Page 160 of A Broken Throne of Bronze

“Now,” Tiffy says, turning her attention to me. “Let’s get you ready.”

I bathe, only emerging from the tub once Tiffy is satisfied, and my skin practically shines. Then, she helps me into a beautiful, bronze colored gown. The heavy fabric is woven with bronze metal, with beautiful rose detailing on the outer skirt. Tiffy styles my hair in elegant braids and twists around my head. All of it is up, off my back, and frames my face. She’s arranged it in such a way that my crown, when placed on my head, will sit beautifully in a bed of my auburn locks.

“You’re ready.” Tiffy places her hands on my shoulders, finding my eyes in the mirror. “How do you feel?”

“Wonderful,” I breathe. And I mean it.

I’m the happiest I’ve ever been.

She gives my shoulders a light squeeze. “You should! You look beautiful, Your Majesty.” She emphasizes my new title, and her excitement is contagious.

I stand and make my way down to the throne room, where Viridian waits outside, in the hall. Made from the same material, with the same design, his fitted jacket and pants match my dress. His loose black hair has been combed back off his face.

When he sees me, his expression lights up, and he immediately flashes me a smile.

I kiss him and pull out strands of his hair when I lean back. I twist that tendril of ebony hair over my finger, and then let it fall in front of his eyes.

“I like it better this way,” I say, meeting his gaze.

Viridian’s grin only spreads wider. “Then I’ll keep it like this.” He gestures to the double doors. “They’re ready for us.” He pauses, looking at me now. “Are you ready, my queen?”

I take a deep breath. “Yes. Yes, I am.”

Viridian nods, holding out his arm for me.

I take it, and we step into the throne room. It’s filled with people. All of the Heads of House and heir-apparents are in attendance—with the exception of the diplomats we sent to represent us—and we extended an invitation to any of Keuron’s citizens who desired to attend.

Father and Acantha beam at me as we pass them, moving down the aisle. Both are well cared for by the crown. Acantha spends her time with Slyfell’s human communities, helping them to regain their livelihoods. No longer needing to work in the mines, Father now spends his days learning how to whittle. Loren isn’t here, but then again, I didn’t expect him to be.

I return their smiles, and then look ahead.

Viridian and I approach the bronze thrones, stepping up onto the platform.

A priestess of Ixtia, the Goddess of Wisdom and Leadership, stands before us. She bows her head when we approach, and then holds up her hands.

Very much like we did on our wedding day, Viridian and I exchange several vows and promises.

Viridian goes first. “I, Crown Prince, Viridian Avanos, vow to lead with wisdom, compassion, and integrity. To put the kingdom first, above all.”

Then, the priestess looks at me expectantly. “Do you, Crown Princess, Cryssa Thurdred Pelleveron Avanos, vow to lead with wisdom, compassion, and integrity? To put the kingdom first, above all?”

“Yes,” I say, with pride rolling off me. “I, Crown Princess, Cryssa Thurdred Pelleveron Avanos, vow to lead with wisdom, compassion, and integrity. To put the kingdom first, above all.”

Only, unlike our wedding day, we don’t make these vows to each other. No, we make these promises to our subjects. To the people that sit before us. And to those who aren’t in attendance here today.

“Then with the blessing of Ixtia, and all of the gods,” the priestess says, “it is my honor to bestow upon you, the titles of High King and High Queen of all Inatia.”

Then, she places bronze crowns on both of our heads.

It is heavy on my head, but I welcome it and the responsibility it brings.

Taking Viridian’s hand and raising it up above our heads, I find my father’s face in the crowd, unable to contain my joy.

Turning to Viridian, I meet his gaze. Those amber eyes stare back at me, and I know they hold my future inside them.

“Long live the High King and Queen!” the priestess proclaims.

The crowd echoes her sentiment. “Long live the High King and Queen!”

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