Mark of Mars Read online

“Well, I hope you get some lovely ones,” Jenna responded a little sharply. What did he take Amelia and her for?

  “Come on, surely you could not turn down the offer to spend a night with Rome’s champion?” Faustus purred.

  “Quite easily,” Jenna plastered a smile on her face.

  She saw the two men’s expression change dramatically. They bowed formally and returned to their sparring.

  “What suddenly got in to them?” Amelia asked. She was enjoying being hit on, it was such a rare occurrence for her.

  “I’ll give you one guess,” Luke grunted, looking over his shoulder. “Your Rottweilers are back.”

  Jenna started to laugh. “Is the Marshall showing teeth?”

  “Fully barred,” Luke responded tartly. “I get the distinct feeling I’m going to have a close encounter with his sword any day now.”

  “Jenna’s been hoping for a close encounter herself,” Amelia sniggered.

  “I hate you both,” Jenna pouted and turned around. Luke was right, Marcus did not look happy.

  “Marshall, I did not realise your duties including scaring gladiators as well. For that shouldn’t you be in the arena?” She noted with delight that Augustus actually had to bite his lip so as not to laugh.

  Marcus just grunted in response. “It is not safe for young women to stay too long around the practice arena. Some gladiators might think you are offering them your services.”

  “We’re lucky then there are some very heavy iron railings between us and them.” She linked her arm through Luke’s. Amelia followed suit the other side. “We’re off back to our temple now before anyone else makes some interesting suggestions.”

  Marcus took a step forward. “We will walk you back. The boy can return straight to his temple.”

  Luke felt Jenna bristle. He knew just what was about to come and stepped in, largely to save his own skin. “Leave it, Jenna,” he murmured. “I like my body and face as it is.”

  She glanced up at him, rage in her eyes. Marcus had insulted Luke and she was not about to let him get away with it. But perhaps she needed to go somewhere a little more discreet before addressing the issue.

  “Fine,” she hissed at Marcus and stalked off. “Let’s walk, Marshall.”

  Amelia glanced at Augustus. “I recommend we take a different route. I fear there is going to be blood spilt and it won’t be Jenna’s.”

  Augustus gave half a smile. “Let us go this way.”

  Jenna was seething as she tore through the streets. How dare he order around her friend like he was no more than a slave. He was not getting away with it. However she needed to get her temper under control first before she started hollering at Marcus like an old fish wife.

  She eventually stopped a short distance from Apollo’s temple and turned to face him. His expression was emotionless. Hers wasn’t. “If you think you can ever talk to a friend of mine like that again, you are much mistaken, Marshall Vilnus. You do not dismiss my friends as though they are nothing more than an irritant. You insulted Luke, thereby insulting me.”

  “I did not like the way the boy had his arm around you,” Marcus bit back.

  “I don’t care. You don’t own me. I can have my arms around whoever I want.”

  “I think not. I have shown my interest in you to most of Rome. Anyone who makes a play for you now has to go through me.”

  “Of all the insufferable egos,” Jenna looked at him incredulously. “I will see who I want, go out with who I want, and even sleep with who I want, be it Brutus, Faustus or anyone.”

  Marcus’ eyes were blazing. “You did not include Luke in that list? Have you already bedded him?”

  Her hand was itching to slap that ice cold face. “Luke is like a brother to me, you ignorant, foul-mouthed Roman.” He went to catch her arm but she stepped out of reach. “I kind of liked the Marshall that took care of me when I was sick and brought me thoughtful gifts. He had a soft, likeable side. If this is the true version of you, then sorry, but I’m really not interested in seeing you again.”

  She turned and headed away. The invisible truce they had called seemed to have disappeared. Was he really now showing his true colours? She squealed as a strong arm grabbed her waist and forced her up against the side of a building.

  “No foreigner insults a Roman nobleman, let alone the Marshall of the Peace. It is time you were taught that women are submissive to men in this world.”

  Much as Jenna struggled, Marcus was way too strong. One hand was clamped down on her shoulder, the other forcing her head up. As she glared into those black eyes, she felt very afraid. They were completely black, with flashes of gold, almost freaky. As his head lowered, she felt his grip loosen. Much as she’d wanted to kiss him before, now was not that moment. He was about to find out how feisty twenty-first century women were.

  Marcus gasped loudly and dropped to one knee, clearly shocked at Jenna’s response. “You only ever kiss me with my permission, Marshall,” she glowered and stalked the short distance into the sanctity of Apollo’s temple.

  Amelia was enjoying her afternoon stroll with Augustus. He might consider himself to be an ordinary Roman, but to her, he was fascinating. She was starting to see Rome through a centurion’s eyes. Not many people back home could lay claim to that.

  “You have never mentioned your father. Is he still alive?” Amelia asked out the blue.

  “Yes. He is serving with the Fifth legion in Britannia.” Augustus’ tone was anything but relaxed.

  Poor bugger, thought Amelia. “Jenna and I know Britannia pretty well. The Britons are a stubborn nation but one thing I can assure you, come winter or summer, your father will be bloody cold.”

  Augustus laughed, he had not expected her to say that. “It is said to be a fairly inhospitable land. And I cannot believe you have been there.”

  “We’re fairly well travelled,” Amelia shrugged. And less remarks about the homeland. “It is cold, wet and damp, but on the very rare occasions you get sunshine, it is the most beautiful land.”

  “Our reports are a little different.”

  “That is because you are invading and we were not. How long does your father have left?”

  “Five years.”

  “How come so long? I thought it was only conscripts who had to serve a fifteen year term?”

  “My father was only ever good at fighting. He was not deemed suitable for the role of a city soldier, so the legion decided he could sign up to go abroad with them or become unemployed and let his family starve.”

  “I see his dilemma. But, if your brother Julius is only ten years old, has your father even seen him?”

  “He left when Julius was just a few days old.” Augustus looked off into the distance. “If he returns, he will come back to a fully grown son he has never met.”

  “You were young too when he left. Twelve?”

  He nodded. “Around there somewhere.”

  Amelia was hit by a huge wave of remorse. How spoilt and indulged a life had she led. Augustus at the age of twelve was left to head up his family, to take care of their wellbeing. At twelve, she was throwing tantrums over not getting the latest phone or tablet, squealing at her parents that they were totally unreasonable not letting her get a nose job, and generally being as odious and foul as a teen can be.

  “You look sad,” Augustus picked up on her change of mood. “Have I said something to upset you?”

  She shook her head. “You just reminded me of what a spoilt childhood I had. I guess I never appreciated it until now.”

  “You’re a lady, Amelia. Of course you would have been treated as one.”

  Amelia tried to contain a snort. “My cousin will tell you I’m anything but, usually because I like to torment the worm.”

  “You will always be a lady to me. But then I am not brave enough to provoke you.”

  “A wise move, Centurion,” she giggled. She glanced sideways and caught sight of those wonderful brown eyes. He really was too cute for his own good.

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nbsp; “Would you like to meet my brother Julius?” Augustus was keen to spend more time with Amelia, not just as an escort.

  “I’d love to.” Amelia was thrilled. “When?”

  “How about tomorrow? We can take him for a walk down to the Tiber.”

  “I cannot tomorrow, but the day after is fine. I’m sure Cassandra will have no problem with it, but I will of course have Jenna with me.”

  “I get two lovely handmaidens,” he grinned wickedly.

  Just as they rounded the next corner, Augustus slapped his hand over her mouth and pulled her into the shadows. “I hope I did not startle you,” he whispered in her ear and nodded to the spectacle up ahead. Amelia was stunned as she watched Marcus get aggressive and Jenna’s response. Way to go, girl.

  Augustus dragged her further back into the dark space between two buildings. The last thing he wanted was for the Marshall to know that his humiliation had been witnessed. He released his hold over Amelia’s mouth and turned her around.

  “I did not hurt you, did I?” his voice was scarcely audible.

  She shook her head in response. Actually being held so close to Augustus had completely stopped her brain from working. In such close quarters, Amelia could almost hear her heart thumping. All she could focus on was Augustus’ face and how close his mouth was to hers. What would it be like to kiss a Roman centurion? His hold on her tightened ever so fractionally as if he could read her mind.

  “Am I going to meet the same fate?” he murmured, pushing a lock of dark hair back off her face.

  “Depends on how well you kiss,” Amelia brushed her lips against his. Sheer heaven.

  CHAPTER 13

  The girls were thrilled to find out that Gaius was taking them to the theatre. The Theatre of Marcellus, to see a tragedy by Seneca. Jenna had to admit that tragedies were not really her thing, but she really wanted to experience a Roman theatre.

  It was great fun getting dressed up again as elegant Roman ladies and being escorted out. Jenna had opted for a pale green dress, the blue one just reminded her of vomit. Gaius was as happy as ever to be escorting Jenna. “Can you at least try to keep yourself out of trouble this time?” he pleaded.

  “I always try, Gaius, it’s just succeeding where I fall down,” Jenna smiled brightly. “Is Luke not joining us?”

  “No, Thomas is back at McVale so he is needed to watch the temple.”

  The theatre was located down near the banks of the Tiber, an area of the city she had not yet been but was keen to see. Gaius was kind enough to point out some of the buildings they had not yet visited, including some of the other theatres. According to him, the Theatre of Marcellus was the best architecturally.

  They were very excited when they arrived. The seats were a tiered amphitheatre looking down on the stage. Gaius had again got them good seats near the front of the stage. “There is no wind for you to lose your headscarf, and no need for audience participation, so we should have a quiet performance.”

  Amelia giggled. “Knowing Jenna, some other catastrophe will occur.”

  “Thanks for support,” Jenna grunted.

  They sat down on the stone seats and waited patiently for the performance to begin. Jenna glanced around at the audience; they all looked to be fairly well-to-do Romans. She spotted a familiar face sitting close to the front; Senator Aurelius nodded back.

  “Any idea what this is about?” Amelia whispered.

  “Not a clue, but we shall sit here looking like we understand it all,” Jenna responded.

  They watched with delight as the play started. Women were not allowed to perform on stage, so the female roles were given to young men whose voices had not yet broken. Jenna followed some of it, then her mind started to wander. She much preferred the comedies but a long drawn out tragedy, like Shakespeare’s Hamlet, bored her to tears. The stone seat was numbing her behind and she was starting to feel quite sleepy. It had been a long day, perhaps if she closed her eyes for just a moment she would feel refreshed and enjoy the play more.

  Amelia prodded her. “You’re starting to snore.”

  Jenna sat bolt upright, feeling rather embarrassed. She hoped she hadn’t been too loud. Moreover, she hoped the play was nearly done.

  She was thrilled when it was finally over. It was somewhat congested exiting the theatre and Jenna got separated from Amelia and Gaius. She slipped through the throng of people trying to find them. She could hear a commotion up ahead. Two drunken men had started brawling in the street and soon a few others had joined in. The wealthy Romans who she had just been sitting with seemed to enjoy the spectacle. Hardly surprising, it was a damn sight more interesting than the dirge she had just witnessed.

  She saw a flash of red cloaks; soldiers to the rescue. She watched in fascination as they broke up the fight with military precision. One of them turned right in front of her as he pinned down a brawler. It was Augustus.

  “Jenna,” he looked surprised to see her. “What are you doing in this part of town?”

  “We were at the theatre,” she smiled warmly.

  “Is Amelia with you?” he asked bashfully, whilst yanking on his captive’s arm to keep him still.

  “She was, but I’ve lost her.” It was Jenna’s turn to look embarrassed. “She is with Gaius.”

  “I will let Marshall Vilnus know you are here and he will of course see you safely back.”

  Before Jenna could say anything, he pulled his captive to his feet and led him over to the bank of waiting soldiers. Damn, thought Jenna, she really wasn’t in the mood for Marcus. Especially as the last time she saw him she dealt his pride a low blow, to put it politely.

  She slipped back amongst the crowd; the one advantage of being small is that she would be difficult to spot among so many people. As she weaved through the crowd, making sure her head was most definitely covered, she bumped into Senator Aurelius.

  “You, young one, look like you are trying to hide from someone?” he smiled fondly down at her.

  “You are quite correct.”

  “Over eager suitor perhaps?”

  “Over bearing male is closer to the truth.”

  “’If you are happy to follow me, I can escort you safely and undetected through these rough streets. A face as pretty as yours should not be alone at this time of night.”

  “Your offer is most welcome, although I am more than capable of fighting off any trouble.”

  He tilted his head to one side and studied her for a moment. “Of course, I forget you are skilled with a sword. But you are unarmed, my dear.”

  “That is an assailant’s first mistake. I do not need weapons to bring down a man.”

  Aurelius’ soft eyes appraised her, an interesting idea formulated quickly. “One look at your face stops a man in his tracks?”

  “If only,” Jenna laughed. “My father taught me to defend myself.”

  “Why would a woman of noble birth need to protect herself? Surely you were heavily escorted when out on the streets of Arula?”

  “I travelled to some fairly remote and uncivilised places with my parents. It was a necessary skill to have.”

  “You have my attention well and truly ensnared now. To take his precious family to dangerous lands, your father must be an envoy?”

  “Close. He was an ambassador.”

  “Was? He no longer travels?”

  “My parents were killed in an accident four years ago.”

  “My poor Jenna.” Aurelius felt bad pushing her for answers about her father. “So who is your guardian?”

  “I don’t have one. I govern my own life.”

  “But how do you manage without wealth?”

  Jenna’s eyes twinkled. “I hope I do not frighten you too much, Senator, but I inherited everything from my parents on reaching the age of majority a few months ago. Not only can women rule on Arula, but they are more than capable of managing their own finances.”

  Aurelius was intrigued. “Who finds you a husband?”

  Jenna pulled a face. �
��No-one, thank Jupiter. Excluding yourself and a few friends, I do not set much faith in the male race.”

  “Marshall Vilnus will be devastated to hear that.”

  Jenna could feel the colour rising in her cheeks. “And why would that be, Senator Aurelius?”

  “If the talk on the street is correct, I do believe the Marshall has a soft spot for you.”

  “I don’t believe the Marshall has a soft anything. It is like he’s been carved out of marble, cold and hard.”

  Aurelius chuckled. “Why are you so tough on the Marshall? He has done a great deal for this beautiful city.”