Page 52 of A Curse of Breath and Blood (The Mind Breaker #1)

EPILOGUE

Gideon’s freshly shined boots clicked against the stone floor as he paced back and forth.

“Are you sure you’re ready, my love?”

Baylis sat on his bed, wrapped in a fur-lined blanket, her blonde hair cascading over her bare shoulders. “Yes.”

“It will not be easy. Your sister is… difficult.” He ran a hand down her jaw and over her shoulders, making her blush.

“She deserves whatever is coming to her.” Her gray eyes held his.

Gideon smirked. “Good.”

“But what about your kingdom?”

“Oh, my sweet love.” He cupped her angelic face in his hands. “Sometimes we must destroy the things that we love to build anew. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes.”

Baylis nodded.

“Should this plan succeed, you and I will be separated for a long time. I want you to know that I love you.” He kissed her forehead gently. “But I need you on the inside, to relay information to me. You’re the only one she’ll trust. ”

“Yes, of course. I know how to play that part well.”

Pushing her golden hair behind her ears, Gideon examined Baylis. “I have no doubt you will make me proud.”