Page 59 of A Broken Throne of Bronze

Viridian leans his head back and takes a deep breath. “There’s dark magic in the East Tower.”

“Dark magic?” All the irritation leaves Lymseia’s voice. Her face pales.

Myrdin touches his fingertips to his temple.

“Yes,” I interject. “Whatever it is, we think it’s infecting the land, too.”

“An unknown sickness is killing miners,” Viridian continues, “and if that wasn’t already bad enough, the mines are drained of metal.”

“How could the council not know of this?” Myrdin’s brows knit together.

“Because my father didn’t tell the council,” Viridian says, voice hardening. “He’s hiding something. And I fear whatever it is will be our ruin.”

“You’re leaving to find answers.” Understanding crosses Lymseia’s face, relaxing her mouth. “Where will you go?”

“Into the city,” Viridian says. “Cryssa believes we may learn something from the people’s gossip.”

“You’ll be very exposed out in the city.” Lymseia’s steel gaze flicks to me and then back to Viridian. “Are you sure she can be trusted not to run?”

I tighten my mouth. Her distrust doesn’t surprise me. Nor does it offend me. She has every right to be suspicious of my loyalty. We’re not friends.

Yet.

Yet?

No. There is no “yet.” I won’t be here long enough for that. I’ll help Viridian get his answers, and then I’m leaving.

That’s still my plan.

Isn’t it?

“Yes.” Viridian’s voice is firm. “I trust her.”

My lips part in surprise. I look at him with my brows raised.

He doesn’t look at me, still focused on Lymseia.

“What do you need from us?” Myrdin asks, eyeing her.

“People at court will talk once they realize we’re gone,” Viridian says. “We need you to answer their questions. Tell them I’ve surprised Cryssa with a romantic getaway to the Copper Court.”

“Where in the Copper Court?” Myrdin asks.

“Not Redbourne,” Viridian reasons. “If word gets out, Uncle will know we weren’t there.”

“My thoughts exactly,” Myrdin agrees. “You can’t go to Redbourne and not visit my father.”

“Why not?” I ask.

Myrdin turns to me. “It would be rude not to visit the Head of House when visiting his home city.”

Lymseia wrinkles her nose. “Etiquette.”

I laugh.

“We’ll say you’re north of the city,” Myrdin says. “Near the border, somewhere quiet.”

“Excellent,” Viridian muses. His attention shifts. “Lymseia?”

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