I take them off the plate and toss them as far out into the trees as possible.
"You should be more careful with your poison. Urdort or Relmos could find them by accident."
"My sons are smarter than that." Hibsej snorts.
I raise an eyebrow. "They are children."
She glares at me but lingers. "Finish, so I can take my plate back to my kitchen."
Sighing, I grab my food and dig in. The bread is finished first, followed by the cheese. As I take my first bite of the smooth andsalty deliciousness, Hibsej, who's been looking around to keep her attention anywhere but on me, freezes. My muscles tighten, and my senses heighten as I watch her gaze. It lands directly on the sticks and stones near my room’s window.
Ra'Sa's message that I hadn't kicked away out of tenderness. I bite my lip as she stomps over.
"What's all this?" she demands, then looks back at me. "Witchcraft?"
My breath whooshes out of my lungs.
A few months ago, six hooded women came to Zlosa. It was only recently revealed that they were human women with cursed magic. The Six, they called themselves. We humans called themBrujas.
Regardless of their titles, the giants have been uneasy over the king's alliance with such women. Before I'd left, there was a small-scale hunt for any such magic-wielders living amongst the slaves.
I meet Hibsej's eye and shake my head.
"Not at all. I think the boys were playing near my room last night," I say.
Her eyes narrow further.
I finish the rest of the food, despite how it turns from appetizing to bitter ash in my mouth.
As soon as I'm done, I hold out the plate, and she yanks it from my hands. She says nothing more about the sticks. Then she calls out in giantese.
"Come!"
The boys bolt to her side, and I watch the three of them storm off before I let out a long breath. I suck in more air and then repeat the action as many times as possible. The attack doesn't wane, unfortunately. It waits until I've lugged the bucket inside before it starts to unleash its full force.
Sinking to the ground, I let my thoughts race.
I will take the laundry to the river in a second.
I just need to... breathe.
There’s a knock at my door.
“Melisa,” Eneko’s voice says, shocking me out of my attack.
Usually, he’s gone by now. Why has he come to my door?
“Yes, Foreman?” I call.
“Dress. I’ve missed your company and would enjoy a day with you on my cart.”
I stand and straighten my dress.
“She has work to do,”Hibsej’s voice hisses in the background.
“Worry not, woman. I’ll have her home with time to spare.”
Chapter 20