Page 94 of A Promise so Bold and Broken

Lessia’s smile didn’t waver as she made her way into her room, quickly dressed, and then returned to the table to take up the spot Merrick had stepped aside to allow her as her sister slipped in under their father’s outstretched arm.

It didn’t even waver when all eyes sprang to hers.

She could do this.

ChapterTwenty-Four

“We need to act quickly.” Lessia met the eyes of each person in the room, lingering for a moment on Merrick’s when something flickered in them.

Fighting a dumb smile that threatened to break out when she realized it was pride, she cleared her throat before she continued.

“We must get to Ellow and inform Loche about what is happening. Perhaps he can do something to quell the uprising coming from within Ellow if he can convince his people of the threat coming their way.”

“Raine, do you still have that ship?” Merrick’s presence beside her grounded her, and she couldn’t help but steal another glance at him, immediately slamming into his distracting eyes, and she nearly tripped at the intensity of them.

“The ship you stole?” Raine answered slowly.

“That’s the one,” Merrick said without breaking eye contact with Lessia.

“Yes.”

Raine’s voice sounded as if it came from far away.

As if Lessia were falling right into the depths of the dark pools staring back at her.

You make me happy.

A corner of Merrick’s mouth lifted.

And it felt as if her fall increased in speed.

Someone cleared their throat.

Merrick’s lips lifted even higher when she continued to stare at him, and her eyes dropped down to the fullness of them.

The room’s sounds returned, and when someone coughed discreetly again, she turned back toward the group.

Flames of heat shot up Lessia’s neck as they all stared from her to Merrick.

“Are you done?” Raine raised a brow as he moved his glare to Merrick.

Merrick’s hand brushed hers as he leaned over the table. “No.”

Kerym broke in. “All right then. We have a ship. What next?”

Lessia shook her head before also leaning her arms on the table, using it to stabilize herself and, perhaps the tiniest bit, to stop herself from glancing again at the Fae warrior beside her.

“We need to divide into two groups once we get to Ellow. I do not know where to anchor, but we can’t sail right into Asker’s harbor. Not with me, Merrick, Ardow, and Venko being considered traitors. We’d be killed on the spot.”

“They can try,” Merrick rasped, his whispers rushing to life so fast Frelina stumbled back, and even Venko—who should have been used to them by now—let out a low squeak.

“We’re not going to kill anyone, Merrick.” Lessia fixed her eyes on Ardow when Merrick sighed deeply, refusing to risk getting sidetracked again.

“Ardow, we need to get Amalise and the children out regardless of what happens. If everything went as I hoped, they’re staying in a cave in the eastern part of Asker.” She moved her gaze to Venko. “Can you get a ship to transport them here?”

“Yes, but… children?” Venko asked, turning toward Ardow.

“They’re ours.” Ardow’s face reddened when Venko’s eyes widened, and he stuttered, “I-I meant…”

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