Page 134 of Trial of Bronze and Blood
She crosses her legs and sits down in front of the ancient dragon. Dread should be coursing through her at the thought of being burned alive again, but it isn’t. Now the initial fear has passed, she feels bonded to this creature, tethered in an intangible way as with no other being.
Although, if any person were to claim it, Marcus would. If it weren’t for the likelihood of him being burned to death, she’d wish he were here with her.
The Viverna gently presses his head into her hand and closes his eyes, and she finds peace.
The night wholly engulfs Dru as she makes her way back to the palace.
The imposing darkness makes it difficult to follow the path,but she finds she knows the trail well enough now she doesn’t need light.I came to know this place without realizing it.
Trudging through the garden, she finds Cato laid out in the tall grass, hands behind his head and staring up at the sky. She smiles. Instead of asking him what he’s doing, she lays down beside him, measured breaths and comfortable silence passing between them. Bright stars dot the clear sky, celestial clouds forming around them as if storms rage in the heavens.
“I’ve been all over the Imperium,” she says finally, “and I’ve never seen stars this vivid.”
Cato’s chest rises and falls. “Anziano is a special place. And I’d say that whether I was its king or a peasant.”
She places her hands behind her head too, and their elbows touch comfortably. “Remember when we first met, and you told me the island would reveal its secrets to me?”
He chuckles. “I hated to sound so mysterious, but you wouldn’t have believed me if I told you the full truth.”
“No, I wouldn’t have.” She takes a steadying breath. “Did you know my mother was a high priestess of the Tredici?”
“Ginevra told me the moment she saw you at the ceremony. She said you’re as beautiful as your mother was.”
Tears bite behind her eyes, blurring the stars. She’s not mad at Cato for keeping that secret from her. He’s right—she wouldn’t have believed him.
“I miss her.”
He bumps her elbow with his, speaking softly. “The scars left behind by those we love will never leave us. They become a reminder of who they were, and who they helped us become in life and in death.”
A single tear slides down her temple and into her hair. She doesn’t wipe it away. Ovi, her mother—nearly everyone she’s ever cared for is dead. Is she cursed? Or does she bring bad luck upon herself?
“When this is all over, will you teach me how to use humming magic? I don’t trust the Tredici.”
He doesn’t hesitate. “It would be my honor.”
Silent rests between them again, the soft crashing of the ocean waves nearly lulling her to sleep.
“I wish you would put Marcus out of his misery,” Cato cuts in.
“He’s miserable?” Dru scoffs. “Could’ve fooled me.”
Cato finally sits up and glares down at her. “For someone who’s supposed to be intelligent and learned, you’re not very bright.”
She sits up too. “That’s rude.”
His blue eyes darken with the night. “It’s not my place to tell his part, but I care about you both and you two belong together. Whatever it is that’s keeping you apart… it shouldn’t matter. At least, not for tonight.”
He glances up at the starry sky. “There’s a chance none of us will be alive to see another night like this one.”
Her heart lightens as she watches him. “You care about him.”
“I love him like a brother.” He finally meets her gaze again. “And you’re the only woman I’ve ever known to make him smile.”
Without giving her a chance to respond, he gets to his feet and leaves the garden.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
DRUSILLA
