Page 36 of A Tongue so Sweet and Deadly

Clinking her goblet against hers, Lessia smiled. “I wouldn’t dare.”

Stellia nodded, then leaned in to whisper again. “So tell me, why does Loche look like he wants to kill you?”

Lessia could feel Loche’s burning stare roving over her but forced herself to keep her eyes on the captain. “I have no idea. I’ve tried to play nice, but he doesn’t seem receptive to it.”

“That one doesn’t play nice. He may be pretty to look at,but he does not have one ounce of charm in him. And he isn’t receptive to it either. Trust me, I tried when I was young and dumb. Although I’ve heard he never takes any women to bed, or anywhere else for that matter. He might be a good regent—he has done more for Ellow than anyone knows—but he’s not good.” Stellia shook her head. “I’d stay far away from him if I were you, especially when he looks at you like that.”

Lessia let her eyes return to Loche, and sure enough, he glared at her from across the room.

Zaddock lifted his goblet when her eyes moved to his, and she lifted hers back, offering him a small smile. If Loche was determined to kill her, or at least stare her to death, perhaps she could get his second-in-command on her side.

When she glanced back at Loche, he still glowered at her, and something dangerous glinted in the gray. Narrowing her eyes, she kept his stare until Frayson walked into the room, waving his hands for them to gather by the fireplace.

Sighing, she let Stellia drag her to the circle of chairs.

She really didn’t want to have to use her magic, but if it continued like this…

She might not have a choice.

Chapter

Seventeen

As Lessia sat down in one of the plush chairs before the fireplace, Merrick slipped up behind her. He rested his hands on the back of the chair, his fingers brushing her shoulders as if to warn her to play along.

Leaning forward, she rested her elbows on her knees and fixed her gaze on Frayson, who remained standing before the fire, the flames softly crackling behind his gray cape.

“Tomorrow, the election formally begins.”

Frayson let his gaze sweep across all of them before he continued. “As per tradition, you will be living in a cabin in the woods, a day’s ride from the city, for the next two weeks. Your escorts may transport you there, but they are not permitted to aid beyond that, although they may stay in the guard quarters should they wish. There will be no food provided. Nor are you allowed to bring any. And be prepared for the living arrangements to be uncomfortable, to say the least. Your stay is supposed to symbolize how the people of Ellow had to flee into the perilous wilderness with nothingbut the clothes on their backs—to let you experience the hunger and danger they faced.”

Lessia tensed as she met Frayson’s eyes.

There was a reason they stayed out of the woods, why the people of Ellow ventured to the sea for food. Dangerous animals roamed free there, as they had since the beginning of time. Although they didn’t intimidate her nearly as much as being alone in a cabin with these people for a fortnight.

“What if we get injured?” The man she didn’t know spoke up, and there was a slight tremor in his voice.

“I’d suggest you do not leave the cabin, but in case you can no longer participate, there is a signaling horn. Should you blow it, you forfeit your nomination, and a guard will escort you back to the city.”

“And there will be no guards in the cabin?” Craven asked, throwing a smirk her way that made Lessia flash her teeth at him.

“No guards are permitted close to the cabin unless the horn is blown. But you do well to remember, Bernedir, if you’re caught harming another nominee, you will be eliminated. There are no exceptions.” Frayson glanced between them, his soft eyes lingering on hers for a moment longer than she was comfortable with.

“When do we leave?” Stellia seemed completely at ease where she rested in her chair, inky hair splayed out over the fabric and swirling a goblet of wine.

“At dawn. If you don’t show up, we’ll assume you’ve left the elections,” Frayson responded.

When they nodded, Frayson glanced Lessia’s way again. “The rules are simple enough. You may bring whatever clothing you choose to wear, but nothing else. No one is allowed to help you, and you may not leave the woods unlessyou decide to leave the election. If there are no more questions, I shall bid you good night and good luck.” Frayson patted the back of Loche’s chair before he strode out of the room.

“Perfect!” Stellia exclaimed. “We have a whole night to revel. Come on, boys. I’ve been at sea for too long. I need one more night of glory before misery begins once more.”

Lessia’s eyes widened when the entire group rose to follow the captain. Even Craven stretched his limbs, although he seemed less than amused.

“You, too, Lessia! I’ve heard your parties are legendary and that you can drink three full men under the table. Time to show off.” Stellia winked.

Shaking her head, she made to rise when Loche spun around and growled, “No.”

Forcing herself not to falter, and with Merrick close behind, she slowly walked up to him until she was only a foot away.

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