Page 14 of Ensnaring the Dove
Aedan inclined his head. Just when he believed this woman couldn’t surprise him any further, she did. “He’s at Onnum?”
“His name is Linus Calix Aurelius,” she said softly, still not meeting his eye. “He’s theprimus pilusof the Second Legion.”
Tension rippled down Aedan’s spine at this news. Her husband-to-be was the highest-ranking centurion of the legion. “And doesheknow you’re on your way?”
Colombia’s cheeks flushed slightly. Clearing her throat, she tossed the leaf aside. “No … I wanted to surprise him.”
Astonishment stole over Aedan then. “You made the trip on your own?”
“Of course not. I traveled with a maid and a bodyguard.” A nerve ticked under one eye as her expression shadowed. “But yourfriendskilled them both during the attack on our convoy.”
Silence fell in the glade while Aedan digested her words. He still didn’t understand why a woman would make such a journey, especially if her betrothed hadn’t sent for her. “You must be eager to see him … if you’d put yourself in such danger,” he said after a lengthy pause. His mouth pursed before he added. “He’s a lucky man.”
His belly hardened then. Centurion Aureliuswasa fortunate man, indeed. What would it be like to have a woman love him enough to leave her home behind and trek to the far edge of the frontier? It wasn’t likely Bronwen would have ever done the same—she’d wed his brother, after all.
“Iamkeen to see him,” Colombia admitted, although there was a subdued edge to her voice now. The mention of her maid and bodyguard’s violent deaths had caused a veil to lower over her eyes. “I didn’t expect our convoy to be attacked though … just a day out from our destination.”
Silence fell between them once more, and a breeze fluttered through the trees. Moths danced around the flames while the gurgle of the nearby river formed a soothing backdrop.
Aedan glanced once more at Colombia. Her gaze still had a haunted, faraway look. No doubt she was reliving the horror of the attack, the death of her companions, and her near rape.
And despite that he felt uneasy in her presence tonight, despite that she chafed at him, Aedan had the urge to soothe her worries, to erase the shadow from her face.
“When did you last see your betrothed?” he asked finally. Since she’d traveled so far to see the man, he imagined she’d be happy to talk about him.
“Five years ago,” she replied, meeting his gaze once more. “Just days after our engagement, he was given a posting to Britannia … but he hasn’t been home since.”
Aedan’s mouth quirked. “So, you thought you’d go to him?”
Colombia raised her chin in that supercilious gesture that had riled him earlier. Yet, this time, it intrigued him. This woman was soft and pampered, yet there was iron just beneath the surface. He found himself wanting to see more of it.
“We have corresponded regularly ever since his posting,” she replied. “But Linus insists he hasn’t had time to return home … even for a short visit.” Her voice trailed off, her pale cheeks flushing pink as if realizing she was being too candid.
“I’m sure he’s very busy and important,” Aedan replied, his tone dry.
Actually, he thought Linus Calix Aurelius sounded like a caudex—a blockhead.
Haughty or not, if he had a beauty like Colombia Juventus waiting at home for him, he’d have put in for a transfer—or at least ensured she joined him at the first opportunity.
Colombia sighed. “He is.”
“I imagine he’shandsometoo,” Aedan taunted. He knew he was being rude, but he couldn’t help himself. Something about this woman made him want to provoke her—that and a bitterness that festered deep in his chest. Even when they’d been sweethearts, he’d never seen Bronwen’s face light up like that at the mention of his name.
“Linus is devastatingly attractive,” she countered, her eyes narrowing.
“And I suppose he has the bravery of ten men?”
“He’s a fine soldier,” she snapped. “Respected by those he serves and commands.”
Unable to help himself, Aedan snorted. “And what of his character?”
She drew herself up, her jaw tightening. “What of it?”
Aedan arched an eyebrow. “Well, you have gone on about his external merits … his military prowess and his looks … but what of the thing that really matters? The man beneath it all.”
VII. YOU OWE ME NOTHING
COLOMBIA’S FROWN DEEPENED.