Destined for a Deity (Mark of Mars) Read online

  MARK OF MARS

  DESTINED FOR A DEITY

  BY

  JULIET ANDERSON

  This ebook is a work of fiction. Whilst references may be made to actual places or events, the names, characters and incidents within are from the author’s imagination and are not a resemblance to actual living or dead persons. Any similarity is co-incidental.

  TABLE OF CONTENTS

  CHAPTER 1

  CHAPTER 2

  CHAPTER 3

  CHAPTER 4

  CHAPTER 5

  CHAPTER 6

  CHAPTER 7

  CHAPTER 8

  CHAPTER 9

  CHAPTER 10

  CHAPTER 11

  CHAPTER 12

  CHAPTER 13

  CHAPTER 14

  CHAPTER 15

  CHAPTER 16

  CHAPTER 17

  CHAPTER 18

  CHAPTER 19

  CHAPTER 20

  CHAPTER 21

  CHAPTER 22

  CHAPTER 23

  CHAPTER 24

  CHAPTER 25

  CHAPTER 26

  CHAPTER 27

  CHAPTER 28

  EPILOGUE

  CHAPTER 1

  “Jenna,” a familiar voice rang out across the Forum Romanum. “Where is your escort?”

  “Senator Aurelius,” Jenna beamed.

  “For the hundredth time, it’s just Aurelius.”

  “Has the Senate been meeting?”

  “Yes, and you’re not going to fob me off. Where is your centurion escort?”

  “They must be lurking in the shadows,” she squirmed.

  “May Jupiter give me strength. You know Marcus will go up harder than Vesuvius if he finds you’ve been out without any security.”

  “I’m in the city centre, what could possibly happen?” she gave him her most innocent look.

  “Just about anything,” Aurelius sighed. “You single-handedly keep Mars on his toes.”

  “I’d just like to keep him,” she murmured under her breath.

  “Well, you’re coming home with me. Claudia would be delighted to see you, as would that troublesome daughter of mine.”

  “How is Arianna?”

  “I’m never sure whether she’s trying to keep the peace between her brothers, or winding them up.”

  “The mystery of the female mind,” she flashed him a look.

  “Are you fully recovered from your injuries?”

  “I keep asking everyone what injuries they’re referring to. There is no evidence of anything.” She’d supposedly been stabbed and healed by Mars. As she bore almost no scar, it was a difficult theory to prove.

  “I thought you wanted proof of the Gods’ existence?”

  “I do. The trouble is my engrained beliefs will always twist the facts to disprove them.”

  “Which God is it you serve in Arula?”

  “You know that is not a question I will answer.” She had to admire the tenacity of Senator Aurelius and his family, they were fairly relentless in trying to get her to talk about her God. But as Christians were still being persecuted, she did not want them to suffer any more.

  “It will need answering eventually. When you marry Marcus, you will have to give up your former beliefs.”

  Jenna spluttered loudly. “Whoa, slow down there, Senator. The M word does not figure in my future just yet.”

  “Marcus?”

  “No marriage. I don’t plan to have that ceremony for quite some time.”

  “I do believe Marcus has other ideas. And your father too.”

  Jenna fixed her blue eyes on him. “My father is dead.”

  “Your natural father. You cannot turn down an Imperial command.”

  “I can from my father,” she retorted.

  Aurelius rolled his eyes. “Trajan really will have his hands full with you. But why delay? I know you care deeply for Marcus.”

  “Yes, but where I come from, couples no longer rush into marriage. They generally live together first to find out if they are suited for that life.”

  “And if they are not?”

  “They go their separate ways. It’s easier than rushing into a wedding, then trying to get a divorce later.”

  “Is divorce common?”

  “One in three couples divorce.”

  “And the dowry?”

  Jenna laughed. “Dowries no longer exist. If you remember, a woman can support herself and no longer has to be sold off to a man.”

  “Ouch, I do believe that was a direct dig at our way of life,” Aurelius winced. “But you are living here in Rome, so should you not acquiesce to our way of life?”

  “I cannot settle here long term, my place is back in Arula.”

  “Is it?” Aurelius quizzed. “Trajan might have something to say about you leaving.”

  “Whilst I hold Trajan in very high esteem, he lost the right of parental control the day he abandoned me.”

  “Are you really going to tell an Emperor that?”

  “If I have to, yes. I am not a Roman citizen.”

  “Actually you are. But I have a feeling we could be having this argument all afternoon.” He led her into the atrium of the Domus Flavus and called for Claudia. “We have a visitor, my dear.”

  “Jenna,” Claudia glided down to meet her. “We have not seen you for an age.”

  “Sorry, I’ve been too busy getting myself into all sorts of scrapes.” She kissed her cheek.

  “Come on through,” Claudia took hold of her arm and steered her out to the peristyle. “Your timing is perfect. Arianna and I were just discussing a trip out to our villa in Cabrillus.”

  “Where is that?”

  “About a day’s ride north of here on the coast. The villa is quite stunning, as is its location.”

  “How long will you be gone for?” Jenna tried not to sound too disappointed. She would miss Arianna if she was gone for any length of time.

  “Oh, just a few days. Rome cannot spare Aurelius for long. Nor Marcus.”

  “You’re all going?”

  “Yes, a family trip. And that includes you, my dear.”

  “Me?”

  “You are virtually family, Jenna. And whilst there, maybe you’ll be persuaded to finally say yes to Marcus’ proposal.”

  Jenna laughed. “I cannot say yes to a question that has not yet been asked.”

  Claudia looked at her a little surprised. “Marcus has not offered you marriage?”

  “No. Nor do I want him to. I am not ready for it.” Aurelius and Claudia certainly had a bee in their bonnet about marriage at the moment.

  Claudia flapped her hand dismissively. “Men are really quite useless. We still want to you come.”

  “I will have to check with my temple first.”

  “Well, that is sorted. We will leave after the Imperial banquet Trajan is throwing in honour of General Tiberius who is shortly to return from Britannia.”

  Jenna could not explain why she felt so peeved at this news. Sure Trajan was her father, but that did not mean she was automatically invited to Imperial banquets. Then again, did she really want to celebrate the invasion of her homeland?

  “Did I say something to upset up, Jenna?” Claudia asked.

  “No, I’m fine,” she feigned a smile. “Now I should get back to my temple.”

  “Did you have an escort?”

  “No. I really don’t need one.”

  “Marcus would disagree.”

  “Marcus is not here,” Jenna grinned and headed out to the atrium. “I will let you know if I can attend on your trip to Cabrillus.”

  At that precise moment, Hector barrelled through the door. “Jenna,” his cute face lit up. “Surely you’re no
t leaving?”

  “Sadly, yes.”

  “Would you escort Jenna back to her temple, Hector,” Claudia seized the moment.

  “Of course. It would be a pleasure.”

  “It is really not necessary,” Jenna protested.

  “Come,” Hector propelled her out the door. “It is no great hardship. I am sure I could think of worse people to be seen walking with.”

  Jenna poked out her tongue at him. At least Marcus could not complain too loudly about Hector escorting her, his mother had insisted.

  Claudia watched them leave with a smile on her face.

  “What are you plotting, mother?” Arianna appeared by her side. “As far as I recall, we’d not discussed anything about Cabrillus.”

  “If we left matters up to Marcus, he and Jenna would never get together. I thought if we could lure her out to Cabrillus, she would be seduced by the romance of the place and nature would take its course.”

  “Marcus needs all the help he can get,” Arianna snorted. “Never has a man had such trouble seducing a woman before. And for a God, that is even more embarrassing.”

  Marcus was deep in discussion with Trajan. They were agreeing the procession route for General Tiberius who was due back in five days’ time. Security needed to be tight, there would be no disruptions to the celebrations.

  “I will have centurions clearing the route from early morning.”

  “Good, the streets will be lined with flags and flowers.”

  “Who from the procession will be entering the courtyard of the Imperial Palace?”

  “Tiberius, senior officials and their families.”

  “What about the exhibits they will be bringing?”

  “They will be kept at the Praetorian barracks until after the banquet.”

  “Has General Dexter been briefed on what is required from the Praetorian?”

  “Yes. And Captain Augustus will be stuck to my side, before you ask.”

  Marcus gave half a smile. “You’re security is naturally our greatest concern.”

  “As should the security of my daughter be.” Trajan poured two goblets of wine and passed one to Marcus.

  “Conquering Britannia is easier than trying to keep Jenna in hand,” Marcus grunted.

  “True. But as you chose to fall for my daughter, that onerous task falls on your shoulders.”

  “Will she be attending?”

  “She will be accompanying you, of course. For her own security, I’ll not ask her to sit on my right hand.”

  “I shall pass that good news on to her later.” Marcus was not sure how she would react celebrating the invasion of Britannia. But he was thrilled she would be taking her place by his side at one of the most high profile events of the year.

  “Wonderful. I would also like to see that wild child of mine tomorrow, so please let her know I will send a Praetorian around to collect her.”

  “Might I suggest sending Captain Augustus? Jenna is not too trusting of the Praetorian at the moment.”

  “Of course. She is fully recovered now from her ordeal?”

  “Yes. Mars saw to it that her injuries healed quickly.”

  “I have never known the God of War to show interest in a mortal before.”

  “Jenna bears his personal emblem.”

  “Let us hope he is not in direct competition with you,” Trajan grinned.

  “Mars and I have an understanding.” Marcus stood up. “I will stop by Apollo’s temple and pass on your instructions.”

  “Wishes,” Trajan chuckled. “My daughter does not follow instruction.”

  “How true,” Marcus murmured heading out.

  Jenna was lighting the torches at the front of the temple when she heard the recognisable sound of Hercules approaching. Not matter how many times she saw him, Marcus always made her pulse race just that little bit faster; he really did look magnificent as he rode up.

  “How is my favourite Roman?” Jenna rubbed Hercules’ nose.

  “He’s in great danger of being replaced by a more obedient model,” Marcus snorted, dismounting with ease.

  “Don’t listen to the mean Marshall,” Jenna cooed. “There is always a place for you here.”

  “I’m sure Apollo would be thrilled to have his temple turned into an animal shelter.” Actually Marcus would love that to happen. He sat on steps and pulled Jenna down beside him. “I have just come from a meeting with the Emperor.”

  “How is dad?” Jenna asked. She found it so surreal.

  Marcus rolled his eyes. “Trajan is fine. He wants to see you tomorrow, so expect Augustus to pick you up.”

  “I might be busy,” Jenna responded. “I do have a life and duties.”

  “Before you wear Trajan’s patience too thin, just remember that many an Emperor has done away with their family members when they displeased them.”

  “Yes,” Jenna mused. “I do recall Emperor Caligula cut off his nephew’s head for incessantly coughing. Sniffing would be it for me. I can’t abide habitual sniffers.”

  Ares scampered out and jumped onto Jenna’s lap. As Marcus went to pat his head, the kitten took a swipe at his hand.

  “Behave,” Jenna tapped Ares’ nose.

  “I think he is fighting for your attention too,” Marcus glared at the black ball of fur.

  “He’s just a little mischievous,” Jenna kissed his head fondly.

  “Hercules has been stroked, Ares kissed. I’m wondering what I’m going to get?”

  “Grief, no doubt,” Jenna laughed.

  “You’re probably right,” he grunted. He took hold of Jenna’s hand. “Trajan would also like me to escort you to the Imperial banquet in a few days’ time.”

  “I’ve not been invited,” Jenna responded.

  “I think that was your invitation. He wants you at his side, and attending with me would raise no questions from the others present.”

  “I am also not sure if I want to celebrate the slaughter of the Britons. I am quite fond of them.”

  “I know,” Marcus kissed her hand. “Sadly, though, you will cause offence at the highest level if you do not go.”

  “Will Ulpina be there?”

  “Most likely.”

  Jenna shivered. It was Ulpina who had orchestrated her abduction. “I’m not sure I want to set eyes on that old witch again.”

  “Trajan knows nothing of his sister’s betrayal, and for his happiness, I would like to keep it that way. He would be most upset if you did not go. As for Ulpina, she will not come near you. Mars will terminate her life if she does. Likewise for Pompeia.”

  “You know my views about appearing in society as well.”

  “You outrank everyone, you are of Imperial blood, so never forget that.” He leant in and kissed her forehead.

  “Fine,” she hissed. “I guess I have no choice, unless someone else is willing to abduct me.”

  “Since Mars has announced himself as your protector, no-one would dare try.”

  “That is only if you believe in the Roman deities,” Jenna pointed out. “Those of a different faith would not feel threatened by a God they did not believe in.”

  “And what other deities are out there?” Marcus broached the subject lightly.

  “Egyptian, Aztec, Mayan, Norse, Christian, Muslim, to name but a few.”

  “It must be tiresome to be so knowledgeable.”

  “It’s a burden I was born to bear,” Jenna sighed dramatically.

  Marcus shook his head. “I should let you get back inside.” He got to his feet and pulled Jenna up. “What are your plans tomorrow?”

  “I’m dropping Julius off at Laurentius’ villa so he can spend another afternoon causing mayhem with Dextus, then I guess I wait for my summons to the Palace.”

  “Spend the afternoon with me after your meeting with Trajan, and we can return Julius to his family later.”

  “Sure, I’d like that.” She enjoyed any time she got to spend alone with Marcus.

  CHAPTER 2

  “Ju
lius,” Amelia raised an eyebrow as the boy raced into the temple carrying an offering for Ares. “I thought Jenna was going to pick you up later.”

  “I had a lesson at Senator Aurelius’ villa so came here instead of home.”