Page 170 of A Tongue so Sweet and Deadly

Her father’s voice.

She pressed herself farther into the small space, her pulse thrumming.

“Yes.”

She swore to herself when Merrick’s shimmering hair came into view, her father’s brown mane a moment after.

“You know what you need to do,” her father mumbled.

Merrick nodded, but then he stilled, his nostrils flaring.

Lessia cursed again when his head tilted her way, but Merrick only rushed his steps, dragging her father with him.

She stayed there for a few minutes until she was sure they were long gone.

Slipping out of the alcove, she slammed right into Merrick’s chest.

He automatically reached out to steady her—or perhaps hold her in place, given the strong grip he kept on her arms.

“Eavesdropping, are we?” Merrick said, his voice worryingly low.

“No, I… I just needed to get away. I didn’t hear anything.” She glanced at the bottom of her golden dress, the hem now dirty and ripped from being dragged along the castle floor.

“You did. But it doesn’t matter. It was just some orders from our king.” Merrick released her arms. “Let’s go back to our chambers. I expect King Rioner to come tomorrow, and I guess you’ll have much to do once you’re free.”

Lessia nodded slowly, and when Merrick turned around, she followed him.

They walked quietly until they reached the doors to their rooms.

She half expected him to barge into hers to give her another lecture, but Merrick opened his own door instead.

He hesitated for a moment, and with a quick glance at the corridor, he turned to her. “You should know something.”

She eyed him as he brushed some hair out of his face.

“Alarin’s daughter isn’t dead,” he whispered.

“W— what?” she stammered. “How?”

Merrick shook his head. “I can’t tell you, so please don’t ask me. I just needed you to know that guilt you’re carrying around… it’s unwarranted.”

A choked sound left her throat.

Her sister was alive?

Merrick reached out to squeeze her shoulder before he spun around and entered his chambers.

In a daze, she opened her door and, after closing it, slid down to the floor with her back against it.

Her eyes burned, and as she lifted her hand to her face, moisture seeped into her gloves, glistening tears dripping off her fingers when she lifted them.

She let out a strangled laugh.

Frelina was alive.

“I’m not sure if you’re crying or laughing.”

Lessia lifted her gaze as Loche rose from the bed.

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