The Winged Serpent by Nadia Aidan

Author:Nadia Aidan [Aidan, Nadia]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Romance
ISBN: 9781607355182
Publisher: Resplendence Publishing, LLC
Published: 2012-06-05T22:00:00+00:00

Aurora smiled down at him. A man such as Cyrus could not fully comprehend one such as herself, a person who possessed a dual nature. Just as he could not also fully comprehend that trust and lies were not two facings upon the same coin.

She lied to him to protect him, but he could trust her. With his very life? He could if he did not stand in her way, and even then she was not certain she would have the heart to kill him.

Another tense silence found its way inside the cave as both of them retreated to the dark corners of their thoughts. No words were needed in order to gather what brewed inside their heads.

Cyrus knew she was not who she made herself out to be, but he would have to be the one to decide if his master’s life was more important than what the two of them now shared.

Aurora had her own decisions to make as well. She would not compromise her duty for anyone, but neither did she think she could take Cyrus’ life if he stood against her.

“Are you prepared for the games on the morrow?” Aurora asked, purposely steering their discussion into neutral waters.

Cyrus looked curiously at her. “You are the first to ask me that.” He smiled and it was as if secrets and deception did not still linger between them. It was as if their discussion had not just been fraught with tension. Aurora could not help herself. She smiled with him.

“My bout is a celebratory reenactment of Scipio’s defeat of Hannibal at Zama.”

Aurora bristled at his statement. “Romans and their insipid reenactments. Well, I hope the gladiators fighting as Carthaginians defeat you then.”

His gaze wavered between feigned indignation and amusement. “I do not relish taking the Roman position, but I would not wager upon a Carthaginian victory if I were you.” His eyes sobered then, sending Aurora’s good spirits plummeting because she knew what was soon to come.

“As much as it is appreciated, I think your concern is misplaced. You have long been absent from the arena, and now you find yourself the main draw. I worry more for you.”

Aurora fought the urge to look away. As well he should worry, she thought. She shared his concerns.

“I am frightened,” she blurted out before she could stop herself. She questioned what had compelled her to reveal such vulnerability to him, but immediately acknowledged she already knew. She trusted Cyrus, and when she looked into his eyes she found only kindness. She felt safe when she was within his arms. She felt as if she could tell him almost anything.

His arms tightened around her. “You will not fail,” he whispered against her brow when she rested her head atop his chest.

“I believe that. I promised myself long ago that I would never draw my last breath within an arena, and I shall not. But I am not the champion I once was. I fear I will disappoint the crowds—Claudius—you.”

“You could never disappoint me.

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