Page 82 of A Broken Throne of Bronze

“What is it?” I ask, voice laced with concern.

“Do you…” he stumbles over his words. “Do you think it’s my fault?”

“What?”

“That ball was for me,” he says, avoiding my gaze. “Do you think I’m to blame for whatever happened there?”

“No,” I shoot out. “Of course not. Viridian, you were an infant.”

Why would he blame himself?

He nods, though I can tell he doesn’t believe me.

“Look at me,” I say softly. Closing the gap between us, I gently cup both of his cheeks. “You are not responsible for what happened that day. Or the aftermath.”

His eyes find mine, deep amber brimming with pain. My chest aches when I see it.

“Please,” I say. “Don’t blame yourself for things you have no control over.”

He searches my expression, and then takes a long breath. “Thank you.”

“For what? I’ve done nothing.”

“You have, Cryssa.” His voice is tender. “More than you know.”

I hold his stare, knowing my eyes are telling him everything words can’t say. An overwhelming desire warms my chest.

And this time, I give in.

Lifting myself up onto my toes, I move my hand to the back of Viridian’s neck and bring his face down to mine. I touch my lips to his.

Our mouths lightly brush, at first.

But then, he reaches for my face, holding it between both hands. He deepens the kiss, sliding his hands back, so his fingers stretch behind my ears. Entangling them in my hair, he pulls me closer, lips claiming mine with need.

Fire burns everywhere he touches, and my insides become liquid flame.

His lips part from mine for a moment before his mouth finds me again. Sensation thrums through my body. My hands reach for his chest, grabbing fistfuls of his shirt and tugging him closer. It’s as if I’ve been underwater all this time, holding my breath, and now, I’m breathing air for the first time.

I let out a small gasp.

Viridian breaks from me and takes a step back with his hands at his sides.

I watch him, breathless.

“I… I have to go,” he says, catching his breath. It feels good seeing that our kiss has the same effect on him as it does on me. “More meetings to attend.”

“That’s unfortunate,” I say.

“It is unfortunate.” Viridian practically growls, looking at me through hungry eyes. “Will I see you tonight?”

“Yes,” I tell him.

“Wonderful,” he breathes, seeming as if this is the only place he wants to be. “Then I will see you tonight.”

With a bow of his head, he leaves me alone in the council chamber.

I close my eyes and touch a hand to my lips.

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