Page 125 of A Tongue so Sweet and Deadly

Shaking his head, Craven clamped his mouth shut, but Lessia could smell the loathing in his scent, even with Venko seated between them.

“As I was saying. I have seen the good Lessia can do, and while I’ve heard the angry whispers about the risks of her Fae heritage, I’d like to take another angle instead: Lessia, how could your connections to Vastala help Ellow?”

Lessia swallowed.

She’d prepared for any and all questions about trade and taxes and even cattle.

But working with the Fae?

Every second that passed in silence seemed like an eternity.

What could she offer?

Crossing her legs, she leaned forward. “I can offer information that could facilitate better collaboration. I consider Ellow my home, and if working with the Fae can help us, I will share whatever I can to make that happen.”

She waited a beat to see if the blood oath would punish her, but when no pain seared through her arm, she continued. “I will be honest. I am half-Fae. We’re not particularlypopular in Vastala, either, but I lived there for years, and I know the customs and traditions that might aid in fostering better relationships.”

“And you’re willing to share those with us?” a woman asked.

Lessia recognized her too.

She had worked in one of Lessia’s gambling rooms before she became a mother, and she’d even spent a few nights at their house when Ardow had caught her eye.

Shooting a quick glance at Merrick, she nodded. “I am willing to share whatever I can.”

Gerdho dipped his chin. “With these attacks we keep hearing of, we might need more weapons, perhaps even a stronger alliance if they grow worse—stop being limited to the nominees.”

“But what if the Fae are behind them?” a woman toward the back shouted.

“We’ve seen no such indication. All who attacked were human.” Loche flicked his hair out of his face. “I think you have a good point, Gerdho. I’ve been working to build a better alliance, and I think it’s wise to see how Lessia could aid in that—see how her differences can benefit Ellow, as her businesses have.”

She threw Loche a surprised glance.

While she’d warmed to him, as Merrick had so rudely stated, for him to defend her, even speak up for her during a debate, when she was technically his opponent, was entirely unlike him.

Loche grinned at her when Gerdho thanked them and sat down again.

A red-haired woman in a worn brown coat stepped up next, and her voice quivered as she started to speak. “My husband was a fisherman, and he provided for ourentire family. But he…” She drew a shaky breath. “He never came back from sea last month. None of his crew did. I have four young ones, and I can’t leave them to take up work. We have no coins left, and food is becoming scarce. I fear we’ll end up on the streets if I don’t find a solution. Is there… is there something you can do to help us, especially with the sea becoming increasingly dangerous, risking more families end up like mine?”

Lessia had never heard Loche’s voice be so gentle as when he leaned forward, resting his hands on his knees. “Syvvie, we’ll not let you or your children end up on the street. I have had to raise taxes already, but I will do so again to benefit the fishermen and any other families who struggle. You will be provided for by me and my men.”

“We can’t afford higher taxes!” several people grumbled, and ripples of assenting whispers rose across the room.

“We allow our employees to bring their children to the taverns, should they like. Perhaps there is a solution other than taxes,” Lessia offered.

When the crowd remained quiet, she fidgeted with her cloak, but when Loche met her eyes and inclined his head, she continued. “I think most people prefer to provide for their own family, not rely on others. So, what I’ve offered one of our widowed cooks is to bring her children with her. It’s worked out well—they even help sometimes, carrying smaller plates and cleaning. It keeps them entertained, and their mother can work in peace, knowing they’re taken care of. Perhaps more businesses could do the same. At least in the taverns and shops.”

One of Asker’s bakers rose from his seat. “I’d be happy for the extra help, and we also have our young ones running around—they’d enjoy the company, if you’d be interested, Syvvie?”

Syvvie nodded, her flaming hair shining in the light of the chandelier hanging from the ceiling. Drops of tears streaked down her cheeks as she wrapped her arms around herself. “I’d like that. I’m a quick learner, and my little ones are good children. They would help if they could.”

As she took her seat again, warmth clawed its way into Lessia’s chest.

It wasn’t much, but it felt good to be able to offer something.

When she dared a look at Loche, pride glittered in his eyes, and he leaned back in his chair, waving for her to continue as another man stepped forward.

Chapter

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