Page 71 of A Broken Throne of Bronze

“Morning,” he says, voice low from having just woken up.

“Morning,” I reply, lowering my hands.

He merely looks at me, not bothering to move his arm. Then, he smirks. “So much for keeping to our sides.”

I don’t have to see myself to know that my cheeks turn a deep red.

“It was probably your fault.” Humor fills my voice. I poke his shoulder.

“Is it now?” Viridian challenges, voice light with amusement.

“Yes,” I say, letting the grin rise to my cheeks.

“I beg to differ.” He sits up, leaning forward so that his face is inches away from mine. “It was my side you woke up on, was it not?”

“All part of your ruse.” My words slow. Heat trickles over my face.

“My ruse.”

“Yes.”

I swallow. Abruptly, I stand and back away from the bed.

“We should gather our things.”

“Yes.” He tilts his head and presses his lips together.

I approach the door and pull my cloak from the hook, wrapping it around myself. Viridian crosses the room and does the same, adjusting his hood so it covers more of his face.

“Are you ready?” he asks.

“Yes.” I nod.

Even though I only want to stay here with him, away from the castle, away from our designated roles, for just a bit longer.

The ride back to High Keep is shorter than I thought it would be.

I expected to feel resistant upon our return. That I would feel the same as I did when I first arrived. Hesitant and unwilling to enter.

But I don’t.

Instead, I feel oddly relieved. As if I am returning to a place I’ve come to know.

There’s a pang in my chest. Have I truly been here that long?

We disembark, and Viridian returns Nightfoot to the stable. Following him inside, we remove our hoods.

Servants bow and greet us as we pass through the main corridor.

Viridian dips his head, acknowledging all of them with a polite smile. I offer a small wave.

Then, he takes my hand.

My eyes widen, and it takes nearly all of my effort not to stare at his hand clasped around mine. Butterflies swirl in my stomach, yet all I want is for them to be chained in iron.

I can feel the servants eyes on us as we pass and I know they see our hands together. I move to pull my hand away, but Viridian tightens his grip.

“Play along,” he whispers, his mouth by my ear.

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