Passions of New Pompeii Page 10

  “My husband is from beyond the barrier. And everyone in the city knows Ambassador Xyell’s sister is trying to get herself killed by poking her nose into things that don’t concern her.”

  Theos slipped his arm around Elaina’s waist as he stared down the priestess. “You are High Priestess Felicia, are you not?”

  “I am.” If she was surprised that a gladiator could speak the founder’s language, she didn’t reveal it with her expression or the tone of her voice. “My husband is Aiden Thrax. He runs a clinic just off the city square.”

  “I have heard of him, but I have heard even more about you.”

  Felicia smile cautiously. “My husband is far more interesting than I.”

  “Some claim he steals his potions from the gods. None of Pompeii’s doctors understand how he is able to do the things he does.”

  “He saves lives. That’s all that matters.” She tossed back her long blonde hair and raised her chin, absently rubbing the distraught girl’s back. “I dreamt of you last night, gladiator. In my dream you fought at my back, bravely protecting me from my enemies.”

  Pride puffed out his chest, but his gaze softened as he looked at Elaina. “My thanks for your confidence, but my services are engaged elsewhere at the moment.”

  “People worthy of trust are hard to find in New Pompeii,” the priestess went on. “We are in great need of a champion.”

  Elaina lightly touched Felicia’s arm, drawing her attention. “You don’t know me well, but what you do know indicates you can trust me. If you tell us what is wrong, we’ll see what we can do to assist you.”

  The little girl sobbed out something in Latin and the priestess motioned toward Theos. He knelt in front of her, patiently holding her hands while she poured her heart out to him.

  Elaina fidgeted impatiently. If she kept seeing Theos, she was going to have to break down and submit to a Latin infusion.

  The girl returned to Felicia’s side as Theos pushed back to his feet.

  “Can you help her?” Felicia asked. “Are you honestly going to try?”

  “Of course,” Theos assured her. “We will do everything within our power.”

  “I have a message for your domina. You must tell her when no one else is around.” He nodded, but she hesitated a moment longer. “Tell her there will be three additional people for our appointment and I will meet her at the usual place.”

  “Will she understand what that means?” he asked.

  “Yes. It is extremely important that no one else hears what you tell her.” She studied him for a moment longer before inclining her head. “You have my thanks.” Her wide blue eyes shifted to Elaina. “You play a dangerous game, Lady Xyell. If you are not prepared for risk and ugliness, do not involve yourself in these things.”

  “I am already involved.” Elaina looked pointedly at Theos, but that didn’t seem to satisfy the priestess.

  “Do you love your brother?” Felicia persisted.

  “I love him, but I will not protect him from the ramifications of his actions.”

  A moment passed as the priestess searched her gaze. “I sense no deception in you. I hope you are as strong as you seem. You will need to be.” Without further explanation, Felicia led the little girl away.

  “What a strange woman,” Elaina muttered.

  “I do not know her personally, but she is very well-respected.”

  They continued up the cobbled road, dusk hurrying their steps. “Do you know what she was talking about? What sort of people is she bringing to Laetif?” They were several blocks from the market now and there was less traffic. Most of the shops were permanent buildings, catering to a higher-end clientele. Even so, the streets were narrow and well-maintained.

  “I have no idea.”

  “Why was the girl so upset?” Elaina was too curious to wait until they reached the domicile for an explanation.

  “Her sister is missing. She claims that men with masks came and snatched her right out of her bed. Her father went out searching for her and no one has seen him since.”

  “How long ago was this?” Tension banded Elaina’s chest. Was her brother really capable of premeditated murder? He was undeniably ambitious, he could be ruthless, but she had never known him to intentionally hurt anyone. Well, anyone who didn’t deserve it.

  “Two weeks have passed since her sister was taken,” Theos explained. “Her mother has given up hope for their family, but yesterday two more girls were taken. Her mother went to the magistrate and demanded that he take action.”

  “Did he respond?”

  “Oh yes. He locked her up, claiming she was hysterical, a danger to herself and others.”

  “This is horrible. What will become of the girl? Temple of Venus is no place for one so young.”

  He took her hands and gently squeezed. “She can stay with her aunt until her mother is released. Do you think we are too late to help any of the others?”

  “We have to do something.” She was too anxious to accept his comfort. Drawing her hands out of his, she began to pace. The workday was ending. The shops were closed or closing, so Elaina felt relatively secluded. “Did the girl mention any of these people by name? What does Felicia expect you to do?” If only she had a datapad to help organize her thoughts. How did these people survive without electronics?

  “The girl said I bested her brother, so I had to be strong enough to take on anyone.”

  “Do you know who she was?”

  “I have fought many men.” He shook his head. “I scarcely remember their faces, much less their names. I think you should report these things to your brother just to see how he reacts. If nothing else, it will warn them that their actions are not going unquestioned.”

  “Do we really want to tip our hand?”

  “If you mean let him know we are suspicious of him, I think we have no choice. He will not know how much we know. He will only know that we are uncomfortable with this particular situation.”

  She heaved a frustrated sigh. Wishing they had a clearer strategy. “I need to update Naloni and find out what she’s learned. She will definitely want the names the little girl gave you.”

  “Can you not speak with her through the image maker?”

  She smiled at his description of the combooth. “The founders can monitor transmissions whenever they feel like it. I don’t dare risk it. I’ll have to leave you for a few hours.” She paused and met his gaze. “Unless you come with me.”

  His features iced over until no hint of emotion remained. “Would it not be less suspicious if I return to the ludus?”

  Her excitement faded as quickly as it had flared. He still didn’t trust her, still feared she had some nefarious motive for luring him beyond the barrier. In truth, it was far too risky. If Theos was detected beyond the barrier, she would not be facing her brother’s wrath. She’d be facing an official tribunal. This wasn’t about breaking the law so she could be with her lover. She was trying to change the law so an entire race of people could live in freedom.

  One task at a time. And the first objective was exposing the horrors taking place inside the House of Morpheus. “You’re right. It makes more sense for you to go back to the ludus.”

  He took her hand and brought it to his lips, pressing a kiss against her knuckles. “Why do you look so sad? You said you would be gone a few hours. Is there more to your errand than you are saying?”

  “No, at least I don’t mean for there to be. I just have a bad feeling about this.”

  “What can we do to minimize the risk?”

  Allowing his pragmatism to ease her fear, she finally managed to smile. He was always the strategist, always searching out strengths and weaknesses. He wasn’t avoiding her. He was being practical. “We have to keep our emotions out of this as much as possible. You are obviously doing a better job of it than I am.”

  He bent and brushed her lips with his. “A good performer must appear in control at all times regardless of the situation.”

  She glan
ced at the rapidly setting sun and nibbled her bottom lip. “We could call it a night and start again bright and early in the morning.”

  His warm fingers stroked down her arm, but he shook his head. “That is your passion speaking, not your mind. People are in danger. It is not right for us to indulge our bodies while they are still in peril.”

  “I know you’re right.” She wrapped her arms around him and pressed her cheek against his chest, savoring the solid warmth of his strong body. He immediately returned her embrace, resting his chin lightly on top of her head. “But I can’t help feeling if we walk away from each other tonight, I’ll never see you again.”

  “Do you want to see me again?”

  “You know I do.”

  “Then no force on this world will keep me from your side.”

  She pushed back and tilted her head, looking up into his eyes. “Now who is making promises about things they can’t control?”

  “We are meant to be together.” He raised both hands to her face, his gaze boring into hers. “I honestly believe this. You have meant more to me in our short acquaintance than any person who came before. I love you, Elaina Xyell. And we will be together again.” His lips settled over hers, sealing the vow with a passionate kiss.

  Her lips parted for his tongue and her hands clutched his shoulders. She accepted the tenderness he poured into her and responded with eager acceptance. He shifted her head to the bend of his elbow, cradling her against his chest. She felt surrounded and supported, safe in his arms.

  She never wanted the kiss to end. But his lips slowly pulled away and he loosened his arms from around her. “Go. Tell the princess what you have learned. I will tell my master you are angry that the magistrate has done nothing about these missing girls and you are going to find someone with the authority to force his hand.”

  “That’s brilliant.” Pushing to the balls of her feet, she kissed him. “You are brilliant. Mikko won’t be surprised at all when I go over his head. In fact, he’d be surprised if I didn’t. My connection with the royal family is more trouble than it’s worth most of the time. Still, when a legitimate cause presents itself, I don’t hesitate to use what limited power I possess.”

  “Will you return tomorrow?”

  “I’m not sure. It depends what Naloni has learned in the meantime.” She lingered, feeling as if she were about to sever a body part. “If it’s going to take longer, I’ll send word through Laetif.” She raised her hand, stopping his objection. “I’ll be careful with what I tell her. I know you don’t trust her. I’m dying to know what that passenger business is about.”

  “She is more likely to explain it to you than to me. Still, I will give her the priestess’s message.” He slapped her on the butt then gently pushed her away. “Just go. Procrastinating is not making this easier.”

  He was right. The only way to do this was fast and final. “I’ll see you soon.” She blew him a kiss and hurried off down the street. She didn’t look back. She didn’t dare. One glance at his handsome face and she would have run back into his arms.

  * * * * *

  “Did she tire of you so quickly?” Max’s playful jeer brought Theos up short in the corridor leading to the gladiator barracks. “I could have kept her moaning with pleasure for at least a week.”

  Theos didn’t rise to the bait. He ignored the provocation and calmly faced his friend. “May I enter, doctore? I need to speak with you.”

  “This is becoming your new routine.” Max motioned Theos inside. “Why have you returned so soon?”

  “I will explain in a moment. Have you heard of the House of Morpheus?”

  Max crossed his arms over his chest, eyes narrowed and suddenly hostile. “If you enjoy fucking this woman, then respond to her calls. If she is using you to undermine the founders, you are a fool.”

  Theos moved closer and lowered his voice. “Tell me what you know.”

  “I know you should leave it alone. People who poke sticks at this beast are devoured by it.”

  “How long has it been going on?”

  “Long before the evacuation.” Max shook his head and rubbed the bridge of his nose. “Before I arrived as well. When people have enough money to buy anything they want, they often do exactly that.”

  “So we should do nothing? Our women are being raped for sport, our men tortured for entertainment, and we should look the other way? You have known about this and remained silent?”

  “What would you have me do? I am little more than a slave myself. To whom would I appeal?” When Theos offered no suggestions, Max went on. “I train killers who fight for the amusement of others. How is that any different than what goes on at events sponsored by the House of Morpheus?”

  “Then it is not a physical place?” It made sense that it would not be. A permanent location would only increase the chances of exposure.

  “It is an organization, very exclusive, very expensive.”

  “Have you ever attended one of their events?”

  Max scoffed, averting his gaze as he replied, “I’ve been featured at one of their events. I was an attraction, not a guest.”

  “And yet you survived to tell the tale. That makes you a willing accomplice.”

  “Willing?” Emotion thickened Max’s tone, making it hardly recognizable. “I was thrown naked and unsuspecting into a full-contact wrestling pit. Do you understand what that means?” Theos had a pretty good idea, but Max’s graphic explanations removed any doubt. “The loser is pinned when the winner’s cock is shoved up his ass. I was pinned three times before rage enabled me to brutalize my opponent. I’m not sure which was worse.”

  In a world filled with brutality and death, rape should not have impacted him. Even so, Theos found himself shaken and tense. He clasped his hands behind his back and stared past Max, unsure how to respond to his friend. “I apologize. I spoke out of turn.”

  Stepping into Theos’ line of sight, Max managed a wan smile. “Apology accepted. We are all prisoners of this wretched world. Still, I do not see how one man can make any meaningful change.”

  “How about two men working with two women, one of whom happens to be the emperor’s daughter?”

  Emotion shadowed Max’s gaze. His features remained impassive, but his eyes softened and warmed. “You are working with Princess Naloni?” In an instant the warmth vanished and bitterness tainted his words. How odd.

  “You know her?”

  “That’s a complicated question. As far as she’s concerned, we have never met.” He went on before Theos could ask him to clarify. “She doesn’t have as much influence over her father as she likes to think she does.”

  “Are you sure you are the best person to determine her effectiveness? It is obvious you have some sort of history with the princess.”

  “I never met Princess Naloni.” Again his tone hinted at hidden meaning. “I have no opinion of her whatsoever. If she can help you, wonderful. I just wouldn’t expect miracles from a female.”

  Theos inclined his head, accepting the suggestion without agreeing with it. He took a step toward the archway then paused. “I have to get a message to domina. Do you have any suggestions?”

  “Do not approach her directly. Send it though her guard. His name is Quade. He is never far from her side, or her bed.”

  “Sound advice, as usual.”

  Max chuckled when Theos still didn’t leave. “Was there something else?”

  “A young girl stopped me outside the market. She was very upset about the recent disappearance of her sister and several other girls. She said I had fought her brother, but I’m not sure who her brother is.”

  “What was her name?”

  “Lavinia. She was perhaps ten or eleven. Yellow hair and green eyes.”

  Max indulged in a derisive snort. “I can understand not remembering all of your victims’ names, but not remembering your last?”

  “Dario is her brother?”

  “Yes. If you spoke with Lavinia, then Arllo must be missing.”


  Theos fidgeted uncomfortably. “I should have realized.”

  “You were distracted by your ladylove no doubt.”

  “That is no excuse.”

  Max shrugged. “Will you fight harder now that you know the identity of one of the victims?”

  “No. This is bigger than any of us.” Theos looked at Max for a long moment before he asked, “If we need your assistance, can we count on your help?”

  “I might be a skeptic, but I’ll always have your back.” Max flashed an uncharacteristic smile then added, “I hope you prove me wrong.”

  Chapter Nine

  Elaina impatiently paced the blue salon, waiting for Princess Naloni. Plush carpets cushioned her steps and the subtle tone-on-tone wall coverings should have soothed her, but Elaina’s mood was simply too agitated for her to appreciate the ostentatious glory of Olla Palace.

  Dressed in a figure-hugging dress of emerald green and gravity-defying heels, Naloni strolled in a few minutes later. Elaina lashed out at the princess with more intensity than she’d intended. “Why wouldn’t you receive me last night? I left Theos so I could bring you this information.”

  Naloni’s hazel eyes widened and her sleek black hair swished as she shook her head. “Oh Elaina, you aren’t falling for this gladiator. Are you? I thought you were smarter than that.”

  Her chin came up and defiance smoldered in her belly. Naloni was echoing the warning her own brain had been shouting all morning, which made the concept all the more irritating. “I thought you were happy that I was ‘back in the game’.”

  “I encouraged you to enjoy the fantasy, but that is all these men can ever be. Surely you understand that. There is no place in our world for one of them.”

  Understanding spread through Elaina, guided by years of friendship. Naloni was far from perfect, but she had never been an elitist. Only personal experience could lead a tolerant person to abandon their compassion. Elaina stared at her friend hard, seeing past her superficial concern. “Who was he, Naloni? Which one of the gladiators broke your heart?”