Page 12 of Highland Lords of War & Thunder: The Prequel

He moved in front of her again. “Whatever quarrel you've got with Niall, take it outside. You're fouling the whole inn.”

“I'll leave when I'm finished.”

“You'll leave now.” He pressed the broom against her middle and tried to steer her toward the door.

Ismera slapped it away. “Stop poking me.”

“Then move.”

“I am moving.”

“The wrong way,” the innkeeper yelled and pointed at the door.

She darted around him.

The innkeeper caught up and blocked her again.

Ismera went left.

He followed.

She went right.

He thrust the broom in front of her.

Several patrons began laughing.

Torden continued watching despite his determination not to become involved. The lass was quick and furious. Not a good combination.

She tried once more to get around the innkeeper, only to have him block her path.

Her gaze searched for another route to Niall, and she spotted one.

Unfortunately, it led directly toward Torden.

Ismera hurried across the room, weaving between tables, keeping a good distance from the innkeeper’s broom until she reached him.

Torden looked at her. Up close, the smell was considerably worse, and her bold blue eyes blazed with enough fury to warn a sensible man to stay clear of her.

She put one foot on the bench opposite him.

His eyes narrowed.

The other foot followed.

Then Ismera's gaze dropped to the bowl.

He saw exactly what she intended and warned, “Don’t dare⁠—"

Torden’s hand shot out as she reached for the bowl.

Ismera was faster.

“My stew,” he said, a rumble in his chest.

“Not anymore.”

His hand snapped out but she was quick, twisting away and jumping to the nearby table.