For a Roman's Heart by Agnew Denise A

Author:Agnew, Denise A. [Agnew, Denise A.]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Romance
ISBN: 9781609283261
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
Published: 2011-01-04T08:00:00+00:00

Adrenia sat on a bench in the courtyard, her cloak gathered around her. The temperature had warmed some during the day and melted snow. Puddles dabbled courtyard stonework, and her breath puffed out in the cold.

Adrenia closed her eyes and drank in this tiny piece of nature. Despite the cold, it kept her mind clearer and less apt to wander into melancholia. She recognized exhaustion when she felt it. Nightmares had broken her slumber last night. Fire, screams and stench of burning flesh haunted her thoughts even during the day. She shuddered as memories intruded. She drew in one deep breath and then another, trying to find the inner quiet nature provided.

She couldn’t wait until Terentius came for her tonight.

A shadow fell near Adrenia and she started.

“Adrenia.” Cordus walked toward her. Dressed formally, he appeared ready for important political business in town. “How good it is to see you out.”

He smiled, and she managed to return the expression even though her heart pounded. “Thank you, sir. Your hospitality made it possible.”

He came closer, and she saw an odd light in his eyes. Uncertainty perhaps. He smiled and nodded toward the bench near her. “Is it all right if I sit?”

“Please.”

He settled on the long bench, far enough away for comfort. “I know talking about your parents must be painful, and that is why I haven’t mentioned this before.”

“I appreciate your thoughtfulness.”

He smiled, but the expression didn’t hold. “I’d like to honor Terentius for saving your life. In a couple of days perhaps we’ll have a dinner and invite people to celebrate his bravery.”

What could she say? She could see Cordus wanted approval. “I thank you.”

He sighed, his eyes going harder and concerned. “I see your hesitation and understand it, too. It is a touchy situation when...well, frankly, when a death is so tragic and violent.”

“What sort of honor would you give him?”

“At the beginning of the dinner we will offer food and drink to Jupiter, Mars, and Minerva. Cordia tells me you worship at the altar to Coventina. Perhaps you would like to offer something to this goddess as well. I’ll ask Terentius if he wishes to offer anything to the gods.”

Adrenia swallowed hard. “If you think it should be done, sir.”

He stood and paced along a short length of the sizable courtyard. A cold breeze wafted over her, prickling the hair along her arms. “I think it is only right.”

Adrenia hadn’t expected this. “Sir, I am beyond grateful for your hospitality and protection. So many would have left me to the cold. I am—”

“My dear.” He held up one hand. “I didn’t expect praise. This was the only right thing to do. Brigomalla once served me well. So well I felt it necessary to reward him with his freedom. As a result, you were born a free woman. As the daughter of a freedman who was attacked most viciously, I can do nothing less.” He turned his gaze into the heavens. His slow pacing didn’t stop. “There is one thing I must ask, however.

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