Page 79 of A Broken Throne of Bronze

Perhaps I’m more like a lady than I used to be.

That thought would have distressed the old Cryssa. But now, it brings me a sense of triumph.

Tiffy guides me back to my vanity table to comb my hair.

“Tiffy,” I start, glancing at her reflection in the mirror. I know it may be a longshot, but I have to try. “Do you know anything about the last ball hosted by the crown?”

The Heads of House may be tight-lipped, but perhaps the servants still gossip about what happened here one hundred years ago.

“You mean, before your engagement ball?”

“Yes,” I say.

“Not much, I’m afraid.” Tiffy cocks her head and purses her lips. “But I have heard rumors.”

That sparks my interest. “Rumors?”

“Yes.” She nods slowly. “My great-grandmother worked as a housekeeper here, at the castle, when the late High Queen was still alive. She told us stories she’d heard from her time in service to the crown.”

Adrenaline thrums through me. “Do you remember them?”

“Yes,” Tiffy says, pausing briefly as she braids my hair. Her eyes move in the mirror, to the other ladies’ maids behind us. They tidy up my bedchamber, and then disappear into the washroom.

“What you share with me stays in this room,” I promise, hoping that will ease her fear. “I won’t tell anyone what you’ve told me. Your position here is safe. You have my word.”

And I mean it. I’ll share what I’ve learned with Viridian, but I’ll keep Tiffy anonymous. I’d never forgive myself if something happened to her because of me.

That seems to loosen her tongue. “It’s only servants’ gossip, mind you, but…” she hesitates. “Well, people used to say that there was…an unwanted visitor at the last ball. Someone the High King feared.”

“Someone he feared?” The High King is one of the most—if not the most—powerful individuals in all of Inatia, politically speaking. And it is common knowledge that the noble fae possess potent magical power, even if no human has ever seen them wield it. Who could be formidable enough to make the High King, a powerful noble fae, fear them? “Did they know who?”

Tiffy shakes her head. “No, Miss. The servants who were there were too afraid to speak of her.”

“Her?” I ask.

“Yes,” Tiffy says. “All I know is that they described her as a walking storm. They say wherever she went, thunder followed.”

“And she brought that thunder to the High King’s doorstep,” I murmur.

“Yes.” Tiffy finishes my braid and drapes it over my shoulder.

“Thank you,” I tell her earnestly. “Your story is safe with me.”

And Viridian. He has to know.

“Thank you, Miss.” Tiffy bows her head.

“Of course.” I smile.

The other two ladies’ maids emerge from the washroom. I stand, and then they help me into my gown.

All three curtsy before me, while Tiffy and I share a knowing look. They rise and leave my chamber.

But Tiffy’s words run wild through my mind.

I need to find Viridian.

If we can learn the identity of this stranger, this woman that even the High King fears, then maybe, we can discover what’s at the heart of the dark magic poisoning our land from the inside out.

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