Page 28 of A Curse of Breath and Blood (The Mind Breaker #1)

27 CAIDEN

Lucius tossed his thick braid over his shoulder. “Gideon left the Court of Sorrows after we did, leaving the scraps for other lesser courts to pick at.”

“Meaning they were there for the scepter.” Caiden bit at his cuticles, carving off tiny pieces of himself.

Lucius gave a curt nod. “I believe so.”

Roderick entered the tent, whistling a cheery tune. “The legion is prepared.” He picked up the scepter, twirling it in the air.

“What are you doing?” Lucius shouted, grabbing the scepter from Roderick’s powerful hands.

“Just testing it out. You said it won’t work without a sacrifice, anyway. It’s useless to us as is.” Roderick plopped onto Caiden’s bed. The mattress strained against his giant figure.

“I said it might require a blood sacrifice. I’m still deciphering the runes.” Lucius held the carved bone close to a lantern by the bed. The ancient script glowed eerily in the light.

Roderick leaned over. “Amolie could look at it. She researches ancient texts for her spells.”

Lucius wrinkled his nose. “Absolutely not. The last thing we need is Aelia finding out how the scepter works and doing something rash.”

Caiden’s blood boiled. “That’s enough.” He slammed his fist on the desk. “I will not have you speak of Aelia as if she were some impulsive girl. She nearly killed Gideon in the Court of Sorrows and hasn’t touched dust since we got to Ruska. Give her some credit.”

Lucius threw up his hands. “If you want to put your faith in an addicted, traitorous queen, then so be it.” He pointed a slender finger at Caiden. “But I will not be a part of the downfall of our kingdom.” He stormed out of the tent.

Roderick plucked an apple from a nearby tray, biting into it. “Dramatic.”

“He lets his hatred for Aelia cloud his judgment.” Caiden sank into a leather chair, letting his exhausted body finally relax.

“And your love for her clouds yours,” Roderick said, taking a bite of his apple.

Caiden buried his face in my hands. “You’re right.”

Roderick sat up on the bed. “You have a decade-long history with Aelia. It’s natural these feelings would resurface after Cassandra’s death.”

Caiden let out a long sigh as he fiddled with the gold ring around his fourth finger. “I feel guilty every time I think of Aelia…”

“Cassandra would want you to move on with your life.”

Caiden shrugged. “I suppose you’re right.”

“It looks like there is a decent showing of courts here,” Roderick said, changing the subject. “Court of Rabbits, Court of Flies, even a few human kingdoms.”

“The Alder King likes an audience,” Caiden said, running his fingers over the bone scepter.

Roderick moved beside him. “With the Army of the Dead, you could be more powerful than the Alder King. ”

Caiden’s mouth straightened into a thin line. A look of determination crossed his face. “Fetch Amolie to decipher these inscriptions. Make sure she can keep a secret.”

“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.

“It’s about Baylis.” Caiden crouched down, taking Aelia’s hand in his. Her hazel eyes frantically searching for an explanation.

“Is…” Trembling hands twisted with apprehension. “Is she dead?”

Caiden’s mouth tightened into a straight line. He nervously ran his hand through his thick hair. “No, she is alive, and she is healthy.”

Her shoulders relaxed. “Oh, thank the Trinity.” Aelia held her hand over her heart.

“It’s just…” Words escaped him.

Lucious said what Caiden could not. “It’s just she’s working with Gideon. She may be in love with him.”

Aelia blinked at the men. “That is not true. She wouldn’t.”

“I saw it myself, Aelia.” A lump formed in Caiden’s throat. “She is not their prisoner.”

Aelia covered her face in her hands, taking in the moment.

They sat in silence as she mulled over the information.

When enough time had passed, Caiden touched her shoulder.

Lifting her head from her hands, her nostrils flared, a defiant look reflecting in her gold-flecked eyes. “Show me.”