Page 94 of A Tongue so Sweet and Deadly

As if conjured, a server popped up behind him, wearing the customary stark white uniform and a wide smile on his face as he took the trays from her and whispered, “He is right, miss. Although I’ve heard good things about your taverns, as well.”

They watched the server carry the trays down the stairs, and when his soft steps were silenced, her eyes shifted toZaddock again. “As I said, I am perfectly capable of getting to my room by myself.”

He glared at her. “It was an order, Lessia. Now, if you don’t want to get me in trouble, please come with me.”

Grinding her teeth, she followed his rushed gait down the stairs.

Zaddock’s speed prevented her from admiring the beautiful carvings on the railings; she had to hurry more than she liked with a full stomach to keep up with him.

Was Loche using Zaddock to keep an eye on her?

Or was this a new tactic to get her to spill all her secrets?

Her lips lifted into a smile.

Two could play that game.

“So, Zaddock. How long have you known Loche?” Lessia tilted her head when Zaddock’s eyes moved to hers.

“Since we both enlisted.” A smile softened Zaddock’s sapphire eyes. “I was never a great soldier, but Loche refused to leave me behind when he rose in the ranks.”

“So, more than a decade, then? You must be very close.”

Zaddock’s smile widened. “We are. I owe him everything.”

Nodding, Lessia made sure her smile remained. “So, what’s your role? I mean, I know you collect taxes and ensure we proprietors follow the law. But you don’t wear a mask like the rest of the men.”

A frown formed between Zaddock’s brows, but he still responded. “Everyone knows me already.”

“What do you—”

A clang of metal interrupted her, and her eyes flew wide when Zaddock unsheathed the sword at his side, his eyes snapping ahead.

Following his gaze, she froze.

Three men approached them, each of the three bearingStellia’s symbol on his chest and holding a sword in his hands, his eyes fixed on her and Zaddock.

They hadn’t yet reached the lower levels of the castle, where the sleeping quarters lay and where guards were stationed every few feet, and Lessia realized the thick stone walls would not carry either screams or the sounds of fighting.

Apprehension whispered over her skin, and as she grasped for the daggers she should have tucked into her waistband, she swore quietly.

She’d left them in her room when she joined Merrick in the training chamber.

Taking a step back, she hissed, “Do you have another one of those?”

Zaddock’s eyes sliced to hers, his face grim. “No. Get behind me.”

When a man lashed out, she followed his advice, her heart hammering against her ribs as Zaddock parried his blows.

She took another stumbling step backward when a man rounded them, his eyes locked on hers.

Shooting a glance at Zaddock, she realized he was too close for her to use her magic, so she backed up farther until cold stone pressed against her back.

The man slowly approached her, his sword glinting in the firelight from the lanterns lining the white stone walls around them.

Holding her breath, she waited for him to come into range so she could sweetly ask him to leave.

But a few steps away, he hesitated, his eyes sweeping across her features and snagging on her ears.

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