Page 104 of A Curse of Breath and Blood

The council grumbled to themselves.

Hoping to call the court to order, Lord Daynaris slammed his gavel on the podium.

The members of the council quieted.

“Here is my ruling. Young Caiden will go on a fact-finding mission to the Highlands to infiltrate their court and see what he can learn. He will return when he has evidence we can use.”

Caiden’s heart sank. The Woodland’s emissary deflated into the chair next to him as the members of the council filed out of the room.

“What now?” she asked in an exasperated tone.

Caiden rubbed his temples, hoping to quell his aching head. “Now, I find my Master of Shadows, Lucius, and make a plan to infiltrate the one place we swore we’d never return.”

“I need to tell the Alder King about this,” she said, jotting down something in a notebook. “Maybe he can help.”

“Of course.”

The emissary headed back to the Woodlands. “Thank you for everything,” she yelled as she rode off.

Caiden made his way back to his parents’ townhome on the upper east side of the city. They made the move permanent when his older brother, Aryn, came of age. His father opted to keep the title of High Lord in name only to focus on his council duties, leaving Caiden and his brother to run the Court of Storms.

Roderick and Lucius were seated at the large kitchen table, chatting with his mother, Tempestia. Her black ringlet curls flowed like water over her tanned skin. Her hazel eyes sparked with love at the sight of her youngest son.

“How did it go?” Setting her teacup down, she embraced her son.

The familiar scent of rosewater filled Caiden with nostalgia.

He hugged his mother tightly. “They want me to go on a reconnaissance mission to the Highlands to bring back proof Gideon plans to attack more courts.”

Lucius laughed. “Us almost dying wasn’t enough for them?”

“Apparently not,” he said, taking the cup of hot marrow root tea his mother offered, and settled into one of the antique chairs at the dining table.

Lucius sighed. “I will draw up a plan and bring it to you tomorrow. We should leave as soon as possible.”

“Agreed.” Caiden sipped his tea.

Roderick fidgeted with his fingers. “I, uh, have something to ask you and your father.”

Caiden raised an eyebrow. “What is it?”

“With your permission, I’d like to marry Amolie in a hand-binding ceremony in the temple of Illya in the Stormlands.”

Tempestia’s face brightened. “Oh, how wonderful! A wedding. We need some cheer.”

A smile cut across Caiden’s chiseled face. “Of course. I am happy to sanction it. Although you know you will have to ask Aryn. He handles domestic matters.”

“I will go ask him now. I’d like to perform the ceremony as soon as possible. We’ve waited long enough.” Roderick left with a skip in his step.

Caiden called after him, “And tell Amolie hello for me as well!”

Roderick smiled, his bright white teeth blinding against his umber skin. “Thank you.”

Lucius came back, holding one of Caiden’s mother’s rose cakes. “I guess it’s just you and me on the mission to the Highlands.” Crumbs dotted his black attire after having enjoyed the treat. He brushed them away before heading out into the night.

Tempestia reached across the table, taking her son’s hands in hers. “Please be careful, Son. I don’t want to lose you again.”

Caiden rubbed his thumbs in circles on his mother’s tan skin. “It’ll be fine, Mother. It’s just an information-gathering mission. Nothing more.”

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