Page 71 of A Curse of Breath and Blood

“Right away.” Roderick left to get Amolie.

While Amolie studied the scepter, Caiden walked along the camp, chatting with the men, looking for Aelia. They spent the morning wrapped around one another. He could still smell her scent of jasmine on his skin. In ten years, her scent had not changed.

The camp spread between the wood’s giant pine and oak trees, creating a much-needed cover from the harsh winter winds. While a river snaked its way through the forest, providing water for the attending kingdoms.

As Caiden rounded a corner, three riders on horseback caught his eye. He ducked behind a tree. Hairs pricked on the back of his neck. Gideon led the group, riding his black stallion. Erissa followed, dressed in her usual silk robes, her unmistakable red hair shining like a beacon against the desolate winter landscape. Caiden couldn’t make out the face of the third, whose baby blue hood hid their face.

He followed them.

Carefully, he crept between the massive pines of the wood, trying his best not to arouse suspicion.

Their camp lay situated at the base of the river traversing the Woodland Realm. Gideon brought his strongest legion as a show of strength to the other kingdoms.

Caiden sunk into the snow at the foot of mighty pine. A bitter wind wiped at his face as he tried to ascertain the third person’s identity.

The stranger stood next to Erissa. From where Caiden hid, he could only make out a dainty hand as they reached for an apple.

Caiden’s throat grew thick.

Baylis had fair skin and hair.

He needed to get a closer look.

Slowly, he crept around the other side of the camp, hoping to catch a glance at the mysterious figure’s face. A crate of onions provided the necessary cover. The overwhelming scent stung his eyes.

C’mon, turn and face me.

As if answering his silent plea, the person turned, removing her hood.

Caiden gasped as Baylis locked eyes with him from across the camp, blinking once before turning to kiss Gideon.

Caiden’s heart leapt into his throat. She was not a captive. She was in love with Gideon.

He needed to get out of the camp.

Sprinting through the forest, still in shock, he replayed the event in his mind. Baylis did not appear to be under duress. Not a mark blemished her pale skin. She was under Gideon’s spell now, and that was a hard enchantment to break.

This would break Aelia’s heart. He had to tell her before the revelry. She would never forgive him if she learned he had kept this from her.

He always ate with his men on the road. It kept the morale high to know their lord and commander respected their sacrifice and ate with them.

Caiden fiddled with his food, nauseous. Aelia looked so happy singing and dancing with the soldiers.

His heart fluttered when she smiled at him. How could this creature he had spent years hating to be so enchanting?

He returned her smile, and she motioned for him to join her.

“Where have you been all day?” She pulled him into a warm embrace.

Caiden swallowed hard, trying to find the courage for what he needed to do. “There’s something I need to tell you.”

Her expression darkened as she released him. “About what?”

“Let’s go back to my tent.” He signaled for Roderick, Lucius, and Amolie to follow, and took her hand, leading her through the snowy trees. Each step brought him closer to the point of no return. The fate of this mission rested in Aelia’s hands.

“Please, sit.” He motioned to the leather chair in front of his carved oak desk.

“What’s this about?” She looked at Amolie, who shrugged.

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