The Rose and The Roman

Chapter Six

Hey guys, check out the external link --> the roman's were actually at Deva (which is a real place, i live there :P)

Enjoy guys.

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Days turned to weeks, which in turn changed to months and the signalled the end of spring and the beginning of summer. And with that change of season, came a change in the location of the legion. Esma had overheard Albus and Blandus talking about taking her with them.

“You cannot be serious.” Albus snapped, slamming his hands down onto Blandus’ desk. “She’s a woman, let alone a small one.”

“Well I have to act like she’s my wife.” He sighed dramatically, putting his feet onto the desk before him. “What’s the worst that’ll happen, I’ll lose her somewhere in the wilderness?”

“You can’t do that; her father will kill you and take back the land if you lose her.” Albus sighed falling against the chair opposite the higher ranked man. “If she comes you’ll need to take her in the carriage with you.”

“Not happening, it is my carriage. She can ride with you.” He stated as Albus shook his head furiously. “You’re of high enough rank to look after a woman.”

“I’m your best soldier and will be at the head of any conflict and you know it.”

“So drop her off before you do.” He yawned like it was an obvious solution.  “She’s coming whether she likes it or not, I cannot take a man with me but I can take my wife.”

“You disgust me.” Albus growled staring at his officer.

“So do you, illegitimate bastard but I keep you here for some reason.” he snapped grabbing his sword and brandishing it. “So shut your damn mouth and do as your told before I have you killed.”

“Sir.” Albus sneered turning and leaving the room without another word.

From a side room Esma sat listening to the shouted conversation, she wanted to get the hell away from this place, but she didn’t want to have to go with Blandus, if he were gone this place, Deva, wouldn’t be bad. She actually had friends here, Daisy and a few other wives. She’d miss them while she would be gone.

“Esma, pack a small bag we’re going to Hadrian.” Blandus ordered as he passed the small room he’d given her as a private area, a small tiny room.

“Where’s that?”

“Scotland, the Celts.” He stated, deigning the question acceptable as spoken in Latin. “You’ll be bargaining on the trip up, earning your keep as everyone else does.”

“Are you taking a man?” she asked, and he smirked, gripping her chin painfully in his strong fingers.

“No, why else would you be coming?” he stated and horror swept through her.

She’d hoped after the initial week of him taking her regularly he’d leave her alone, and he had. But it seems that it was too much to hope for that it would be a permanent thing. Esma let herself fall against the miniature mattress in the corner in a huff.

At least Albus will be there for her to talk too.

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It all happened in slow motion; Albus watched with a soft smile as Esma thanked a servant for packing her things into a small bag and made a joke. The slave positively beamed up at her. Unfortunately Blandus came out and saw them talking and then she was falling backwards down the steps, he wouldn’t make it fast enough, there were sure to be bruises, maybe even a break.

But then General Gaius caught her by the waist, saving her from crashing to the ground, before placing her in Albus’ arms.

“Watch your wife Blandus; she’s rather too pretty to be falling into the arms of another man.” Blandus paled and instantly started to suck up to the General as he sent Esma a wink. “Inside, we need to talk routes.”

“Are you alright?” Albus asked as he lifted her easily onto the back of his horse, his hand settled on her knee as he waited for her reply.

“Yes.” She said finally, “I can’t believe he caught me, Blandus told me men weren’t nice.”

“Gaius is.” He grinned fighting his common sense before whispering. “I’m glad you’re alright. Sit tight, I need to be in these talks, Felix will keep an eye on you.”

“Esma!” a female voice shouted seconds before she spotted Daisy hopping through the crowd of lower soldiers. “There you are, I’m going to miss you.”

Esma grinned and leant down to hug her friend, “Same, I’ll come back with stories though for you.”

“As you should!” the darker woman laughed patting her leg, “I’ve made you some more serum, Juan told us about Blandus.”

“Thank you.” Esma whispered kissing her friends cheek before they fell into their usual chatter while waiting to depart.

“Even when her fiancé is about to leave, she’s found chattering like a bird in the morning.” Juan’s voice teased over their conversation.

“Fiancé my arse.” Daisy laughed, “You’ve not even asked if I want you.”

“Ah the love of an old man.” Albus teased coming over and swinging up onto his horse behind Esma who was laughing quietly. “I’ll see you on the way Juan, Daisy.”

“I’m so jealous of those two.” Esma admitted as Albus lead the horse through the city. “All anyone wants is to be loved.”

“You are.” Albus stated, before continuing with “You’ve got your father, your brothers, Daisy and us.”

“You know that’s not what I meant.” She snapped a little harshly. “Sorry, just jealous.”

“Me too.” He shrugged, lifting her shoulders with his as she rested against his chest.

“How long is the journey?” Esma asked feeling the emotions start to swirl around her chest at the proximity of Albus.

“A week at best, but it’ll probably take longer.” He sighed, “I hate Hadrian as well, it’s very . . . lacking.”

“Oh dear.” Esma pouted laughing despite herself, “I’m afraid I’ve grown rather spoilt here in Deva, with water close by and all.”

“At least you’ve got my company instead of your husbands.” Albus stated.

“And the less we say about that the better.” She whispered as he came into view.