Cruel Love

Chapter 40

As Marcus lifted the flap of the tent, Aelynn slipped inside. Once they were finally alone, she swirled around to him and spoke in a pleading voice.

"Marcus...Please help my father..."

"I won't lie to you. There are just two options. And it's his decision to make. If he swears his loyalty to the Roman Empire, his life will be spared." He stepped closer, tucking a loose strand of hair away from her worried face. Aelynn looked up at him expectantly, anxiety spreading through every cell of her body.

"Those who deny the Emperor are to be executed at dawn." Marcus said truthfully.

"Can you do something...anything?" Aelynn asked weakly, though she already guessed the reply.

"My hands are tied here, I'm very sorry. If somebody can, then you."

"Me? How?" Aelynn's emerald eyes sparkled with hope.

"I'll arrange you two a meeting in private. Try to persuade him. It's the only way to save him."

"Oh, thank you, Marcus!" Aelynn reached out for his hands, giving them a light squeeze. "Can I see him now?"

Looking at her hands intently, Marcus shook his head.

"I don't think your father will be pleased seeing you in such a state. Let's clean you up first, hm?"

Aelynn took a moment to glance at her once neat beige dress, now stained with dark read blotches. Finally, her gaze wandered down to their intertwined hands. Hers were still caked with her patients' old blood.

"You're right. I look awful...He shouldn't see me like this." Aelynn sighed tiredly.

"Just sit down over there, I'll take care of everything." Marcus gestured to a wooden bench next to a plain round table.

As Aelynn settled herself, she watched him set a jug of water, a bowl, and a piece of cloth on the table.

After filling the bowl halfway, he turned to her, a ghost of a sympathetic smile on his lips.

"I'm going to wash your hands."

"You don't have to..." Aelynn started to argue, but Marcus simply put the basin beside her and eased down so they were on the same eye level.

"Let me, Aelynn." He gazed at her for a split second, and before she knew it, he carefully took a hold of her both wrists. Then, he placed her hands into the cool, soothing water.

An involuntary gasp escaped Aelynn as Marcus's warm, calloused hands moved carefully over her fingers, massaging them.

"Thank you." Aelynn felt her heart beating rapidly because of that small yet intimate gesture. She met his pensive blue eyes as if they were peering into her very soul.

"Not at all. On behalf of all the wounded, have my deepest gratitude for your help." Marcus reached for the cloth and wrapped it around her hands, wiping them dry. She watched in awe until Marcus was done.

"You have something just right there on your face." Marcus tilted his head, rinsed the fabric, and brought it to Aelynn's left cheek, dabbing softly at her skin.

As he leaned in even closer, her gaze lingered on his features, unblinking.

"You're staring at me, young lady." Arching a brow, he smirked at her in amusement.

"Well, I am!" Aelynn exclaimed, not embarrassed by his comment. On the contrary, she grew bolder, mimicking him.

"You too are in need of some washing." In one swift motion, she snatched the cloth from Marcus and touched his jaw, feeling the light prickling of stubble against her fingertips.