Chapter Twenty Two

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“I don’t have a good feeling about this.” Esma admitted as she sat with Daisy and Hazel being productive like good women.

“They look fine to me.” Hazel frowned looking at the gloves in her hands, “I’m jealous, you make them so well!”

“Thank you.” She laughed, “But I meant to pregnancy, it doesn’t feel right.”

“What do you mean?” Daisy frowned looking over at her, her small son on a blanket by their feet.

“Is it possible to know when you’re about to die?” she sighed, “My mother died after Edwin and I think I’ll go the same way.”

“But Edwin’s the fifth child; you’re not leaving us yet.” Hazel smiled gripping her hand, a little fear and unease in her tone.

“Have you spoken to Al?” Daisy asked, the frown still on her face and her herbs resting against the table. “Es, you need to talk to him about it.”

“And worry him, it could just be paranoia.” She shrugged shaking her head, “I’m just scared, no one else here has had twins and survived. My family are full of twins.”

“Have you thought of names yet?” Hazel asked picking up her mending once more, distracting them from the blue mood that had fallen over them.

“As long as Blandus doesn’t try Romulus and Remus!”  Daisy smirked, “You know what these Romans are like!”

“I like Freyja and Freyr.” Esma grinned, “Though I doubt Blandus would allow that.”

“It’s a shame they’re his by law.” Hazel frowned, “I’d run away.”

“I can’t run.” She sighed, “I’d be found and brought straight back.”

“How about calling one Albus?” Daisy asked, “That would make his ego boom.”

“No chance, Blandus hates Albus.” Esma stated shaking her head, “They’re half-brothers.”

Esma didn’t expect the reaction she got, both women cackled and howled with laughter. “That is rich, it’s justice really.”

“You’re sleeping with brother’s Esma, that’s naughty.” Hazel muttered with a grin.

“Well only one, just happen to be married to the other.” Esma sighed looking over at her two best friends, “But I can trust the two of you to look after my children if I do die, can’t I?”

“Of course you can.” Daisy gushed, “As Long as you look after mine when you’re free.”

“You know you can trust us Esma, you’re the big sister I never had.”

“You’re older than me!” Esma laughed.

“Yes, but you seem older and act it too.”

“We love you Es; I’ll be there to give you advice just as you’ll be there to give Hazel advice with me.” Daisy stated lifting her dark haired little boy into her arms, “Now that’s the end of it.”

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Albus watched the sun rise over the welsh mountains in the distance and bit back a smile, Esma had been his for nearly two years now and he couldn’t remember what life was like being alone. He was pretty sure Blandus knew he loved his wife; but instead of arguing he’d let him get on with it. Blandus had his heir, Albus could have the wench and anything left over.

Even better would be watching their children grow up and thrive in the city and surrounding lands. Juan’s son is barely six months older, they’d be fast friends to any sons he’s blessed with. He looked over at Juan who was standing talking to Daisy with their son in his arms, shielding them against the light spring rain.

“Albus, take Julian while I …, take Julian for a bit.” Juan stated passing him the small boy before disappearing into the shadows with his woman.

“Your father is one of a kind.” He muttered as the boys dark eyes looked at the new face with interest. “You’re going to get two new friends soon, and the three of you are going to be hooligans.”

The guard changed before Juan and Daisy reappeared, so Albus simply took the baby with him. The soft warm body against him sent his protective urges spiralling so much that he nearly sent an auxiliary soldier flying into the gutter as he bumped into him.

“Sorry Sir.” He muttered turning and catching a centurion glaring down at him.

Turning quickly on his heel, Albus made a break towards the centre of the fort to where he knew Esma would be waking up. “What are you doing here Octavius?”

“Delivering a charge to Esma.” He stated moving his cloak to show him the small baby against his chest. “She’s seeing Daisy later today as usual and they’ve disappeared leaving me with him.”

“Good idea let her practise so my son’s will be cared for properly.” He stated looking down his nose at the tanned child.

“She could have two girls as easily as two boys Blandus.” Albus reminded not liking how he had to lie before everyone, including Blandus.

“Not my children. Any daughter’s will be disposed of; I have no need for them.” Blandus shrugged making Albus clenched his teeth together, locking his jaw so tight it was fit to shatter. “It’s common practise Octavian, get used to it.”

“It’s not right Blandus; every child deserves to be loved.”

“You would think that wouldn’t you, well pray for two boys. I’m in charge Centurion, of you, my wife and any child be bears.” He grinned maliciously. “Get used to that idea.”

Albus watched his half-brother leave the building before he dare move a muscle, for fear of killing his superior. The baby in his arms started to babble before he moved, but then as soon as Esma was in his sight, his lips were possessing hers.

“You brought me Julian?” she asked laughing as she pulled away, stealing the baby from his arms. “You’re so handsome Al, especially with a baby in your arms. Make my maternal, home maker instincts almost burst with pride.”

“Good.” He laughed kissing her once more. “You my Gemæcca, are more beautiful every day; especially now you’re round with my children.”

“I was thinking.” She purred slowly watching his face as she did so, “That if it’s a girl we should call her Alba.”

“After me?” he asked and she nodded blushing slightly, “You know I’ll do anything for you, and for them.”

“I know.” She grinned, “If I died I know they couldn’t be loved more.”

“You’re not going to die anytime soon, I’ve still got plenty to teach you.” He grinned swooping down and capturing her lips as she fell against him, Julian and her stomach getting in the way quickly. “I’ll wait for you to get ready then we can find Daisy and Juan.”

“And Hazel and Felix, I can’t wait to see what they’re children look like; probably little angels with all that blonde hair.”

“Get dressed Es, I’m feeling bereft of your arms already.” He teased as she darted away, leaving him with Julian once more. “Just you and me kid, remember I’m your favourite.”