The Warrior's Bride Prize. Jenni Fletcher

this distance, I’d be lucky to see so much as a denarius again. No, the boy’s made his own bed. He’ll just have to lie in it.’

      ‘What about her, sir?’ The mention of bed made Marius’s temper rise again.

      ‘What do you mean?’ Nerva’s brow furrowed. ‘She’s here willingly, isn’t she?’

      ‘I don’t think she had much choice in the matter. And even if she did, she might have changed her mind after meeting him.’

      ‘Who could blame her? But she’s come too far to change her mind now and the last thing I need is her brother turning up with a grievance.’

      ‘What if—?’

      ‘No.’ The Legate put up a hand to forestall him. ‘This is Scaevola’s problem, not ours. We’re supposed to be soldiers, not marriage brokers.’

      ‘Yes, sir.’

      Marius straightened his spine at the reminder. That was true. He’d been about to suggest that he escort her back to Lindum and speak with her brother himself, but Nerva was right. It was none of his business. Just as the way Scaevola spoke to her was none of his business. Now that he’d delivered her safely to Coria, she had nothing to do with him, no matter how attractive he found her or how much he didn’t dislike her. He was a soldier first and foremost and he had more important concerns than one woman.

      ‘Have there been any signs of activity over the wall, sir?’

      Nerva arched an eyebrow. ‘Still worrying?’

      ‘The local tribes are certain that trouble’s brewing. I spoke to some Carvetti farmers on the march this morning. They said they haven’t had sight or sound of anyone from north of the wall for weeks. It’s too quiet.’

      ‘Quiet is good.’

      ‘With respect, sir, not if it’s the calm before the storm. With your permission, I’d like to take a patrol north tomorrow.’

      ‘No.’ Nerva shook his head firmly. ‘Give your men a chance to rest. They work harder than any other century in the legion.’

      ‘Then let me go, sir.’

      ‘On your own? It’s far too dangerous.’

      ‘I could ride to some of the other forts to see if they’ve noticed anything suspicious.’

      That was a reasonable request surely. Then he’d be doing his duty and putting some distance between him and Livia at the same time—something which seemed of vital importance suddenly. If he couldn’t keep her out of his mind, then he could keep her out of sight instead.

      ‘All right.’ Nerva sounded exasperated. ‘I don’t suppose you’ll let the matter drop otherwise, though I very much doubt that the northern tribes will rebel again now we’re back up to fighting strength.’

      Marius sighed inwardly. For all his many good points, Nerva was still a Roman through and through. That anyone would dare to challenge Rome’s authority was still a mystery to him. Now that the Legion was back to full force, albeit with half of it still based in Eboracum, he simply assumed that the rebellions of the past few years were over.

      ‘Believe me, sir, nothing would make me happier than being proved wrong, but I still think we need to investigate.’

      ‘As long as you’re not looking for problems that don’t exist.’ Nerva gave him a meaningful look. ‘I know you still feel the need to prove yourself.’

      He tensed immediately. ‘That has nothing to do with it, sir.’

      ‘I’m glad to hear it. Now go and get some rest.’

      ‘Yes, sir.’ He paused. ‘What about my punishment, sir?’

      ‘I think a reprimand ought to be sufficient for now, but don’t let it happen again. Scaevola’s a fool, but he has powerful connections. They might not lend him any money, but they have influence and they enjoy using it.’

      Marius didn’t doubt the last part. Powerful men always did—and they’d enjoy nothing more than destroying the son of a disgraced mutineer.

      ‘I’ll keep away from Scaevola, sir.’

      ‘Good. Because if you want to be a senior centurion some day then it would be wise not to make an enemy of him.’

      ‘Yes, sir.’

      Marius turned and strode out of the office, unable to shake the feeling that he already had.