Chapter Five

Again, don't mean to offend anyone if I do, just writing stories :p

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To the north of the fortress flowed the River Dee, separating the dominant force of the Roman’s from the native Celt’s and Saxons. The river was cool and tempting in the warm spring climate, just the sound of the water was enough to tempt one to jump head long into its blue depths. By the water’s edge people milled about happily bartering and walking amongst the hustle and bustle.

Albus didn’t like the way his body reacted as he walked down to the river with Juan and Felix, he didn’t like who it reacted too either. He’d not been impressed when he’d realised Esma had gone with Daisy to explore.

Not that he had anything against Daisy; she was for all intent and purpose a nice girl. She just happened to be Juan’s whore.

“And Blandus still prefers his boys.” Felix muttered beneath his breath as Daisy pulled Esma out of the river, both of them cackling like witches. “I don’t think I’ll be able to think straight knowing what’s beneath that dress now.”

Albus brought a heavy hand across Felix’s head before storming over and wrapping his cloak around her shoulders, a frown deeply etched onto his brow.

“I slipped, trying to catch Daisy’s ribbon the wind pulled it free.” She laughed looking up at his serious face. “Sorry for making a fool out of myself, I should have warned you all before.”

“Don’t mention it.” Albus stated putting an arm around her shoulders and leading her to the city once again.

“I didn’t mean to embarrass you.” She whispered as they hit the east gate into the city, “Or anger you, I was just having so much fun with Daisy, I forgot I wasn’t at home anymore.”

Albus fought against himself and almost lost, his hand wrapped around her neck and his forehead connected with hers. “I am not annoyed, embarrassed or angry.”

Her green eyes stared into his, confusion lighting them up like emeralds against her pale skin. “Thank you for saving me then.”

Her words came out more of a breath than a whisper and again Albus had to fight against himself, but he’d been used to depriving himself of wants from a young age so as he stood up, releasing her he just smirked.

“You’re welcome.” He said as he waved at a few men working the gates, “We’ll get some lunch while we’re back here; Juan, Daisy and Felix will probably be a few minutes behind us.”

Esma smiled up at him as they walked in silence to the apartments Blandus occupied, Albus followed her all the way up to the door of her private chambers. She turned to invite him in, but the words died on her lips as he saw his head shake.

“I’ll be as quick as I can.” She removed his cloak from her shoulders and passed it to him, in avertedly revealing herself to him again. “Thank you.”

“Lord save me for I might well bloody sin.” He muttered closing his eyes and letting his head fall back against the wall.

Ten minutes later and Esma was still changing and Albus could hear things he really didn’t want to coming from Blandus’ rooms. “Esma, can I come in?”

“Yes, I’m just struggling.” She called back; he quickly pushed past the curtained door and saw her slim back facing him. “Blandus ordered these and they’re far too big and no matter what I do they won’t stay on!”

“Maybe I should go get someone.” He muttered sending his eyes heavenward and turning back to the door.

“Please Albus, just do it as quickly as possible . . . I don’t want to hear this.” She whispered the last part and it struck him in the gut.

Taking a deep controlled breath Albus stepped closer and focused on the material before him, not the soft white skin beneath. A lock of red hair fell over his fingers as he fastened the second to last brooch, he paused and thanked the gods that she didn’t notice as she quickly pulled it away and back against her head.

“Done!” he exclaimed stepping back and looking at her face once again. “Very nice.”

“Thank you, I’ve never been able to make sense of material.” She sighed leaning down to slip on her shoes once again. “Elaine made our clothes, it’s my one failing.”

“I was skinny as a lad so am used to it.” Albus admitted before regretting it instantly as her eyes raked over his body.

“I’d never have known.” She stated, “Where are we going to eat?”

“I’ll have to introduce you to the barrack; it’s a different way of life all together.” He stated as she fell into step beside him, his head cleared and he felt more like himself than he had done in the last half hour.

“I think Albus likes you.” Daisy whispered into Esma’s ear as they watched the three men they’d been with all day play a game of cards.

“Don’t be silly, he’s my protector I’m pretty sure my father threatened his life.” Esma laughed feeling her heart beat quicken at the mere suggestion.

“Albus is a centurion, a threat from – no offence; a chieftain wouldn’t stop him from doing what he wants. I saw the way he stole you away from the river, he didn’t want anyone else to look at you.”

“I was rather indecent.” Esma smiled shaking her head, “Blandus ordered him to look after me.”

“Blandus has very little standing in this legion, he’s the politics Albus, Juan and Felix are the force.” She stated rather knowingly before gripping her hand. “Albus wants you; I know it and trust me. I know my men.”

“Have you ever?” Esma asked, feeling the jealousy rise despite herself.

“No, I’m Juan’s almost exclusively.” She stated before raising her voice, “The dick just won’t admit he loves me.”

“You know you’re mine Daisy, get over here and give me a good luck kiss.” Juan smirked from the table, patting his lap for her to dive onto, which she did happily.

“Pull a chair up Es; you’ll do well to learn this game.” Albus stated patting her knee with a smile on his face. “Could earn you some extra pocket money, if you’re good enough.”

Esma did as she was told and was quickly treated to Albus passing her his cards and whispering instructions in Saxon into her ear so no one else could understand. His arm draped across the back of her chair as other men gave winks over at her indicating who was trying to bluff.

Daisy was sending her encouraging looks as she perched against Juan while he played along, that was before Blandus came in to claim his wife.

“Wife, I have my needs for you.” He stated lifting her by the arms and throwing the cards onto the table, as she was dragged away Daisy motioned to her bag and pulled a face. At least this time, she was prepared for what was going to come.