Blood Never Lies (Mark of Mars)

by Juliet Anderson

  “I thought you might be interested in a minor event that happened at the Baths this morning,” she studied her hands.

  “You know I don’t listen to what you females gossip about at the Baths.”

  “Even when it concerns Jenna?” she taunted.

  His head snapped up. Damn it, he’d taken the bait. “What about Jenna?”

  “It seems your old friend Octavia was trying to bad mouth her, maybe even start some unsavoury rumours. Luckily I was on hand to set her right.”

  “How?” Mars was steaming.

  “I pointed out that Jenna not only had the affection of the Marshall of the Peace and the Emperor, she was also adored by Senator Aurelius and his family. She was therefore protected by the three highest ranking officials in the city and if Octavia persisted in this attack on Jenna’s character, I would see to it personally that she and her husband were transferred to a posting in the far north of Britannia.”

  Mars could not help but laugh as he envisaged his sister delivering her diatribe. “What was Octavia’s reaction?”

  “She did look like she was catching flies for a while, then she slunk off. Hardly surprising as the rest of the women at the Baths deserted her quicker than if she’d just been diagnosed with leprosy.”

  “Thank you, sister.”

  “I didn’t do it for you, I like Jenna. And as she will soon become my sister, I have to look out for her. Which reminds me, whatever your plans for Jenna are, you might want to progress them a little quicker.”

  “Why?”

  “You’re not the only noble interested in winning her affection.”

  Mars fixed his black eyes on his sister. “There is another willing to go up against me?”

  “I don’t think he realises she is connected to you. They met whilst Jenna was out in the provinces.”

  “Are you going to tell me who it is?”

  Minerva grinned mischievously. “I’m not that nice a sister. You’ll have to discover his identity yourself.”

  Mars grunted in response. The last time he and Jenna had argued, she did say something about him not being the only man in her life; now perhaps he was understanding her meaning. Another was vying for her affection. He would find out who it was and put a stop to it right away. Jenna was destined for him alone. “As a woman, you might be able to shed some light on why Octavia has taken such a violent dislike to Jenna?” Mars was curious.

  “I have no idea. Everyone adores here from the offset. Apart from you when you first met her, she just plain irritated you.”

  Mars shook his head. “True, but I never had any negative feelings.”

  “Yes, I know what sort of feelings they were,” Minerva raised a perfect eyebrow. “You haven’t ever had an affair with Octavia, have you?”

  “No,” Mars grunted. “She is not my type.”

  “Really? I thought female and a pulse were your type,” his sister sniggered. “Never mind. I guess she’s a fading beauty who can’t bear to see a much younger, prettier woman get the attention.”

  “Well, this afternoon should be a bundle of laughs. We’ve all been invited to sit with the Emperor at the Circus Maximus.”

  “Wonderful, two shows in one,” Minerva’s eyes twinkled with delight. She wondered if Octavia would behave in front of Trajan. She kind of hoped not.

  “Why did you tell Augustus I had to wash?” Julius stomped into the temple, clearly unimpressed.

  “Because you’re accompanying us on an outing today where guests generally are clean.” Jenna had a good look at the boy. “Hmm, I still think we have a bit of work to do.”

  “Yes,” Amelia touched his hair. “It needs the scraggly bits cut off, and some oil for lustre.” She grabbed hold of his hands. “Dirt under the nails still,” she tutted.

  Julius backed away. “You girls aren’t touching me,” he grunted.

  “Then you are not coming with us.” Jenna folded her arms across her chest.

  “Wherever it is, it’s not worth it,” Julius scowled back.

  “Not to worry, Jenna, I’ll let the Emperor know it is just you and me joining him at the Circus Maximus this afternoon,” Amelia winked and headed towards the rear of the temple.

  “W...wait,” Julius stuttered. “We’re sitting in the Emperor’s box this afternoon?”

  “Amelia and I are,” Jenna responded. “And if you clean up well enough to pass as a noble, then yes, you can come with us.”

  Julius let out a loud hiss as the girls went to work on him. His matted hair was cut and rewashed, and given a beautiful sheen. His body buffed, oiled and all traces of dirt removed. By the time he was dressed in a very expensive looking tunic, his own brother barely recognised him.

  “It is a pity mother is not here to see this monumental occasion,” Augustus puffed out his cheeks in admiration. “He’s gone from scruffy street urchin to young noble in such a short space of time. In fact the only thing that remains is his delightful scowl.”

  Jenna held up her hand as Julius was about to retaliate. “Noble boys rise above taunts, Julius.”

  “How are we getting to the Circus?” Julius asked.

  “We have our own centurion escort,” Jenna smiled.

  “Well, lead on soldier. No dawdling,” Julius instructed with a grin. Perhaps he was getting the hang of this whole noble act.

  Amelia giggled and linked her arm through Augustus’. “I have the distinct feeling this afternoon is going to be very lively.”

  CHAPTER 18

  Jenna noticed Julius’ grip on her hand tightened as they reached the entrance to the Emperor’s box.

  “You’ll be fine,” Jenna squeezed his hand reassuringly.

  Marcus was waiting for them at the top of the stairs. He took her hand and kissed it. “We were worried you had been delayed.”

  “I forgot how busy it was around the Circus when a race is on.”

  “Well come on down, the Emperor is expecting you.”

  His hand was resting on her waist as they took a small flight of stairs down to the large podium, which was filled with high-backed chairs.

  “Ah, my favourite Arulian,” Trajan beamed, beckoning her forward.

  Jenna dropped a polite curtsey. “Thank you again for your kind invitation, Emperor Trajan.”

  “The least I could do. Besides, your presence often livens up events, so I am told,” he laughed. “Now who have you brought with you?”

  “This is a fellow Arulian, Amelia.” Jenna thought Amelia was going to fall over. “And a young friend of ours, Julius.”

  Trajan patted Julius on the shoulder. “Welcome young man. Who is your favourite team?”

  “The Blues, Sir,” Julius squeaked.

  “Another Blues supporter,” Trajan sighed. “Why don’t you sit with Dextus over there, who also thinks they’re rather good.”

  Laurentius stepped forward and took her hands. “Jenna, I am pleased to see you again.”

  Jenna noticed Octavia was sulking in a corner with her daughter. Long may she stay there. She was thrilled that Aurelius, Claudia and Arianna were also present.

  “My dear,” Pompeia spoke, “they are waiting for you to start the race.”

  “No rest for the wicked,” Trajan groaned getting to his feet again. He leant over the balustrade and dropped his hand down, signifying to the organisers he was ready for the event to start.

  “Is Brutus racing today?” Jenna leant over to ask Arianna.

  “Yes,” she giggled on hearing her brother’s sharp intake of breath.

  “Is that really Julius?” Marcus nodded in his direction.

  “Yes. He scrubs up very well, doesn’t he? I give it until the end of the first round before he and Dextus are arguing about who is the better swordsman.”

  “If you’ve been training Julius, then there is no contest,” Marcus smiled.

  “A compliment so early in the day, Marcus. You must be after something,” she eyed him suspiciously.

  “I’m always after something, my lov
e,” he murmured in her ear, raising her body temperature considerably.

  It might be her second outing to the races, but they were still every bit as enthralling. She felt ever more nervous when Brutus was up, it must be heart-stopping for Claudia to watch her son dice with death. Although seeing her deep in conversation with Pompeia, she appeared so relaxed. Needless to say, Brutus won without breaking much of a sweat.

  “Dextus, would you like to present Brutus with his ribbon?” Trajan asked .

  “Yes please,” the young boy leapt to his feet.

  “Your chance will come soon, young Julius,” Trajan smiled kindly at him.

  Refreshments were served and Jenna went to talk to Amelia and Julius. “How are you finding it?”

  “Awesome,” Julius beamed.

  “Are you getting along with Dextus?”

  “Yeah. He’s funny.”

  “Just remember he is a nobleman’s son, so no leading him too astray,” Jenna wagged a finger at him.

  Julius giggled. Dextus reappeared in the box.

  “Let’s get some food,” Dextus grabbed Julius hand and dragged him towards the laden table at the back.

  “Bless him,” Amelia sighed. “I don’t think he’s ever seen so much food at one time.”

  “Dextus seems to be getting along famously with Julius. Do I know his family?” Laurentius joined them.

  “Unlikely. Julius is like a little brother to us,” Jenna smiled.

  “He was telling Dextus you tutor him in sword fighting.”

  Jenna laughed. “I guess I do.”

  Marcus slid his arm around her waist. “Everything alright?”

  “Yes,” she coloured slightly. “Do I need to thank you for Augustus’ recent promotion?”

  “I might have pushed things along for him for the services he has done me.”

  “That is very noble of you.”

  “You can show me your true appreciation later,” he murmured.

  “Perhaps I will,” she fluttered her lashes at him.

  “Jenna, can I steal you away for a moment?” Trajan called her over.

  “Of course,” she moved dutifully to the front of the box.

  “All seems very quiet and serene for now,” Aurelius glanced at his daughter.

  “It must be killing her not to be able to say anything spiteful,” Arianna remarked, nodding in Octavia’s direction. “She looks so sour-faced, I almost feel sorry for her.”

  “Perhaps I will ask your mother to spend some time with her.”

  “She doesn’t deserve it.”

  “Maybe, but….” Aurelius’ mind clearly was on something else. The realisation hit him suddenly. Watching the two of them side by side, it was so obvious.

  “What is it?” Arianna whispered.

  “Watch Jenna and Trajan,” he murmured.

  “For what?”

  “Just observe them for a few moments.”

  It was staring him right in the face. Their right legs linked behind the left as they leant against the balustrade, the tapping of the baby finger on the right hand against the marble, the slight tilt of the head to the right when deep in thought. Small movements that only signified a faint preference for the right hand side, but standing together spoke of something else completely.

  “Oh my,” Arianna breathed. “You really think so?”

  “Yes. We know she is Roman born. She is destined for a God, so obviously has to be from a noble family.”

  “But imperial blood?”

  “Not even I considered that scenario. But they are virtually mirror images of each other. There is no other explanation than Trajan is her natural father.”

  “Does he know who she is?”

  “He is drawn to her, but I think that might be down to her superb fighting skills. Another talent she got from her natural father.”

  “Do you think anyone else has a clue?”

  “I hope not for her sake,” Aurelius sighed wearily. Jenna’s Olympus guard was about to treble.

  “What concerns you so?”

  “Trajan would recognise her as his natural daughter in an instant being the honourable man he is. That would then throw the matter of his heir into question. Should Jenna give birth to a son before Trajan dies, he will be Emperor by rights of natural succession.”

  “Mars may not be too happy about having his son legitimately on the throne.”

  “A deity cannot rule a country. There will also be many who will want to keep succession with the current prospect, Hadrian.”

  “I don’t imagine Pompeia will be too keen having her husband’s infidelity highlighted for all to see.”

  “Exactly. It also shows she is the barren one not he.”

  “And we are no closer to identifying the mother,” Arianna exhaled loudly. “And she is unlikely to come forward.”

  “Sadly you are correct. The mother would be able to confirm everything.”

  “What are you two discussing so furtively?” Claudia looked at her husband and daughter.

  “Nothing,” they both responded in unison, making her instantly suspicious.

  “You may not be the slightest bit interested, but Brutus has just won his next round.”

  “Go Brutus, yeah,” Arianna feigned enthusiasm. She really wanted to see a little more excitement down on the track.

  Claudia shook her head and took a seat next to Octavia.

  “Oh, to take a picture of this moment,” Jenna sighed to Amelia, as they watched Julius climb down the steps side by side with Trajan to give Brutus his next purple ribbon.

  “It’s a shame Syla can’t witness her son’s rise from troublesome urchin to noble child.”

  They did seem to be talking for a while, but Brutus was a favourite of the Emperor as well. Not that he could publically show favouritism.

  “So how are you and Augustus going to work things when he’s with the Praetorian?” Jenna leant back against the balustrade.

  “He will get some down time, but obviously I won’t see him as much. But I can’t complain, it’s what he has dreamed of doing.”

  “You just have to make sure that the time you do spend together is not wasted.”

  “Which puts you higher up the list on Julius decoy.”

  “I think I should keep my mouth shut,” Jenna sighed.

  “My prayers are finally answered,” Amelia giggled.

  The final was about to start. Jenna was glad this time she was safely tucked away in the Emperor’s box, so there would be no outrageous display from Brutus. Even more so as Marcus was standing a few feet behind her.

  Julius was snuggled in next to her, his little face glued to the action below. In fact his and Dextus’ expressions were hilarious each time Brutus came close to being run into the wall. She half hoped he would be, to knock some of the cockiness out of him, then felt guilty for the worry it would cause Claudia.

  The boys were ecstatic, the crowd went wild, Brutus had won yet again.

  “Jenna,” Trajan called her over. “Brutus especially requested you present him with his medal.”

  She heard Marcus’ growl and threw him a look, she could handle Brutus. “I shall be delighted to accompany you, Emperor,” she put on her best fake smile.

  “That is an almost believable smile,” Trajan chuckled as he led her down the steps to the podium below.

  “I do not like being in the spotlight, but I think I dislike Brutus even more.”

  “I am yet hoping for some real entertainment,” his eyes twinkled mischievously. “Perhaps we might see some of that Arulian spirit.”

  Brutus was full of himself as per usual. “Jenna, we must stop meeting like this. The Marshall will be feeling threatened.”

  “The only thing that should be feeling threatened is your manhood after I remove it with one flick of a knife.”

  “Ouch, such harsh words from so fair a lady,” Brutus winced.

  “On your knees,” Jenna grunted.

  “She loves me really,” Brutus winked at Trajan who
handed over his winning medal to Jenna.

  “I’m surprised it fits over that enormous ego of yours.”

  Brutus shook Trajan’s hand and as he rose, Jenna found herself flung over his shoulder. He turned and ran down to his chariot. The crowd were cheering once more. This was so not going to happen to her again.