Page 68 of A Broken Throne of Bronze

He puts his spoon back down and picks up his tankard. He sniffs it first, still seeming wary of it. Then, he takes a sip. Grimacing, he swallows and sets the tankard down, placing a hand on his chest.

“Is this the first time you’ve tried ale?” I ask, stifling a laugh.

He wipes his mouth. “It’s that obvious, isn’t it?”

“Yes.” This time I don’t hold back my laughter.

Viridian’s own laughter blends with mine, a rich and full sound. I can’t help but grin.

I cast my eyes down at my stew while we eat, glancing at him every so often. We finish our meals—and I finish both my ale and his—before pushing our emptied bowls to the end of the table.

“Give me your coin purse again,” I say, holding out my palm.

This time, he retrieves it from his pocket without question and places it in my hand. I count his gold pieces, taking just enough to cover our bill, and place them on the table next to our pile of dirty dishes. When I’m done, I hand the coin purse back to him.

Then I stand and brush off my skirts. Viridian rises after me, following my lead.

Night has fallen when we emerge from the tavern. The oil lamps at the street corners shine in the darkness, their faint glow enough to light our path.

“Let’s find an inn to stay the night,” I say. “It’s better to ride back in the morning.”

“And that will help our ruse,” Viridian adds.

“Of course,” I murmur. “Our ruse.” That we’re in the Copper Court on some romantic getaway. I’d nearly forgotten about it. I already dread having to play along with that lie once we return to High Keep.

“Yes.” Viridian’s voice sounds constricted.

Begging for a distraction, I look elsewhere. A wooden sign hanging across the street blows in the wind, catching my attention. It’s exactly what I was hoping to find.

Thank Yoldor.

It seems the God of Good Fortune is on our side.

“There,” I say, pointing to the sign. “An inn.”

Without waiting for his response, I march ahead and go inside. There’s an older woman sitting behind a counter when we enter, leafing through a stack of parchment with a quill in hand.

“Hello,” she says. “A room for the happy couple?”

“Yes, but we’re not a couple,” I say quickly. “Perhaps two rooms?”

She winces. “I’m sorry—we only have one room left.”

I start, “Then we’ll go else—”

“We’ll take it,” Viridian interjects.

“Wonderful!” The innkeeper stands and removes a set of keys from a hook on the wall to her left. She hands them to Viridian, and in return, he gives her a few gold coins.

I glower at him.

“What?” he asks, clearly unaware of what he’s gotten us into.

“You’ll see,” I grumble and cross my arms. It’s too late now.

We follow the innkeeper upstairs, to our room. Viridian unlocks the door and steps inside.

“Ah.” Realization sets into his expression, mouth curved downward.

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