Page 36 of A Broken Throne of Bronze

I nod. “You, too.”

He looks at me again. “I will.”

My mouth suddenly dry, I swallow.

Viridian’s eyes linger on me as he steps back toward the door into the castle. Opening it, he gestures to the threshold, motioning for me to go ahead. I duck into the castle, and he follows me inside.

I can feel his body behind me. It sends waves of heightened sensation trickling along my back. Just for a moment, I close my eyes and imagine what it would feel like to have him behind me, with his chest pressed to my back. His hips against my ass.

The subtle echo of the door closing bounces off the castle walls. It’s enough to snap me out of my stupor. Brushing my hair behind my ears, I quickly start down the hall.

Keeping my pace, I climb the stairs, highly aware of Viridian trailing behind me the entire time. It’s only once I’m back in my bedchamber that I let out a deep breath.

After talking to Loren, I can’t help but question where my allegiances lie.

Viridian is still an arrogant, cruel noble fae male. Like all the other noble fae.

And Loren…

We may not be compatible romantically, but I still love him. Don’t I? Guilt fills my chest again. Regardless of our romantic relationship, or lack thereof, it’s still my fault he’s here.

Because of that, I have to break him out of that cell. No matter what it takes.

We may not have a future together, like I once believed, but he’s still my best friend. And now, he’s suffering, all because of me.

I owe him his freedom.

After we escape, we can figure things out between us.

We’ll deal with that when the time comes, I think as I climb back into bed.

Clearing my mind, I focus on the sound of my breaths. And before I know it, I slip into unconsciousness.

Chapter Nine

Despite not getting much sleep the night before, I feel energized come morning. Contrary to what I would have thought, talking to Viridian last night made it easier for me to fall asleep.

Even Tiffy notices the shift in my mood.

“Good morning, Miss.” She flashes me a cheery smile. “You look rested this morning. You slept well, I assume?”

“I did,” I reply. My voice is lighter than it has been.

“I’m glad to hear it,” Tiffy says, and I can tell that she means it.

I follow her into the washroom, and as usual, a hot bath is already waiting for me. I sink into it, letting out a relaxed breath when I do. I can already feel the water working out the knots in my shoulders and upper back, loosening the tension that’s gathered there for however long it’s been since I arrived. Spending all my time in the castle, it’s easy to lose count how many days it’s been since I left home.

The thought makes my heart heavy. Even though I’m feeling better this morning—a phenomenon that I still can’t seem to wrap my mind around—thoughts of home always come over me like a storm cloud.

Though, Father wouldn’t want me to be sad the entire time I’m here. No, he would want me to look for the good in every situation.

And in every person.

Even Viridian.

I brush away the thought. I’m not ready to let my guard down around him yet. Or let myself even consider the thought of getting close to him. Like my mother before me, it takes me a while to let go of grudges. From what Father’s told me of her, she was stubborn, too. And even though she forgave those who wronged her, she never forgot.

A small smile clings to my lips.

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