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Marcus's POV
Earlier that day
After departing for the settlement, the girl had no choice but sitting next to Marcus who immediately wrapped her between his arms. Preventing her from falling from Shadow.
He could tell, Aelynn wasn't comfortable with his closeness, fidgeting in the saddle.
But he really enjoyed her being so near. Naturally, she didn't speak much, and Marcus desperately wanted to hear her beautiful voice. So, he initiated their conversation, pretending to be as impartial as ever.
"Should you prefer walking all the way, I can arrange that for you."
Seeing the girl considering that, he cut her thoughts off.
"Sadly, my soldiers won't be thrilled to slow down because of you. So, you might as well get used to me being around."
To his surprise, Aelynn blurted out a somewhat personal question about his stallion. In a normal case, that was unthinkable that a servant would ask his master something like this. But it was not the case with her.
After she felt soundly asleep cradled in his arms, Marcus watched her peaceful face, so young and innocent.
Noticing her waking up, he asked in a neutral tone.
"Had a restful sleep?"
But Aelynn could barely get a word out, so he gathered she was thirsty, giving her his flask with water.
"You should eat."
Placing a bundle with food on her lap, he saw her helping herself to it.
The Centurion couldn't deny the fact the girl was becoming something more than just a captive to him. Despite his attempts to be authoritative and cold around her, at times he felt his poker face crack a little. Especially, when she acted so kind-hearted like now.
After some moments, the girl gazed up at him slightly, with a question in her eyes.
"Do...do you want something?"
What was that? She just talked to me on her own accord...Did I hear her correctly? She really offered me food. Me. The Roman.
Marcus smiled inwardly.
How can I refuse such a sweet proposition? I must make hay while the sun shines.
Aelynn captured his undivided attention, by feeding him. Yet she was careful not to touch his face or his mouth for that matter.
Actually, the girl appeared to be utterly embarrassed. But it was too late for that, she couldn't get away from this. From him.
As pleasant as this moment was, he reluctantly interrupted it upon spotting a path leading to the village. When Aelynn confirmed it, Marcus tasked Quintus to encircle the settlement, ensuring no one could enter or exit.
Following his second-in-command shortly thereafter, the Centurion had another challenge for the girl. She had to translate his message to the village chief.
Being quite fluent in Brittonic himself, he could discern what her people were up to, as well as her true feelings.
YOU ARE READING
Cruel Love
Historical Fiction"I warned you, you live under Roman law now. And you violated it. You touched what is mine. The punishment for that is ... death." Plunging his sword into the attacker's chest, the Centurion let the man fall and bleed out on the ground. Aelynn shrie...
