 of A Broken Throne of Bronze

“But how exactly can we be sure of this?” Maelyrra crosses her arms, leaning back in her padded chair. “For all we know, the killer was able to sneak in and out, undetected.”

Viridian glowers at her. “Why such doubt, Lady Maelyrra? Do you have something to hide from the crown?”

“Not at all, Your Majesty,” Maelyrra says, sticking out her chin. She looks like she’s about to say something but decides not to.

“With all due respect, your Majesty,” Lord Eldred Larmanne cuts in, without once looking in my direction. “How can we be sure that Her Majesty the queen is free from any doubt? One could think that the…circumstances of your marriage and your father’s involvement may serve as a reason for—for the late king’s unfortunate end.”

I take a deep breath. He’s right. I do have reason to want the High King dead. To escape this place, this marriage, one could believe that I’d do anything to clear my path—even if it was the High King himself that stood in my way.

But I love Viridian. I want this marriage and to be here with him. To rule by his side.

I have no fear of the council’s suspicion. Because I know Viridian knows my heart, my intentions. And with the mate bond in place, I couldn’t lie to him, even if I tried. He’d know.

“I understand your reservations, Lord Larmanne,” Viridian says. “But my wife was with me all night. And as some of you may know, mates can sense through their bond when their partner is dishonest.” Now, he looks at me. “Cryssa, did you murder High King Vorr?”

The look in his eyes tells me that this is all just for show.

So, I play along.

“No,” I tell him, shaking my head. My voice is genuine, because I am being genuine. “I was beside you the entire night, until we woke to the screams.”

Viridian’s gaze voices his thanks. He turns to the council, palms facing upward. “She speaks the truth.”

Eldred Larmanne seems to redden and withdraw into himself. The rest of the council tenses, exchanging hushed whispers and nervous glances.

“Following this meeting, I will speak to the Captain of the Guard and immediately begin investigating this.” Viridian promises, his quiet rage seeping from his words, “I will do everything in my power to find my father’s killer and make them pay dearly for it.”

He waits a moment, looking to me as if for permission before continuing.

I meet his gaze and nod.

Then, Viridian continues. “This council is now adj—”

His head snaps to the door. As does mine.

“Is that?” he asks, voice trailing off.

“Yes,” I breathe, panic rising in my chest. The sounds of struggle echo in the hallway, not far from the council chamber. “We’re under attack.”

Chapter Thirty-Nine

The sun has not even risen yet, when more screaming fills my ears.

Viridian and I surge into the hall. Anger powers each of my breaths. We haven’t even had a moment to breathe, or lay Vorr to rest, before needing to respond to another attack.

Only, this one is much more severe. And much more dangerous.

Humans—crazed, desperate humans—swarm the halls like an infestation. They’re armed with what seems like the first sharp object they find in one hand, and torches in the other. To get inside, they must have swum across the moat surrounding High Keep and scaled the castle walls.

It can’t be a coincidence that Vorr’s death is followed by this. Can it?

Could Vorr’s murderer have somehow let the human rioters inside? But why?

Voices cry out.

“Down with the king!”

“The metals are gone, and so were you!”

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