“No, she was a nobleman’s daughter, not a chit to be toyed with,” Taurus said absently. “And I was but a boy learning to be a man, back then.”
Kallie inwardly balked at his words, but in truth she had ruined any respect her position afforded her when she ran from her betrothal. It marked her as an improper woman and a liability to any respectable man.
Taurus took her in his arms and gazed into her eyes. “No woman has come here. You are the first.”
“I don’t understand why.”
His eyes scanned her face and body with fascination. “You belong to me—I am your master. No other man will sample the pleasures you offer.”
Kallie’s heart thudded. “But surely you mean in the sense of here and now. You cannot possibly expect me to live indefinitely at your beck and call. I am the sister of the emperor. I will live under no man’s authority. You are helping me avoid the satrap and I am helping you avoid annihilation by Rome.”
Taurus shook his head. “You have protection on my terms, not yours. In the distant future, perhaps, you will live in Greece with your mother’s people, but I need Rome and the East at odds with one another for years. My only way is to pit the satrap and emperor against each other in an unending squabble over you.”
“Years!” Kallie echoed in dismay. His logic over the need to keep her must be argued, but the steward announced their sailing trip, and excitement quelled her immediate need to argue the point. She viewed his face in profile, handsome and rugged beyond description; she drank in his features. Soon she must make the decision to leave Panua and its controlling governor, but for now she enjoyed his company. Her heart sank inexplicably. She understood the unseen forces unleashed by Lidia, who had set plans in motion long before Taurus stepped into his governorship. Surprisingly, Kallie had thought him devoid of tender feeling, but a glimpse into his heart brought home the need to escape before he imprisoned her completely: body, mind, and spirit.
****
Lady Virga sat perfectly still as a servant girl artfully braided her blonde hair into two long lengths and twisted them around her head. She had chosen to wear a deep blue gown made from fine Egyptian cotton, with rows of sparkling gems adorning the neckline. She eyed her reflection in a polished glass framed in onyx. Her brother had left with the Roman girl, and her grandmother chose to visit the house of Hestonius for the afternoon. Lidia, always the politician, intended to placate the elder General Hestonius with a report of Taurus’ need to check further suspicious activities from foreign invaders.
It amused Virga to know Lidia covered her brother’s indiscretions. Usually Lidia coerced him into his distasteful duties, but her brother became increasingly difficult to handle, and Virga contemplated the opportunities resulting from his rebellious attitude.
As she was about to step onto her private balcony to enjoy the warmth of the day, Kristokus entered, sending her attendants scurrying into the corner.
“Lady Paulinus, I regret the interruption. Our scouts report an envoy comes from Rome, and no one is here to receive him when he arrives in due time.”
Kristokus drew his brows together. Usually Taurus or Lidia dealt with visitors, and in their absence Barca took over. Today only Virga remained as the person with enough status to entertain a Roman envoy.
“Do not worry, Kristokus. I can take care of him. I assume he travels alone and is unarmed.”
Kristokus nodded. The sergeant of the fortress vetted visitors before they proceeded to meet the nobles of the household.
“Show the envoy to the reception room and inform me when he is comfortable. Send a herald to Silver Lake to inform the governor at once.”
Virga sighed. She had hoped to use this day to attend to personal interests. Her studies in the history and politics of the Greeks and Romans suffered lately. Many of her female counterparts embroidered and practiced music every day, but though Virga had some accomplishments in those arts, she preferred a scholar’s life. Sorting through the history of Panua and its stormy relationship with Rome gave her a sense of what life could be if Rome and Panua had not split apart twenty years ago, after Lidia’s retaliation for her son’s premature death.
She strode swiftly to the window of her suite. Far in the distance, a gathering of men waited patiently on horseback in tight formation, unmistakably Roman in their style, and Virga inexplicably shivered, unafraid but fascinated by Rome.
The time dragged on until finally Kristokus sent word the envoy waited in the reception room.
Virga glided down the stairway to the door leading to the ornate room where the family entertained dignitaries. Well-appointed, with rich, dark furniture and tasteful pieces of art gathered from around the empire, the room had understated elegance.
The steward preceded her into the room, and Virga instantly became aware of the envoy’s presence and turned to greet him. As their eyes met, she paused in mid-step, her whole body attuned to his, as though some secret vibration passed without either one expressing word or deed. He smiled; his striking, radiant features engulfed her senses.
Beautiful! The only word to describe him, and yet here stood the most masculine man she had ever laid eyes on. Tall, with raven hair and the bluest eyes lit by a source from deep within him, he had a strong and well-shaped physique, with a natural confidence borne with an easy sincerity. Virga instantly admired his genuine air of authority tinged with kindness and respect.
“Lady Paulinus, I presume?” he asked, lips curving in delight.
“Yes, indeed,” she replied, remembering her manners. “May I offer you some wine, Ambassador?” Virga waited for his introduction.
“Thank you.” He took the cup from her. Their fingers touched briefly, both highly aware of one another’s physical presence. “I am Calvinius. Envoy of the emperor.”
Virga’s eyes flew open. “Calvinius!” She hardly dared believe that the man she’d corresponded with for months stood in the room. Virga closed her mouth, fearing it hung open for a moment too long after his revelation. “Surely not the famous scholar?”
He nodded. “Yes, Calvinius the scholar. The author of treasonous ideas about the world in which we live.”
“You represent Rome, yet you write against her ideals and Roman traditions?”
“It must seem strange for Rome to send me as her delegate. Truly a shock, if you know of my work, but the powers in Rome believe I can negotiate the release of Lady Gregorian better than any other man.”
Virga walked the length of the room to compose her thoughts. This man’s writing had been the focus of her life for the past two years. She had imagined him an old, wizened scholar, but this man exuded a vital, energetic vigor, and the strength of her attraction shook her nerve. He watched her every move from across the room. Her legs weakened at his candid appraisal of her figure as he advanced like a moth to a flame and stopped directly behind her. Conscious of her bare arms and exposed neck beckoning to him, she briefly imagined them naked in bed with his firm hands upon her body. She turned and caught sight of his sparkling eyes filled with curiosity and interest.
His voice lowered. “I keep your letters safe, and prized above all else. I read them often and have spent many a sleepless night devising a way we two might meet.”
Virga’s senses were alive with excitement. He stood close, closer than common courtesy dictated. She tilted her face to his as he pressed on. “Tales of you reach many provinces, Lady Virga, but I have come to know you through our secret communication.”
She nodded. “I, too, have read your writings many times, except...” Calvinius waited for her to finish. “I imagined you as a much older man.”
“A common occurrence, I assure you.” He laughed at her hot cheeks. “It is why I work in the shadows. To be taken seriously when you resemble a stripling, compared to the greatest thinkers of our time, is difficult. I sense in your writing that you wish for a world of peace and unity. Your clarity is helpful to me, Lady Virga. You are well-schooled and a quick study. I have come willingly t
o negotiate for Rome, but a selfish reason hides behind the noble one.”
“What reason?” Virga hardly dared believe her good fortune that he came at a time when she was alone, without the interference of Taurus or Lidia.
“To meet you and express my regard in person. You share my ideals for a united people, and together we could change the world.”
His flawless beauty shone from deep within. She had fallen under his spell reading his texts, and now in the presence of a man she had anonymously revered, she found her destiny. This man was meant for her, and she for him. Tall, confident, and self-assured, he conveyed the belief that she would not refuse him.
“I cannot stay long, Lady Virga, but truly my purpose will be clear soon, and it is an honest one, be sure of it.” He took her hand and pressed his lips into her soft delicate palm, warm and firm against her flesh, and she quivered in joyous delight at his touch.
“Now,” he glanced around. “Where is the governor, or his good lady grandmother?”
****
Kallie lay in the sun on dry land as the boat bobbed in the water. Taurus had tied the craft to a small jetty on the far side of Silver Lake, where their afternoon together had been wondrous. Both reveled in one another’s company during their day alone on the lake. Now Taurus cooked the fish he’d caught in a net, letting it sizzle over the fire while he sat by her, casually talking of Silver Lake, the place he had come to love. She understood his desire to spend time at the lake, with its magnificent hills and breathtaking views. Time flew past.
After a delicious meal, they prepared to board the boat. Kallie stepped to the edge of the lake and dove headfirst into the water, disappearing from sight. She broke the surface directly in front of Taurus. Cold and dripping wet, she giggled as he wrapped his warm arms around her shivering body. “Come swim with me,” she pleaded, tugging at his clothes.
Taurus stripped and joined her in the lake, cavorting in the water until, lifting her out, he lowered her onto the wet sand. She screamed in delight as he teased her, pinning her beneath his strong body.
“Oh, Taurus, not on the cold sand!” She scolded gently.
“Where then?”
Kallie pressed against him, stealing the heat from his hard body.
“On the boat,” she murmured.
“I knew you were a born sailor.” He laughed and carried her aboard.
“I’m wild and impetuous,” she admitted freely. “A side of me that has caused many arguments in my noble family.”
“The emperor seeks to tame you.”
Kallie shrugged. “Caius rules the empire and would rule my family, too. I have no wish to be part of his plan to appease his allies.”
Taurus stroked her limbs, obviously intent on satisfying his growing sexual need. “After we join together, I will teach you how to sail.”
“Oh,” she breathed, “I would love to learn.” Pleased at sharing one of his treasured pastimes, though tinged with guilt at her easy acceptance of his demands, she wished he expressed pleasure verbally, but a man with his force of character likely deemed it a weakness to give compliments or speak appreciatively to a woman.
Halfway across the lake as they sailed the craft together, she noticed a figure in the distance waving to catch their attention. A small skiff made its way toward them.
“Look!” Kallie called, “Someone is coming.”
Taurus peered across the shining water. He groaned. “My steward. It must be important. My staff knows better than to interrupt me without good reason.”
The steward looked grim. “Master, a message has come from Panua. An envoy from Rome awaits your presence.”
Taurus dismissed the steward with a nod. “I am surprised but not shocked by the news. Rome has chosen to move quickly. Why?” Taurus turned to Kallie. “Well, well!” Scorn flowed on his tongue. “It seems your presence has caused Rome to turn her eyes in our direction.”
“Caius will demand my return. You must forbid it.” Kallie intended to use every drop of her influence to remain under his protection.
The governor’s gaze narrowed, weighing his options. “First, I meet the envoy, and then I decide your fate.”
****
Taurus strode into his office with Kallie in tow, sifting through possibilities in his mind. No doubt the Romans were here to make demands. “Where is the envoy?” he yelled.
“With the Lady Virga, on the terrace,” Kristokus replied stiffly.
Taurus threw him a look of annoyance. “Alone?” He questioned the man’s sanity.
“The lady has a guard near at hand.”
Kristokus followed them as they hurried to the double doors leading to the garden. The lilting sound of laughter filled the air. Taurus rarely heard Virga laugh. The light musical quality hinted at enjoyment of the envoy’s company.
He blocked Kallie’s view, and she came to an abrupt standstill when he halted. When she edged around him to see the envoy, she pitched forward in surprise, her mouth open but with no sound. The envoy and Virga turned as Taurus stared in calculation.
Kallie spoke first, her voice a thin whisper of its usual strength. “No…”
Taurus reached to catch her as she swooned, lifted her in one quick motion and passed her limp body to one of the guards, and waved for Kristokus to attend to her needs.
Then he pivoted to face the envoy. Virga smiled coolly at him. “May I introduce Calvinius? He comes from Rome to meet with you, Governor.”
“Calvinius! A messenger for Rome. Hard to believe, given the treason you spill.”
The envoy nodded agreeably. “I carry a missive, bearing the imperial seal. Rome is aware Panua protects their noble sister at her request. The family merely wishes a clear understanding of her position while in your care.”
Taurus poised ready to fight verbally or physically. “They have no rights here,” he growled.
“Is the lady ill? She looked pale and distraught,” Calvinius observed.
Tall like Taurus, an impressive man in his own right, Calvinius, the older of the two, had an aristocratic air that bothered his host. Taurus tensed with an almost feral attitude. The men warily eyed one another.
“Come now!” Virga spoke up. “We all have the lady’s welfare on our minds. Is she truly ill, Brother, or simply overtaxed from your time at the lake?”
Taurus eyed Calvinius with disdain. “I saw no problem until the Roman appeared.”
Calvinius opened his arms in a gesture of friendship. “I mean no harm. I come in peace to negotiate terms between Panua and Rome.”
“Terms!” Taurus bellowed. “The satrap has the ear of Rome. I hardly trust your master’s way of negotiating, Calvinius.”
“And yet Rome’s most important sister must be returned. You understand the betrothal between Rome and the East is a simple matter of diplomacy. There is no plot to undermine Panua and its people. Your state will rise as the fortunes of Rome begin to rise.”
Calvinius spoke smoothly, staying calm and self-possessed while Taurus remained tense and irritated, but the envoy’s words appealed to his intellect.
“Rome wishes to swat at us like an insect flying in her face,” Taurus retorted.
Virga reached for the wine pitcher and poured each man a generous drink.
“Rome is changing, as the world changes,” Calvinius began. “They wish to align with their neighbors and begin the process of rebuilding from the inside out. A glorious new age will change the old ways of the empire into a fresh, all-encompassing power. They cannot fight off adversaries forever. There comes a time when the depletion of men and resources outweighs the benefits of world domination.”
Taurus eyed Calvinius. “You speak your ideals, not Rome’s.”
“That was true of the old emperor, Primus Gregorian. But the current emperor has made no move to make war. He simply moves to ally with former adversaries through diplomatic means.”
Taurus’ feathers remained ruffled. “His sister came seeking political asylum from an unwanted union.�
��
“Do you offer the women of Panua the choice of a husband, or are marriages arranged by the head of the house, as in Rome?” Calvinius glanced at Virga. The clever envoy made his argument clearly and concisely.
“That is not the point. Our women do not run around foreign countries, trespassing and causing mayhem wherever they go.”
Calvinius looked slightly amused. “True. Lady Gregorian is a handful. The family has given their guarantee she is released from the contract with the satrap. The imperial document has been archived. I have a copy for the lady. She has no reason to fear a return home.”
Taurus drank from his cup and gestured for Calvinius and Lady Virga to sit with him. Kristokus entered the room and sidled up to him. Taurus gave him permission to speak.
“The lady is resting and will likely sleep for a few hours.”
“Good,” Taurus said, inwardly relieved.
Calvinius smiled congenially. “The Romans mean no harm to Panua, and to convey this message with sincerity, I have come to propose an offer of marriage between Rome and Panua.”
Taurus’ body tensed, like an arrow waiting for release from a bow. He could never consider such a proposal.
“I am heir to Panua, and as such it is my duty to marry a woman from Panua. The blood of my sons must be untainted by foreigners. There can be no other choice for the leader of a small, violable nation.” Taurus spoke the words by rote, having heard them from Lidia for years as she championed her cause against Rome.
Calvinius nodded politely. “You misunderstand me, Governor. The emperor seeks a wife, and word of your sister’s unparalleled beauty and unblemished character has reached him.”
Taurus stood up, flaunting his usually imposing height. Calvinius stood also, casually matching the intimidating stance.
“You need time to weigh the benefits of an alliance with Rome. Let me assure you, Governor, there are many. The sister of the emperor must be returned, and he in turn will marry Lady Virga in a show of Rome’s good faith. Otherwise Panua will be left to the jackals that roam the periphery of their good fortune.”
Taurus Page 9
