Page 115 of A Tongue so Sweet and Deadly

Leaning over her knees, he pointed to an older couple walking on one of the dimly lit streets. “See how she turns away from him? They’re in an argument, but they’re waiting to get home before they start yelling.”

His face was an inch from hers when he turned back to look at her.

Fighting the instinct to lean back, to get some space between them, Lessia made herself stare right back into those storming eyes, biting her lip not to blush under his piercing gaze. “So, this is where you learned how to read people so well?”

Loche’s eyes remained locked on her mouth as he smirked. “You’d be surprised how much you can learn from studying your enemies in secret.”

Her brows rose. “Your enemies? I thought they were your people.”

“You know as well as I do the people who live here aren’t my people. These are Craven’s people, and they hate every moment of my reign.”

Loche offered her another devastating smile, but it was replaced with hardness as he continued. “I’m sorry that you must live with so much hate from them, Lessia. It’s not fair,but if you’re to trust me with anything, know that I will dedicate my life to ensure no one else of your kind has to.”

A weak smile overtook her face as she nodded.

“Unlessyouwin, that is.” Loche grinned.

Lessia snorted, shifting her gaze out to the night again.

Nobles and wealthy merchants walked in and out of upscale taverns and music rooms, the laughter and boisterous voices brushing her ears.

A soft sigh escaped her as she wondered if there would be a time when she, or any of her kind, might walk into those establishments and be greeted with warmth instead of glacial stares and hostile whispers.

A tiny seed of hope took root in her heart.

Perhaps if she succeeded in what her king wanted, and if Loche kept his grand promises, she would live to see it.

Loche’s hand gently cupped her chin, shifting her gaze to his again. “What thought just crossed your mind?”

Holding his stare, she asked, “Do you know what it’s like wanting something so badly, believing you can never have it? And suddenly, it might be within reach?”

Loche’s eyes flared as they traced over her. “More than you can imagine.”

Her cheeks heated, but she whispered, “That’s why I have to do this, Loche.”

He nodded. “I understand.”

Her eyes fell to the goblet she held in her hands.

“I do, Lessia.” Loche’s fingers brushed her cheek, his eyes darkening as he leaned in closer. “I know what it’s like to risk everything for what’s right.”

“I…” Her tattoo burned again, the pain rippling through her arm, sparking every nerve inside her.

No.

The goblet clattered to thefloor, wine splashing her legs, and she couldn’t stop herself from rising, an invisible tether pulling her.

“Where are you going?” Loche’s dark brows knitted.

“I… I must go. I’m sorry.”

He called out for her as she nearly sprinted out of the room, but she couldn’t even turn her head over her shoulder as the force of King Rioner’s command overpowered everything else.

Chapter

Fifty

Snow began falling as she walked through the streets, and when she reached the cliffs leading to the place where she’d last met the king, her teeth were clattering so hard she worried one might break off.

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