“Like at the Colosseum?”
“No,” Jenna laughed. “We wear protective clothing and masks; the tips of the swords are also capped, so there are very few injuries. The object of the game is to strike your opponent, preferably in the chest, to score.”
Hector looked totally confused.
“Okay, maybe a demonstration is needed.” Jenna looked around for some sticks that could be used for fencings swords and passed one to Hector. She put him in the correct position, right leg forward, sword raised. She followed suit. “We move back and forward, always in a straight line, trying to strike each other on the torso.” She showed him some of the moves. “Now see if you can copy me.” Little did she realise they would spend half the afternoon fencing. But it was fun. Hector got the hang of it quickly and was very light and agile on his feet.
She flopped back down on a chaise, covered in a light film of perspiration. At least she wasn’t fully suited in this heat.
“So that is what you do for entertainment?,” Hector looked intrigued.
“Yes. It keeps me in shape and I really enjoy it. How about you? What do you do for fun or to relax?” she turned the questioning back onto him.
“I think I must lead a very boring existence by comparison. My free time is spent at the theatre and the library.”
“There I envy you. I would so like to see inside the library attached to the Trajan Baths. It is supposed to be spectacular.”
He glanced over at her and smiled. “I do apologise. Equality has not yet reached Rome. Can you read Greek?”
Ancient and modern, she said to herself. “Yes.”
“How are you with hieroglyphics?”
“From which land?”
Hector shook his head. “It is very demoralising conversing with someone who is far better educated than myself. Egyptian.”
“I can translate some of their hieroglyphics. But I am no expert.”
“Let me guess, you have spent much time in that land too?”
“With my father. He was posted there. And before you ask, their Gods and Goddesses are very different.”
Hector laughed. “The question never even crossed my mind.” It unnerved him a little that she could read him so well. “Do you have many libraries at home?”
“Yes. Open for men, women and children.”
“Children? What age do boys learn to read in Arula?”
“Boys and girls can start school from age four.”
Hector’s jaw dropped open. “Four?”
“Yes. We start young. By the time we are six, most of us and read and write basic texts.”
“Quite astonishing.”
Jenna noticed the sun was getting low in the sky. “Should we not start to head back?”
“If we must. It is rather pleasant being out of the city and away from prying eyes.”
“I must commend you, this is a beautiful spot. How did you know about it?”
“I often come where when I want to escape and be on my own.”
“Ah yes, the large family syndrome.”
“But you are correct, we should make our way back.”
Their pace was definitely a lot slower returning. Jenna had already blown away all the cobwebs in her mind so she quite welcomed the sedate pace. Even more so when just over half way back, her horse started to limp. Jenna leapt down and examined her hoof.
“Damn it, she’s thrown a shoe.”
“We are closer to Rome that Matsillis, so should continue on.”
“I can’t ride her without a shoe. It could cause her permanent damage.”
“I know that. You will have to ride behind me.”
Jenna looked at him a little suspiciously. Had the shoe come off by accident or had a little intervention been needed. She held out her arm and Hector swung her up behind him.
“It will be easier if I lead the mare as well,” Hector instructed.
A good plan, Jenna thought. Her balance on the back of a horse when sitting side saddle was not great.
Rome eventually came into view. Travelling on the one horse had delayed them a little and the sun was now very low. Hector slowed as they came to the city gates. She heard him curse under his breath and quickly realised what the problem was. A figure in black. What were the chances? It would not be so much of a problem had she been on her own horse, but he was going to have a fit seeing her with her arms around Hector. He’d have to get over it.
That was wishful thinking. They were stopped just inside the gates. Jenna could sense the tension between Marcus and Hector, it was obvious they knew each other. And Marcus’ face was like thunder. He went to lift her down but Hector was not going to give way that easily.
“Jenna is out with me. I will return her to the temple.”
“I think not,” Marcus growled, pulling Jenna down roughly and setting her aside.
“Do I not have a say in this?” she hissed t Marcus.
“No, I will deal with you shortly,” he barked heavily before turning back to face Hector who had dismounted. The two got into a very heated argument.
Jenna had heard and seen enough. If she stayed whilst Marcus was in the mood he was, she would no doubt end up in jail for stabbing him. Or at least making him bleed. He was too busy snarling at Hector to see her slip away. She felt bad for leaving Hector, but she was fed up with being fought over.
Her eyes lit up when she stepped into the neighbouring street. Standing proud and a lot more welcoming than his master was Hercules.
“Hello, boy,” she rubbed his ears. “You’ve been abandoned again.”
The way the horse was rubbing his nose against her told her loud and clear he was happy to be ridden. A delicious thought crossed her mind. She wondered what the penalty was for taking the Marshall of the Peace’s horse?
Knowing it would only enrage him further, she jumped up onto the back of Hercules. Marcus had, after all, deprived her of her ride. “Take me home,” she sighed, giving the horse a gentle nudge. She was not altogether sure exactly where they were in the city, but gradually she started to recognise some buildings. Hercules was such a dream to ride. Passing one villa, a very bad thought popped into her head. She’d heard mention of the Domus Meriva, it was a well-known brothel, and the two ladies siting out front looked up for the challenge.
Jenna stopped and dismounted. “Would you ladies mind if I left this rather handsome fellow out front? I think his owner will collect him later.”
“If all our clients were quite so beautiful,” one of the ladies wandered over.
Jenna stroked Hercules’ nose. “You be a good boy and behave for these nice ladies.”
“Ain’t he the Marshall’s horse?”
“He certainly is.”
“Well, we’ll take good care of him and the Marshall when he stops by.”
Jenna left on foot to the sounds of their throaty cackles. Marcus would be steaming mad, having his horse left outside a brothel. He messes with her life, she retaliates. All is fair.
Mars was furious. Mercury had not taken a blind bit of notice of his threats and had escorted Jenna out again. The sight of them riding back, Jenna with her arms around him on the back of his horse, had sent jealousy spiralling through him. He was livid with both of them.
And Jenna had defied him further by taking off with Hercules. Right now he wanted to put his hands around that soft creamy neck and squeeze hard. More so when he discovered where she had left his damn horse. And Hercules, the traitor, was looking more than content with the attention the ladies of Domus Meriva were giving him. He let out a large howl as he tried to forget the embarrassment of having the citizens of Rome thinking he frequented a brothel. A man of his looks and stature certainly had no need for such an establishment. Women fell at his feet voluntarily. Well, all but one woman.
“Temper, temper, brother,” Minerva appeared by his side in his villa.
“I am in no mood to quell my anger. I want to spill blood,” he snapped.
“Oh dear, what has Jenna do
ne now?”
“What makes you think it is Jenna?” Mars grunted.
“No-one else can make you rock the city.”
“Mercury took her out riding.”
“And?”
“And what? She is mine, I did not give my permission for her to go out with him.”
Minerva smacked the back of his head in frustration. “Have you not learnt anything? Jenna does not answer to you and never will. You, however, need to make yourself as appealing as possible so she will choose you over your brother.”
Mars snorted loudly. “Whatever happened to people bowing to a God’s will?”
“Oh my poor brother,” Minerva teased. “Does your injured ego need stroking? If you want to be fawned over, just attend any function where the nobles and their daughters are present, and you will have every inch of you stroked.”
“Jenna is the only one I want bending to my needs.”
“I did hear rumour that the ladies of Domus Meriva were attending to your needs,” Minerva taunted.
“That irritating mortal stole my horse whilst I was arguing with Mercury and left him in front of the brothel for the world to see,” he grunted sourly.
Minerva had trouble controlling her laughter. “I’m sorry, but you have to see the funny side of it. Jenna has quite a wicked streak in her.”
Mars gave her a withering look. “Sadly I don’t share your mirth,” he muttered.
She rested her hand on his forearm. “The sooner you come to terms with the fact that Jenna cannot be dominated, the sooner she will relinquish control to you. This afternoon sounds like she was responding to your heavy handedness.”
“I’d rather have my hands around her throat,” he mumbled.
“Instead, surprise her with something special. Show her your soft and caring side.”
Mars looked at her like she had spoken a foreign language. “I don’t have a soft side. I am the God of War.”
“Ares was a special gift. She loves that cat.”
The corners of his mouth twitched; Minerva was right, she doted on that black ball of fur. “What do you suggest?”
“That is not for me to say. I know Jenna frequently stops in the markets to admire what the vendors have on show. Use that as your inspiration.”
“She might not accept such a gift.”
“If she truly loves it, she will. No girl can turn down what her heart really wants.” Minerva turned to leave. “And if you think about challenging your brother, I will make sure you have a very fetching black eye.”
“Both my eyes are already black,” he retorted.
Minerva laughed. “You know what I mean. Think back to when you were just sixteen. I will plant you a shiner the likes of which have never been seen before.”
“Are you openly challenging me, sister?” he gave her a stern look.
“No. Just threatening.” She turned back and kissed his cheek. “Please leave some of Rome standing.”
CHAPTER 26
Julius was bouncing off the walls as per usual. He was so excited to be going to see Dextus.
“Alright, calm down,” Jenna grunted.
Amelia was grinning as the young boy dragged her across the courtyard outside his apartment. “Don’t hurry back,” she called after them.
Jenna responded with a rude gesture.
Augustus slipped his arms around her waist and kissed her neck. “It’s just you and me now,” he murmured huskily.
“Oh yes,” Amelia beamed. Time for some carnal knowledge of a Praetorian. She just hoped Jenna would keep Julius busy for a very long time.
“How long can I stay?” Julius whined.
“I think probably for the afternoon, as long as you don’t disgrace yourself.”
“By doing what?” he scowled.
“You are fully house-trained, aren’t you?” she teased.
He poked his tongue out at her.
“Is this the first time you’ve been to a nobleman’s house?”
Julius shook his head. “I’ve been in Senator Aurelius’ home several times.”
“Really?” Jenna was intrigued.
“Yes. He sends me on various errands,” Julius grinned. “He’s a nice man.”
“Yes, he is.” She wondered what the sly senator was up to. Why would Marcus’ father employ a young boy to do his errands when he had a whole host of servants to do it? She had a feeling she knew. “Does the Senator ask a lot of questions?”
“Yes,” Julius’s little brows furrowed together. “A lot of them about you. He likes you.”
Jenna laughed. The sneaky old man, getting the inside on her via Julius. She could actually have a lot of fun with that, she would need to think of something suitably wicked for using a young boy as a spy.
Laurentius’ villa was suitably impressive. To Julius, it must have resembled a palace. She was thrilled when Dextus charged into the atrium noisily and dragged Julius off.
“I do apologise for his desperate lack of manners,” Laurentius laughed. “He does not know many children in Rome yet, so is eager for the company.”
“Don’t worry, Julius is just as hyper.”
Laurentius noticed she was not removing her cloak. “Are you not staying?”
“I should get back to the temple.”
He rested a hand on her shoulder. “I appreciate this is a difficult situation you find yourself in, but you will have to face Octavia one day.”
“Will I?” Jenna raised an eyebrow.
“Yes. Your paths will cross, so is it not best to get this awkwardness over with?”
“Perhaps. But not today.”
“By the nature of your birth, you are in fact sister to Dextus and Portia.”
“Very loosely connected, Laurentius.”
“But connected nonetheless.”
“The wound is too raw at the moment, so please let me get used to it first.”
“You have met with your father?”
“Yes. This morning.”
“And is he going to be making any announcement?”
Jenna shook her head. “No. It is best that this is kept quiet.”
Laurentius gave a large sigh of relief. He really did not want his wife’s indiscretion announced to the whole of Rome.
“I will come back and collect Julius later. If you need him to go home earlier, just send a servant to Apollo’s temple to get me.”
Jenna headed back out into the hustle and bustle of central Rome. She had no great desire to head back to her temple yet, but there was one place she wanted to go.
Luke was as welcoming as ever. “Stand by, a plaque of locusts is about to descend.”
“Ha, bloody, ha,” she scowled. “If you’re not careful, I might just start a rumour that you and I are dating.”
Luke paled. “That’s not even funny.”
“Ouch, I’m not that much of a gargoyle.”
“I was thinking about your Rottweiler. He’d have me torn to shreds just for even contemplating the idea.”
“Then don’t piss me off,” Jenna grinned.
“So what do we owe the pleasure of this visit anyway?”
“I wanted to talk to Mars,” Jenna smiled brightly.
“Talk or feel up?”
“Both actually.”
Luke shook his head. “She has finally lost the plot.”
“Hey, some people talk to plants, I talk to statues.”
“Plants at least are kind of a living thing. This is a hunk of marble.”
“Hunk is definitely the right word,” she sighed. “And haven’t you got anything better to do than annoy a worshipper?”
“Yes, but this is more entertaining.”
“Now where do you think we should go on our date?” Jenna mused.
“Alright, you win,” Luke hissed and headed off to the back room of the temple.
Jenna didn’t quite know what had drawn her back to Mars, she really wanted to talk to him again. Yes, it had been a dream, it had to have been, but she felt such a connection
with him anyway. She ran her hand down his arm. “I know I’m awake, but I could do with your infinite wisdom.”
“Just my wisdom?” a soft voice whispered in her ear.
Her pulse started to race; was it possible? Was he really standing just behind her or was it her imagination running riot?
Blood Never Lies (Mark of Mars) Page 20