Page 109 of A Tongue so Sweet and Deadly

When she woke in the morning, Loche was gone.

The next few days, she didn’t see him or anyone else except Merrick, who barely spoke a word to her when he brought in food three times a day.

Lessia passed the time reading after forcing Merrick to bring her books from the library, trying to prepare as much as possible for the commoner’s debate that was due sometime in the next week.

When her broken bones finally healed and she could leave her room, Merrick made her continue her training, although he didn’t slam her down as hard as he used to the first few days.

He remained quiet during their training sessions, and even when Lessia tried to rile him, he responded with only a few muttered words. His mind seemed elsewhere, and after his reaction to her confession, she thought it best not to push him too hard.

In the evenings, she’d venture to the library, and every night, she scolded herself for hoping to run into Loche.

But he was nowhere to be seen.

Neither was Venko or Craven when she made her way down into the dining hall.

Although that wasn’t too surprising. As humans, they needed more time than her to heal, even though she’d heard neither of them had walked away with broken bones.

After a week on her feet, she was nearly climbing the walls, and when Merrick announced he had more business to attend to, she sent a note to Amalise and Ardow, asking to meet.

Amalise had written back that she was planning on bringing the children out to the woods to let off some steam, as Ardow had some deliveries to attend to, so Lessia slipped into her usual black tunic and breeches, pulled her thick wool cloak over her shoulders, and left the castle.

It was a beautiful winter day, the snow sparkling under the rays of sunlight dancing over it, and she filled her lungs with crisp, salty air.

Her shoulders lowered as she walked the familiar streets of Asker, making sure her hood covered her face whenever she passed any townsfolk.

It felt as if she’d been inside forever, and she hungrily took in the glittering ice-covered buildings, the bustling taverns packed with soldiers, and the fishermen heading to the harbor to make the most of the sunny day.

When she reached the edge of the town, she walked south toward a thick copse of trees on a rock formation jutting out over the sea, watching her steps on the narrow, glassy path.

Few people in town ever came out here. The area was rocky and uneven, and the farther she walked, the narrower the path became—until there wasn’t a path at all. Lessia had to wade through snow, following the small footsteps that marked the white ground.

It was the safest place they’d found to bring the children when they wanted them to feel comfortable expressing their Fae side, whether by practicing their magic or just running around and playing.

Lessia heard them before she saw them, trickles of laughter drifting toward her over the chill breeze, and she smiled when branches around her rustled in welcome as Fiona noticed her. Waving, she walked into the meadow, then ducked when Fiona made a branch beside her snap down instead of the wave back she’d planned.

At least Lessia hoped that’s what she’d meant to do instead of nearly slamming it into her face.

“Lia!” she squealed, running up to her, snow swirling around her feet before she jumped into her arms.

Burrowing her face into Fiona’s auburn hair, Lessia let out a sigh.

They could be a handful to deal with, but she loved each and every one of them.

Even if they reminded her of her sister.

A dull ache spread in her chest at the thought of Frelina, and as she set Fiona down, lifting her eyes to find Kalia and Amalise approaching her, she tried and failed to muster a smile.

“What is it?” Kalia searched her face, the pain inside Lessia mirrored in her eyes.

“I’m sorry, Kalia.” Lessia pulled her into a hug, trying to shake the guilt and sorrow.

Kalia could sense and influence emotions, and like Lessia, she hated her gift.

When she was younger, she couldn’t shut it off and was constantly overwhelmed by what everyone around her was feeling.

When Lessia realized, she’d tried to help her. Kalia’smagic was similar to her own, and she’d been able to show Kalia how to lock it down. But here in the meadow, Kalia typically didn’t bother, especially since most of the children were overjoyed by being outside without the restrictions of having to hide a part of themselves.

Pulling back from the embrace, Lessia finally managed to curl her lips into a smile. “I just miss you, that’s all.”

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