Page 21 of A Broken Throne of Bronze

With a chuckle, I slip into the hall. Even though my bed chamber alone is the size of our entire first floor back home, I’ll grow restless if I stay in here, confined to these four walls.

Instead of turning left outside my room—which leads toward the main stairwell—I turn right, itching to explore and discover what’s waiting for me this way.

More wooden doors that look like mine line the hallway. More bedchambers, or sitting rooms, perhaps? I continue ahead until I reach a small circular area, lined by more stone archways.

A large library sits beyond the arches, with books filling shelves that stretch all the way up to the ceiling. I wander inside and crane my neck to look up. Exposed wooden beams cross above my head, below a grand cathedral ceiling. Tall windows, lined with gold, sit between the colossal shelves, filling the room with bright sunlight.

I move deeper inside.

Intricately carved mahogany tables and chairs are spread throughout the space. Silver candelabras sit atop them, some joined by stacks of leather-bound books.

“Ah, Miss Thurdred.” Myrdin presses his lips together, flashing an embarrassed smile. “I mean, Cryssa. It's lovely to see you.”

I offer him a polite smile in return. “Lord—Myrdin Tarrantree. It’s a pleasure to see you as well.”

Myrdin’s not alone. Sitting with him is another fae male, with white-blond hair that looks like pure silk. His crystal-blue eyes find mine, a stark contrast to his sun-kissed complexion.

Myrdin extends his hand to his companion. “Cryssa, I would like you to meet Lord Asheros Larmanne. Son of Head of House, Lord Eldred and Lady Avourel Larmanne, and heir-apparent to the Silver Court.”

Asheros dips his head. “I’m honored to make your acquaintance, Miss Thurdred. I am afraid I can’t say I know much about you.” His voice is smooth, but not like Viridian’s. While Viridian’s is deep and rich, Asheros’s voice is lighter, with an airy quality to it.

I bow my head. “The same to you, Lord Larmanne.”

“I’m sorry if I’ve disturbed you,” I say, glancing back at Myrdin. “I was exploring.”

“Not at all.” Myrdin waves me off. “Asheros and I were merely discussing politics.”

“Indeed,” Asheros agrees. “We were due for a distraction.”

I get the sense that they were debating, or arguing, rather than merely discussing. But I keep that to myself.

“Where are you from, Miss Thurdred?” he asks.

“Slyfell, my Lord.”

“Ah, the Gold Court. I’m sure the summers there are a sight to behold.”

“They are,” I say, suddenly homesick. “The entire valley is lush with greenery and the wildflowers in full bloom.”

I think of running through the meadows as a child with Acantha. We would play games while Father foraged for berries and mushrooms and filled baskets with richly colored flowers to proudly show him.

Now, the memory only makes my heart hurt.

Asheros laughs. “Whereas all you will find in the Silver Court is snow and rock.”

“I’ve heard the fjords are beautiful,” I say. “The Silent Chasm especially.”

Asheros leans back in his chair. “Indeed, our cliffs and waters are beautiful. But few brave the cold winds to see them.”

“If you’re looking for a place to honeymoon,” Myrdin cuts in, his voice rolling with pride, “I’d suggest the Copper Court.”

I cross my arms with a smirk. “Is that so?”

Asheros’s expression lights up at my challenge. He leans toward Myrdin. “Oh, I like her.”

“The Blood Dunes are a sight to see,” Myrdin explains, ignoring Asheros’s remark. “Crimson sands softer than anything you’ve ever felt before. Warm waters you’ll want to dip your feet in, and the food…” He places a hand on his stomach. “Oh, the most wonderful cuisine you’ll ever taste.”

“He’s only saying that because it’s his home court.” Asheros rolls his eyes.

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