“I cannot. I want my brother driven to the edge of madness at not finding you.” He called for the guard to take her back to her cell.
Florentina hugged her as soon as she got back. “What happened?”
The bruise on Jenna’s face has disappeared already. “It seems our host wants to upset Mars. Nothing more.”
“Really?”
“Yes. That and me to choose him instead. I did tell him he was delusional, which he did not seem to take too well.”
Florentina let out a small chuckle. “Only you would tell a God they were mad.”
“That’s what comes from having Mars’ direct protection.”
“You really do?”
Jenna showed her the birthmark. “He has apparently protected me from birth.”
“Cool. It must be kind of neat to have such a guardian.”
“It is not without its problems. People see me as a target now.”
“But you have your shimmering guards,” Portia snuggled back onto Jenna’s lap.
“Their protection is only on the streets.”
“There must be a reason why anyone would want to abduct a foreign temple servant, irrelevant of who protects here?” Florentina was too bright for her own good.
Jenna gave a small sigh. “A secret you will need to keep buried. I am of imperial blood.”
Florentina gave a broad smile. “I thought as much. You and he are so similar and he dotes on you so. But why try and keep such a fact quiet. He does after all need an heir and you could provide it.”
“It is very complicated but I do not want the truth of my birth officially recognised. I have run into enough trouble from just the few that know about it.”
“But he does not hide his affection for you at all.”
“I know and I chastise him for it. But that cannot be helped.”
“I take it Pompeia is not your mother?”
“No. Which is why you might have picked up some animosity between us. And I cannot blame her for that.”
“Then who is?”
Jenna’s eyes moved quickly to Portia and back. “That is even less well known.”
“She spoke truthfully earlier.”
“She is not aware.”
“What are you talking about, Jenna?” Portia yawned, oblivious to the subject they were discussing.
“Nothing to worry you,” Jenna stroked her hair. “Now why don’t you try and get some sleep.”
“I’m hungry,” she whined.
“Let me see if I can rustle up something.” She barked for the guard through the door. He responded eventually. “We require food and drink. See to it at once.”
“And who are you to give orders?” he responded sulkily.
“A Roman noble, you ill-mannered lout. Now get us what we require or I shall complain directly to Apollo about your mistreatment of his prisoners.”
“You appear so very calm,” Florentina noted.
“It is all in the voice and stance. If you can portray the right image, people will believe it whatever you feel inside. And I believe you are also very good at hiding your real feelings too.”
“I learnt that from my father. Whilst he may appear hard as iron, he is a very warm and loving man. And I know my disappearance will have hurt him.”
“He will have been informed very quickly of our predicament, have no fear of that.” Jenna felt such an anger run through her veins. Apollo’s actions had not just affected Mars, but many more people including Florentina’s and Portia’s families. She hoped he really knew the fallout from what he was doing.
Julius was enjoying being back on the streets. He had changed out of his finer clothes and to anyone who passed him, he was just another street kid. His old friends were pleased to see him.
“What brings you back to this neighbourhood?” one child asked. “We thought you’d moved on.”
“I need your help. Three friends of mine have gone missing, abducted I think. I have a feeling they might have been brought to this region. Have you seen anything usual today?”
“Nothing,” one grunted. “And why should we care if the odd noble goes missing?”
“One of them is the Marshall’s woman. Do you really want him coming here and levelling the region to the ground to find her?”
“Guess not,” he shrugged.
“If you see anything, you can find me at home.”
“You still live there?”
“Yeah. Why would I live anywhere else?”
One of the younger kids spoke up. “I have seen some flashes of gold recently.”
“You’ve been drinking your father’s wine again,” an older boy sniggered.
“Where?” Julius tried not to sound too eager. Flashes of gold meant the presence of a God, and he had had some dealings with those.
“It’s a residence close to here. I’ll show you.”
Julius followed as they headed to where the Via Lata was closest to the city centre. The boy stopped and pointed to a fairly non-descript sprawling villa. “From there.”
“Thanks.” Julius instinctively gave him a small coin for his efforts. He was fast turning into a noble.
He made a good study of the building. It was possible he could climb to the roof and gain access from the peristyle. There was also a small window opening that faced onto the street at ground level; it indicated it had a basement. Most likely that was where Jenna was being held, if indeed this was the place.
He jumped when a hand clamped down on his shoulder.
“Are you doing what I am?” Luke asked.
“If you’re trying to find Jenna, then yes.”
“Actually it Jenna and her friend Florentina.”
“And Portia too.” Julius felt for the young girl, she must be terrified at this ordeal.
“What makes you think they’re in there?”
“Some kids have seen flashes of gold light, a clear sign the Gods are at work here.”
“And you believe a God may have taken them?”
“I know Mars is very fond of Jenna, but he would not abduct her, he is good. But perhaps one of his other brothers might, if they are jealous of him.”
“Do we have a plan?”
“I think it best if we call in reinforcements. Marshall Vilnus has a direct line to Mars.”
“The Marshall and I do not get along that well,” Luke winced. “Did you want to find him whilst I stay and keep an eye on the residence in case there is any activity?”
Julius nodded and scurried off to find the Marshall. Much to his dismay, the Marshall was not at home but his sister was.
“You again,” Arianna smiled. “I hope sincerely you have Jenna’s location?”
“I’m not sure, but we think we have found something. How do I get hold of the Marshall?”
“He will be here momentarily.”
Sure enough, Marcus walked through the door, he had responded immediately to his sister’s call.
“Flashes of gold have been seen from this house?” Arianna sounded shocked. She was. This was not one of her siblings’ residences, and if Jenna was being held there, it meant one of her family was responsible.
“Yes. It might mean something else, but then who would be foolish enough to risk Mars’ anger except another God,” Julius responded.
“We will head there right now,” Marcus ordered.
In a very short space of time, Julius was riding behind Arianna as he directed them to the villa in question. Luke was still outside.
“Has there been any activity?” Marcus grunted at him.
“Nothing. All looks quiet within.”
“You wait here with Julius, Arianna and I will go in.”
“Do you not need more soldiers?” Julius asked. “What if there are lots of people inside?”
“We will be fine,” he patted Julius’ shoulder and made for the front door.
Julius glanced up at Luke. “I think perhaps we should check out the basement.”
“And disobey the Marshall?”<
br />
“I don’t obey my own mother,” Julius grinned, “Why would I do differently for the Marshall?”
“Because he’s big, scary and carries a rather large sword,” Luke retorted.
“Come on, I spotted another way in earlier.” Julius led him to the small window. They peered through, the room seemed empty. “I’ll go first as I’m smallest.”
Luke didn’t quite follow his logic but let him go ahead. It was a tight squeeze for him as he was quite a bit bigger than Julius, but he did just fit through. It looked like some sort of wash room they were in, the place was littered with sheets and bedding.
Julius opened the door gently, Luke let him take the lead. It seemed he was much more adept at breaking and entering. The hallway was dark and dingy and they continued along it until they came to a cavernous vaulted room. It was faint, but Julius would know that whine anywhere.
“Portia,” he murmured. “I can hear her.” He peered through the metal grill on the first door, the room appeared empty. The same with the second. The third seemed to have occupants.
“Portia?” Julius whispered. He saw a shape sit up.
“Julius?”
“Yes.”
“Have you come to rescue us?”
“Of course. Is Florentina and Jenna with you?”
“Just Florentina. Apollo has Jenna.”
“Apollo?”
“Yes. He’s not very nice.”
“Who has the key?”
“There is a guard who has them.”
“I’ll see if I can find them,” Luke muttered.
“Luke?” Florentina picked up his voice instantly.
“Yes. How are you doing?”
“Cross and irritated, but I will be fine. Especially when you rescue us.”
“And you show me how grateful you are?” he teased.
“That too. Now stop dawdling.”
Luke could hear someone coming towards them so stayed in the shadows until they passed by. Then he leapt into action and he had the guard unconscious on the floor in seconds. It was amazing what the thought of rescuing a beautiful, grateful young woman could do. He relieved him of his keys and headed back to the Julius.
The second the door was unlocked, Florentina had her arms around him. “Thank you so much,” she smothered his face in kisses.
“Any time, my lady,” he beamed, kissing her back.
Julius looked at Portia. “Don’t even think about kissing me,” he grunted.
“Boys are vile,” the young girl grunted. “But I will give you a hug.”
“Perhaps we should make a hasty exit,” Luke suggested. If one guard had come down, another might follow shortly.
“My shopping,” Portia squealed running back into the cell. She emerged with her arms full of her spoils from the previous day.
“We won’t be able to exit the way we came in,” Julius said his thoughts aloud. “The window is too high.”
“Then it looks like we’re headed for the front door. Hopefully Marshall Vilnus has everything under control.”
“I guess we’ll soon find out,” Julius took Portia’s hand and pulled her down the corridor behind Luke and Florentina.
“Why do Gods struggle to understand the word NO?” Jenna threw her hands in the air. “I find you mildly attractive but your womanising ways and general lack of moral fibre leave me feeling cold towards you. I love your brother and that is the end of the matter.”
“You will succumb to me or your friends will suffer,” Apollo scowled heavily at her.
“Is that the only way you can get a woman to lie with you? Threaten to kill her friends?” Jenna taunted.
“Most women are more than eager to be with me.”
“Then ask one of them. Or is it the fact that you want what you can’t have.”
“But I can have you, Jenna.”
“I think not,” she grunted. “Lay one finger on me and I will make you bleed.” And probably not from your nose either, she thought to herself.
“Now you make it sound like a challenge. I just want one night, is that so much to ask?” his voice had turned quite silken.
“Yes, when I am all but betrothed to your brother. I would never betray him.”
“Even though he regularly seeks the company of other women?”
Jenna gave a humourless laugh. “How little you know about your brother. Maybe a few hundred years ago, but not now. And the only reason you want to sleep with me would be to rub it in his face.”
“And why not, he needs bringing down a level or two. Having found his bride, he is so irritatingly smug and I want to wipe that look off his arrogant face. I want him to feel pain.” Apollo made a grab for Jenna.
She tried to fight him off, but she was after all dealing with someone who had immortal strength.
“It is futile to struggle,” Apollo said bluntly.
Jenna relaxed for a moment, throwing Apollo off his guard. A split second later, she brought her head down on the bridge of his nose.
“You bitch,” he spat, throwing her across the room. She hit the wall with a heavy thud, before landing painfully on the ground.
“Take one step towards her and I will end your life, brother.” Minerva’s voice was music to Jenna’s ringing ears.
Mars appeared behind Minerva, his face darker than Jenna had even seen, even when she had stabbed him.
“You dare abduct Jenna,” he growled. “You know I will castrate you for this.”
“You cannot control everything, Mars. Your neat little world is starting to fall apart.” Apollo stopped the bleeding from his nose.
“You really are the sorriest God that ever lived if the only way you can get enjoyment is to take another’s woman. Has your life become so dull?”
“Mine is overflowing with excitement. It is yours that is dull, Mars. Jenna is too good for you, you will never satisfy her or keep her fully entertained.”
“I have no complaints from her,” Mars glanced over at Jenna.
“She is inexperienced with men but will soon learn that you are not enough.”
“It is wishful thinking on your behalf, Apollo. That is all. And you will not be seeing a woman for a long time. Father has instructed you are incarcerated in Olympus for the next ten years for your actions.”
“In your dream, perhaps.” Apollo drew his sword and launched himself at Mars.
Jenna and Minerva watched as the two brothers battled it out.
“Should we not stop them?” Jenna glanced at Minerva.
“No. They need to get this out their system. And if you are worrying for Mars, he will be fine. Apollo has never beaten him.”
It was fascinating to watch two Gods go head to head, every time their swords clashed a spark of gold was emitted. Jenna was only too aware of the consequences should either blade pierce the skin. Both swords were made from celestial bronze.
Jenna had to admit that Mars seemed to have the upper hand throughout, whilst Apollo looked like he was struggling. Maybe it was the jealous rage flowing through him. Eventually Mars disarmed Apollo who stood in front of him, still defiant.
“Go ahead, brother. Have the balls to end my life,” he taunted.
“Ignore the dick,” Minerva barked.
“Yes, listen to your dear sister. How ironic that the God of War should get his advice from a woman.”
“On seconds thoughts, run him through,” Minerva muttered.
“You are a pathetic excuse. The strongest God in Olympus would not hesitate,” Apollo spat.
Jenna saw the conflict on Mars’ face and ran to stop him. Sadly he had already made up his mind and drove his sword into his brother’s stomach. Well, it would have been through his brother’s stomach if Jenna had not jumped in front of him.
Mars had been right about celestial bronze, it stung like a son of a bitch. Not that she could really feel anything, the blow was fairly dramatic.
“Jenna,” Mars screamed as he caught her.
“I’m sorry,” she stared u
p into those wonderful black eyes for the last time. “I could not let you kill your brother.” She took a couple of painful gasps of air. “I love you,” she whispered before darkness consumed her.
Destined for a Deity (Mark of Mars) Page 25