Sword of the Gladiatrix by Faith L Justice

Author:Faith L Justice [Justice, Faith L]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: historical fiction
ISBN: 9781310749735
Publisher: Faith L. Justice
Published: 2015-08-15T04:00:00+00:00

***

AFRA SENSED THE CHANGE IN CINNIA. For weeks the Briton had been uncertain, searching but afraid of what she’d find. Occasional flashes of memory gave her hope. Now there was sadness in her eyes; but anger, as well, in the set of her shoulders, clench of her jaw; an insistence—no, confidence—in leading them through the cemetery. Afra feared that, knowing the past brought Cinnia more sorrow than joy. Would she grieve excessively? Brood over the horrors done to her and by her? Would she turn her gaze outward, scorn Afra’s affections as unnatural?

It was the last question that caused Afra to shake her head. She should be happy that Cinnia found the memories she sought, but a tendril of dread threatened to choke her joy.

Everything changes.

Cinnia turned her head, smiling.

Afra’s heart leapt.

They returned to the stable shortly before dusk. Most of the work animals rested in their stalls, eating hay. Afra peered through the bars of the stall where the cubs napped. Britannia—no, Cinnia; she had to get used to her new name—joined her, shoulders touching. Afra’s muscles twitched and she drew in a quick breath.

“They’re funny cats.” Cinnia pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. “Their legs are too long and feet are too big. They sound like birds and act like dogs.”

“Some Romans believe they are dogs, but dogs don’t purr. Their legs are long and feet big, because cheetahs are swift. Over short distances, I’ve never seen anything outrun one. They are also friendly and easy to train, unlike many big cats. My Kandake kept a hunting pair. She let them roam the palace, unchained.”

“Will you be sad to give them up when they’re grown?”

“Yes. They have been my only friends in this strange land,” Afra’s voice softened, “until....”

“Until?” Cinnia put her arm around Afra’s waist and dropped her head to Afra’s shoulder.

“Until I found you.” Afra reached up to stroke the shining blonde hair. “I believe the gods sent you to me.”

“Mine or yours? As punishment or reward?”

“You say such strange things, sometimes. But it doesn’t matter.” Afra cupped Cinnia’s chin in her hand. The shadows deepened and she couldn’t see her eyes. “Come to bed.”

Afra led Cinnia this time. They lay their straw-stuffed pallets on the dirt floor, side by side, and faced each other on their knees.

“Is this what you want?” Afra put a warm hand on Cinnia’s cheek. “You have only today come back to yourself.”

“I don’t know.” Cinnia trapped the hand with own and kissed Afra’s palm. “I know only that I am new born today. I thrill to it. You have been my savior, my friend. Afra, you give me joy.”

They fumbled in the dark; pulling off their tunics, finding each other breast to breast, thighs entangled on the pallets.

Afra stroked Cinnia’s back and kissed her eyes. She tasted salt tears and pulled back.

“Why do you weep?”

“I’m happy.” Cinnia pulled her face down into a deep kiss. “I am happy your gods sent me to you.”

Afra laughed deep in her throat, almost a growl.

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