Nova Praetorian by N.R. Walker

Author:N.R. Walker
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: BlueHeart Press
Published: 2018-10-23T18:30:00+00:00

SERVIUS WAS ESCORTING Quintus to the Neapolis amphitheatre, so Servius had requested Quintus and the guards accompanying him wear full armour. Not because he thought the threat of attack on this day was possible or even likely, but because he wanted the grandeur of his presence on full display.

Kaeso grumbled as he fixed his helmet, making Quintus laugh. “The look suits you,” Quintus said, earning a murderous glare from Kaeso.

“I look like a prized bird dressed for public slaughter.”

Quintus inspected the red plume of feathers atop Kaeso’s helmet, trying not to smile. “The red of Rome suits you.”

Kaeso’s murderous glare threatened to pierce Quintus’ skull. “You can strike that fucking thought from your mind. The day I stand as a Roman will be the day the Underworld greets me.”

Quintus was still smiling when he lifted Kaeso’s chin with one finger so their eyes could meet. “I care not on which lands you stand, only that you live. Cast all mention of the Underworld from thought. The very notion that your heart might stop beating causes mine to ache, so mention it no more.”

Kaeso’s eyes widened at Quintus’ declaration. “My heart as well, should you be the one to go.”

Quintus leaned down and attempted to steal a kiss, but the nose guards of their helmets met instead. He tried again, head tilted, but met only the clang of metal. He growled, and Kaeso laughed, reached up, and cupped Quintus’ jaw in his hands, and brought their helmets together. Foreheads and nose guards pressed as one, he stared into Quintus’ eyes. Not a word was broken between them, just silence and an unspoken acknowledgement that their declarations of heart and purpose were true.

Voices outside their quarters startled them apart, and upon inspection, they saw that Servius and his entourage were ready to leave, save Helier, who tended to the perfection of his master’s toga. “You are ready?” Servius asked.

Quintus nodded and looked to Gallio, Oppius, Salonia, and Varia who stood armed and armoured. “We are.”

“Then to the arena,” Servius said. “But first a stop in the forum.”

“The forum?” Quintus pressed. Why had he not mentioned such a visit before now?

“For business matters that are my own,” Servius said. “This concerns you?”

Quintus wasn’t sure how the senator would fare walking through an open market filled with citizens, fleet men, and slaves, none who seemed to hold the senator in good favour. He would be an open target.

Quintus smiled. “No concern at all.”

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