Page 44 of A Curse of Breath and Blood

I scanned the room for Tharan, but what my eyes befell made my blood run cold. Lounging in the center of the room sat Gideon, dressed in his signature red vest and black cloak with gold buttons. Ever the handsome king, his dark hair was neatlystyled, framing his face and giving him an air of sophistication. Brown eyes stared intensely at the woman he was flirting with. A straight, well-proportioned nose with a slight curve at the bridge added to his distinguished appearance.

I squeezed Caiden’s hand as the world darkened around me. My throat thickened. I couldn’t get enough air in.

“Be strong, Aelia. I’m here,” Caiden whispered to me.

I didn’t feel strong. I felt like cracked glass waiting to shatter.

The ladies surrounding Gideon laughed flirtatiously, their faces blushing at whatever joke he told.

I remembered those feelings. The charm, the way he made you feel like you were the most important person in the world to him. A bitter taste filled my mouth. “I need a drink.”

“What’s he doing here?” Lucius said, loud enough for the room to hear.

“Keep your voice down.” I slapped his shoulder. “I don’t need his eyes on me.”

But it was too late. Gideon’s head jerked toward us.

Fuck.

A devious smile crossed his handsome face. He excused himself from the conversation and headed straight for us.

“Well, well, if it isn’t my wife. I thought I sensed you coming in.” He downed a goblet of wine. “Come to ask me to take you back?”

“I’d rather die,” I said through gritted teeth. Caiden gripped my hand tightly.

Nysemia floated up to us, stroking the snake around her neck. “Oh, you two know each other? How sweet.”

Gideon launched into my mind.Play nice, and I won’t have to hurt your sister.

Clenching my jaw, I plastered a smile onto my face. “You could say that.”

Very nice,Gideon purred in my mind.

Nysemia hooked a finger under Gideon’s cleft chin. “Isn’t he delicious?”

Words stuck in my throat. I knew what she saw in him. I saw it too, once. He was hard to resist. Charming, handsome, rich, and a fierce soldier, who wouldn’t fall head over heels for him?

“Absolutely.” The words pained me to say.

“He’s come all this way to attend my party. Isn’t that sweet of him?” Their eyes were locked.

“He’s the sweetest,” Caiden said, trying his best to hide the sarcasm in his voice.

“Come, my dear, let us go someplace more private.” She grabbed Gideon’s hand, leading him away from the crowd.

I let out a sigh of relief.

Lucius jerked Caiden to the side, whispering something in his ear. Caiden’s gaze shot to Nysemia and then to me.

“Change of plans.” Caiden ushered us to a secluded study. He tapped his temples, and I opened the door to his mind.

What is it?

‘Gideon is up to something.’

No shit.

‘Something big, Aelia. All that mattered was the invite.’

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