Page 42 of Ensnaring the Dove
Heart beating hard in her throat, Colombia forced herself not to drop her gaze. “This land is different to how you described it,pater.”
His scowl deepened. “What?”
“You told me Britannia was a peaceful territory … where Roman and Briton live in harmony.” She halted then, swallowing. “But they hate us.”
Her father stared back at her, a nerve flickering in his cheek. “Not all of them do,” he muttered. “They just need a firm hand.”
Colombia continued to hold his eye, heat igniting under her ribcage. “Why did you lie to me?”
His mouth tightened. “Women need to be protected from the harsh realities of life on the frontier,” he replied. “I didn’t want you to worry.”
Silence fell then, and Colombia was tempted to push him further. However, she sensed his rising anger. It was best she changed the subject. “Is Linus still at Onnum?” she asked huskily.
Severus grunted. “Yes … and you’ll see him soon enough.”
Crossing to the table, the commander poured two cups of wine before passing his daughter one. However, his expression was severe.Severus—he’d been aptly named. Her father’s handsome face looked carven from marble when he was angry.
Raising the calix to her lips, Colombia took a fortifying gulp. The wine was sweet and delicious, reminding her of home. Yet she nearly choked on it when her father spoke once more. “Were you raped during the attack, daughter?”
Colombia coughed before wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. Eyes smarting, she met her father’s gaze. His eyes were no longer the color of smoke, but that of pewter.
“No,” she gasped.
His stare didn’t waver. “You weren’t harmed in any way?”
She shook her head, deciding it was best not to tell Severus how close she’d come to being raped.
It occurred to her then that this journey had indeed changed her. Her father looked upon her as if she were made of fragilepottery, like he always had her mother. But she wasn’t a delicate flower, she never had been. Ever since the attack on the convoy, Colombia had discovered that beneath her admittedly pampered exterior, she was resilient and strong.
Oblivious to her realization, Severus’s expression softened then, some of the tension in his broad shoulders releasing. “Fortuna be blessed.”
Aedan walked the dusty streets of the vicus, heading for the southern gates.
It was done. He’d delivered Colombia to safety, as he’d promised, yet his feet dragged.
He’d never enjoyed farewells, but that one had been tough.
Colombia had parted with dignity and grace. Nonetheless, he’d seen the emotion glistening in her eyes. It had been difficult for her too. She was strong though and determined. He respected her for that.
Last night hadn’t been wise—for it had awakened something best left alone—but they hadn’t spoken of it since.
There was no need. Words wouldn’t change who she was, who he was. They’d walked the same path for a few days, but their road ended here.
Of course, like the proud fool he was, he’d refused payment for escorting her to Onnum. He was now entirely without funds. His decision had been for the best though. Severus Juventus wouldn’t welcome him into his home, and Aedan didn’t want to see Colombia shamed.
He passed a tavern then. It was still early, yet he wished he had coin to buy himself a cup of wine. He could have done with a drink right now.
Up ahead, the gates out of the fort loomed, and Aedan’s stride faltered.
Coming to a halt, he murmured an oath under his breath.
He needed a plan. He couldn’t return to the life of an outlaw—and had no interest in doing so anyway. Nor could he keep roaming from place to place, as if he was trying to outrun his bitterness and disappointment. And he had to stop believing fate was out to get him.
That wasn’t what Colombia would do.
His mouth lifted at the corners.
No, that indomitable woman faced life head-on with no regrets. Maybe he should be a little more like her, instead of nursing his disappointments like bruises.