Soldier of Rome: Traiana Victrix (The Artorian Dynasty Book 8) by James Mace

Author:James Mace [Mace, James]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Legionary Books
Published: 2024-03-05T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter XVI: In Service to Adversarial Gods

***

Cristina sat trembling in her chair, hands still clutching the armrests, eyes closed, mouth twitching, as if she were about to burst into tears.

“Why the sorrow?” Lucia asked. “Your brother lives.”

Cheers echoed as Trajan signalled the fate of a fallen Dacian. Out in the arena sand, a marshal walked up to each, accompanied by several of the surviving gladiators; the primus palus having departed, as such executions were beneath his status. Cristina cast her gaze down, refusing to see what befell her brave former subjects.

“It seems the crowd is sparing those who fought well,” Lucia added.

“I need to go,” Cristina said. “I must see my brother.”

She glared at Lucia, daring the freedwoman to try and stop her. Lucia appeared startled, almost fearful. She composed herself and nodded towards the front of the box.

Rising, she said, “It is for our mistress to decide. You’d best show proper reverence to the empress when making your request.”

Cristina nodded and stood. Lucia turned to where troopers from Imperial Horse Guards lined the steps. One of the men nodded to her. He placed a hand on Cristina’s shoulder, causing her to wince. He guided her down the handful of steps to the imperial couple’s chairs. Lucia walked close behind, hands folded, and head bowed.

The trooper signalled to Attianus, who nodded and whispered to Empress Plotina. Seeing Cristina waiting to speak with her, she gestured for her to come forward. Cristina stepped closer and knelt on one knee before Plotina, bowing her head and placing her hands on the ground.

“Highness,” she said. “I humbly ask your permission to see my brother, Prince Eugen. Might his bravery earn him a visit from his sister?”

Unbeknownst to Cristina, as her head was bowed and eyes shut, the empress was smiling. She placed a hand on Cristina’s shoulder.

“Go with my blessings, child. Let your presence soothe his battered spirit.”

Cristina bowed even deeper and stood, keeping her gaze down. The trooper gestured towards the aisle leading towards the back of the box. Another round of cheers echoed from the masses.

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