Page 20 of A Broken Throne of Bronze

“Trust me,” I declare to his back, “I won’t.”

Viridian says nothing, but I see his shoulders tense. He storms down the hall, bronze robes swishing when he turns the corner.

I slam my chamber door shut.

Afew hours later, there’s a voice calling my name from the hall.

“Cryssa!” Lymseia raises her voice so I can hear her through the door. “Cryssa, I’ve brought you something to eat.”

Wiping my face to make myself look at least a little more presentable, I move from the bed and answer the door.

Lymseia waits outside, holding a plate of food under a silver cover. Steam escapes from under it, telling me the food’s hot. My stomach grumbles, and the smell already has my mouth watering.

“But my Lady…” The guard outside my room stumbles over his words, stepping forward. “The Crown Prince said—”

“I know what he said,” Lymseia interjects, an air of authority rolling off her. “And I don’t care. I’m giving the poor girl dinner, and if the Crown Prince has a problem with that, then he knows where to find me. Have I made myself clear?”

“Yes, my Lady,” the guard says with a nod, moving back to his post.

“Very good.” Seeming satisfied with herself, Lymseia turns to me with a smile, extending her arms toward me.

Warily, my eyes fall to the food. “Why are you helping me?”

It’s not like I’ve done anything to earn her allegiance. Plus, she’s fae. Noble fae, at that. What does she stand to gain?

Lymseia shifts her weight, as if to make herself appear more casual. “I don’t know you, but I can already tell you’re stubborn. You won’t eat with him. Not tonight, at least.”

“Why do you care about whether or not I eat tonight?”

I try to make it seem like it doesn’t matter, but even as I say the words, the growling noises coming from my abdomen betray me.

“You’re my future High Queen,” she says, as if that’s enough explanation. “Now take the gods-damned food. My arm’s getting tired.”

I take the plate, stomach rumbling again. “Thank you.”

“It’s no problem.” Lymseia winks at me and hands over a set of silverware. “If these two give you any trouble,” she says, jabbing her thumb at the guards behind her, “I’ll set them straight for you.”

I muster a laugh. “Noted.”

“Very good.” She glances down at the plate in my hands. “Enjoy.”

“I will,” I tell her, hoping my eyes convey my gratitude. And I mean it.

With that, she turns sharply, and leaves me to eat my dinner.

Maybe I do have a friend in this place, after all.

Chapter Five

Irise earlier the next morning.

I’m already up and out of bed when Tiffy and the rest of my ladies’ maids come in to dress me and style my hair for the day. When they’re satisfied with how I look, they bow and trail from the room as quickly as they came.

As soon as they’re gone, I loosen my corset and take a deep breath.

I don’t know how noblewomen breathe with these cursed things tied so tightly.

Perhaps that’s why noble fae females are so pretentious.

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