Chapter nine

Am applying for a job at a castle!! wish me luck!

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Albus bit his cheek in an effort to keep his mind from Esma’s hand; her small slender fingers were currently wrapped around his thigh as she looked over the edge of the road they were travelling along, up the edge of a mountain.

“This is stunning.” She sighed running a hand along his leg.

Albus knew it was a habit of hers to do this, he’d seen her do it hundreds of times as they stood watching the sunrise over the fortifications. But lord she had no idea what she was doing to him. Esma turned around and he looked down, realising her lips were an inch away from his just a small jolt of the horse would push them together.

“Where about are we?” she asked slipping back into her native tongue through her excitement.

“In Cumbria, we’ve been on the maiden way for the past three days. Whitley Castle is just a few hours ahead.” He stated and she nodded grinning.

“What’s Whitley Castle like?” she gushed falling against his chest as they turned a corner and she could no longer see over the edge. “It sounds impressive.”

“It’s an auxiliary fort, pretty but out in the open. It’s quite small but has everything we need.” He shrugged as she rested her head against his shoulder.

“I don’t want to get there.” She whispered, “I want to stay here forever.”

“It’ll be nice to get off this damn horse though.” Albus smirked leaning his chin against her shoulder. “You’ve changed your hair.”

Esma flushed bright red at his comment, she’d recently adopted the roman way of styling hair, instead of letting her ginger main flow free about her shoulders reined in with a strategic plait; she’d wrapped ribbons around her head, with instructions from Daisy of course.

“Yeah, I thought I’d fit in.” she shrugged leaning forwards to scratch the horse’s ears.

“Only a few of us are actually Roman.” Albus stated with a shrug. “I did wonder why I wasn’t getting whipped in the face.”

“You are as bad as my brothers!” she exclaimed slapping his knee as he laughed loudly. “Oh it’s raining.”

Albus shook off the laughter and pulled the thick cloak around them, shielding them both from the cold droplets that were beginning to fall quickly from the sky. His hand rested against her stomach beneath the cloak, enjoying the proximity they’d shared the past two nights.

“Are you feeling alright?” Albus asked as memories from last night came rushing back, Blandus had ordered her to his tent and when she’d come back to hers there’d been seconds before the tears started. “The ride not too strenuous?”

“No.” she sighed glancing over to where Blandus was ordering his canopy type thing to be brought forwards. “I just wish he’d brought a man.”

Not caring, also knowing that no one could see Albus wrapped an arm around her waist in a strong embrace. She melted against his chest, schooling her features so they didn’t show just how upset she was and how much Albus was comforting her.

“How long till we get there?” Juan asked as his horse fell into step beside them. “My balls are red raw.”

“Nice, in front of the lady.” Albus snorted shaking his head as his friend leant against the horse’s neck.

“She’s got brothers.” He shrugged. “I hate Whitley Castle, the village is so small.”

“Aww poor Juan, used to big cities.” Esma teased pouting playfully at him.

“How are Felix’s gloves?”  He asked with a frown, changing the subject of the conversation.

“The skins are still drying and will be for at least another week.” Esma sighed, “Just like I said yesterday, you really have become another brother.”

“Love me?” he asked grinning as she shrugged and fell back against Al’s chest as he watched the interaction.  “I’ve heard one of the soldier’s likes boys.”

“Really?” Albus whispered looking back over his shoulder. “Do you think he can be persuaded to . . . come out?”

“Well, if it means he can be Blandus toy, I doubt he’ll be too put off.” Juan shrugged before shivering. “I’d be put off, rather have you Al than Blandus.”

“I’d rather let the dog take me than you Flavius, you’re a beast.” Albus laughed as Juan smirked nodding his head in agreement.

“Have you got any siblings Juan?” Esma asked, feeling uncomfortable with all the crude talk.

“Six brothers, I’m the youngest.” He replied with a smirk, “Hence why I was shoved off to be a Gladiator at fifteen.”

“That’s so sad.” She pouted, “Albus, have you got any?”

“None that I’d admit too.” He stated sending her a wink.

She felt him change behind her, when ten minutes ago he was soft muscle cradling her against him now he was a solid wall like those of the fortress. He’d gone back behind his armour; she’d pushed him too far without knowing it.

“Don’t mind him, you’d be embarrassed too.” Juan stated before galloping ahead and craning his neck to see into the distance.

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have pried.” She whispered once they were alone once more.

“Don’t apologise.” He sighed, “There’s nothing anyone can do about the siblings I have.”

“I heard you and Blandus arguing.” She whispered and he nodded.

“Illegitimate.” He stated in a low voice directly into her ear. “It’s not as much of me not being accepted as I not wanting to accept them.”

“I understand.” She whispered. “I’d feel jealous if I wasn’t like my brothers, and then I’d resent them and in the end if they weren’t nice people I’d not want to be known as like them.”

“Only a mile off, race?” Juan shouted back.

“Fancy it?” Albus asked.

“Oh yes.” Esma grinned as they sprinted forwards leaving the shouts and commands of Blandus behind them.