“The problem with love is the more you try to destroy it, the stronger it becomes.”
Noah sneered.
But not so long ago, Gideon believed the same thing Noah did: that loving Rune made him weak. That trusting her made him a fool.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
“It might look like weakness on the surface. But in truth, it’s tougher than steel. Love can’t be controlled. Love can’t obey unjust laws. Love will always oppose tyrants.”
Gideon felt Felix glance at him.
“Love is the real enemy of the regime, and that’s why you despise it. It’s why Cressida tries to crush it. Because you both know, deep down, it has the power to topple you.”
“I’m tempted to shoot you right here if it will end your blathering,” said Noah, stepping closer. “But I have something better in store.”
Chained, Gideon was little more than a muzzled dog. He posed no threat. Which was precisely why Noah came so close. He wouldn’t dare threaten Gideon if they were on equal footing.
The two young men stared each other down.
Looking at Noah was like looking at a younger version ofNicolas—a man who’d taken Gideon under his wing and treated him like a son. Noah and Nicolas were nothing alike. It made Gideon wonder how a son could fall so short of his father.
Nicolas had fought hard for everything he had; Noah was handed everything on a silver platter. Nicolas was valiant and brave, a natural leader. Noah was a coward and an opportunist who’d seized the position of Good Commander before his father’s body was even in the ground.
“I’m going to propose a trade,” Noah told him. “You, for the prisoners Cressida is executing.”
The thought of being handed over to Cressida made Gideon’s blood run cold.
“I have a feeling the witch queen will give me whatever I ask for, if it means she gets her whore back.” Noah smirked, then turned to Felix. “Bring him downstairs and put him on a horse. We’re leaving for the Rookery as soon as the witch is dead.”
“Yes, Commander.”
Felix and his comrade seized Gideon’s arms as Noah strode from the room and into the dark hall. But before following him out, Felix pressed a small object into Gideon’s hands. Something cold and hard and slender.
The key to his manacles.
Gideon glanced at Felix, who stared straight ahead as he and the other soldier hauled him through the darkness.
His chest swelled at the gift.
And then he got to work.
In the darkness, Gideon slid the key into the lock. His chains clinked as they moved, masking the sound of his manacles opening.
Gideon shook them off. The chains fell to the floor with athud.
Hearing it, Felix’s comrade turned. Gideon grabbed the boy’s gun, shoved him out of the way, and took off down the hall.
“Hey! Stop him!”
Gideon heard the soldiers ahead turn, but the hallway was dark, and they couldn’t see well. Gideon had the advantage.
He barreled past them, catching up with Noah on the stairs. The Good Commander turned, his eyes widening at the sight of Gideon, who grabbed his coat.
Thrusting him up against the wall, Gideon sent his fist soaring into Noah’s face.
He did it again.
And again.
