Ten for Dying (John the Lord Chamberlain Book 10) by Mary Reed & Eric Mayer

Author:Mary Reed & Eric Mayer [Reed, Mary]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
ISBN: 9781615954759
Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press
Published: 2014-03-01T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-nine

“That’s an ugly burn. You’re going to have a scar.” Antonina smeared white unguent along the side of Anastasia’s hand, then wrapped a scrap of cloth around the affected area. “Perhaps it’s time to end this little romantic adventure of yours.”

Anastasia drew her lips into a pout. “Just when it’s getting exciting?”

“It’s also getting too awkward, don’t you think? It’s one thing to want the men to burn for us, but to use hot coals…”

The two women were sitting beneath the gaze of the painted empress in Antonina’s reception room. Anastasia couldn’t help feeling that Theodora—long time champion of General Belisarius—was frowning at her in a reproving fashion. “You don’t approve of Felix because he’s allied with Germanus.”

“I do wish you had made a better choice, but let’s not speak of that again. There’s no point allowing our men’s rivalries to come between us.” Antonia replaced the lid on the ceramic unguent jar, sat it down on the side table, and picked up the jewel box there. The box was of polished wood, inlaid with ivory crosses. She opened it to reveal a collection of amulets.

“I pray for Felix every day,” Anastasia said. “But he refuses to let go of that pagan deity of his. Do you think the Lord answers prayers for pagans?”

“The Lord works almost as mysteriously as the emperor. Still, you’re probably right, an amulet can’t hurt. Although, from what you told me, it may already be too late.” She rummaged through the collection, which ranged from smooth pebbles one might pick up on the sea shore to medallions made of precious metals.

“I prayed for him in the Great Church,” Anastasia went on. “I think prayers work better there. When I pray in my room I feel as if I’m talking to myself. In the church I feel a presence, in the light and the shadows up in the dome.”

“How about this one?” Antonina handed over a carnelian suspended from a silver chain. “It’s been engraved with magick symbols. How you intend to give it to him however…?”

“He’ll find his way back to me.”

“Indeed. I can tell you are still under the captain’s barbaric spell. A brawling ruffian is quite a change from courtiers who fight with poisoned tongues. You’re like our dear Theodora, except she kept her bears caged and you prefer them in your bed.”

“And what about you? You like keeping wild things around. Didn’t you say that many of your servants had been recruited from the factions because you liked their spirit?”

“That’s not to say I sleep with all my servants.”

“Oh? You have always advised me that the best way to stay young is to remain open to new experiences. Since we’re talking in confidence, what happened to that young man you brought back with you from Italy? You are keeping him well hidden. He never showed his face at the court.”

“Karpos? I couldn’t tell you where he is right now. I don’t keep my men on a chain, regardless of what people say.

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