Page 63 of A Broken Throne of Bronze

“Take it, Cryssa.”

I look at him for a moment. Letting out a breath, I put my hand in his. Viridian’s amber gaze locks with mine when he helps me down.

With my feet on solid ground, I look away and smooth my skirts.

“How often have you gone into the city?” I ask. I don’t feel the need to adjust my cloak—no one here knows who I am. They have no reason to.

At least, not yet.

“Like this?” Viridian asks, shoulders raised. “Never.”

“What?” I can’t help but gawk. “You’ve never left High Keep? Ever?”

“Yes.” His cheeks redden, and he turns away from me.

“But the castle is—”

“I’m aware.” His response is curt. I must have hit a nerve.

I lead us into the stable office and approach the counter. Viridian follows, mouth pressed into a fine line.

Behind the counter, an older man leans against the wall. When he notices us, he corrects his posture.

“Hello,” he says gruffly. “What can I do for ya?”

“How much for one horse?” I ask.

“How long would ya need?”

“Until tomorrow evening.”

The man names his price. Viridian slips a hand into his pocket and hands over the coins.

Pulling open a coin drawer, the man drops the coins in before closing it again. He calls for a boy, who runs from a door behind him.

“We’ll take care of yer horse.”

At that, the boy moves to the front door and opens it for us. I go first, then Viridian. The boy trails after us and takes Nightfoot’s reins before leading him into the stable.

“All right,” I mutter to myself.

Now what?

“I’m following you,” Viridian tells me, pulling his hood down farther to cover his face.

“People always gossip in taverns,” I say. “Let’s eat and then look for an inn to sleep in for the night.”

Viridian just nods.

“Now to find a tavern,” I murmur, turning. In Slyfell, we have more taverns in the center of the city, near the market. I assume that will be the case here, too.

I look around before deciding which direction to go. Viridian stays close by my side.

People carrying empty baskets pass us on the other side of the road. Women tugging on children’s hands, men, and others. After looking both ways, we cross the street to follow them.

Up ahead, there’s a large opening between the buildings.

That must be the center of the city.

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