Since the posting of full draft chapters from Book 3 has now ended, I’ll share little, spoiler-free morsels of scenes from later chapters. đ
Gaius’s POV. ~500 unedited words.
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With a long satisfied groan, Gaius lifted his hips and withdrew, rolling off the exquisite body trembling beneath him to lie flat on his back. Scratching his sweaty scalp, Gaius glanced across the mattress at Allerix, his captive princeling. Or was he Alexandros, an enthusiastic, tireless pleasure slave? Neither mattered in the end. Whichever name Gaius chose to use, his beautiful royal faun would always remain a forbidden spoil of war.
Gaius stretched his arms above his head and groaned again, louder. Gods, treason tasted especially delicious after a languid morning of delirious love fucking.
Resting on his stomach, his Dacian trophy gradually lifted his heavy eyelids and blinked twice before smiling. At that moment on this crisp, sunny mid-December day, Alleâs satiated eyes appeared browner in color than green or blue. The young warriorâs ever-changing irises wielded a rare magic Gaius didnât need to understand, only worship.
Snickering, Alle mumbled, âGood morning, Dominus.â
Gaius raised one hand and softly slapped Allerixâs reddened arse cheek. âGreetings, my dear Allerix. But I fear the early hours have surrendered to the sunâs zenith. By Mercuryâs snake-coiled staff, Iâm fucking famished. Guard!â
One of the sentries stationed outside the door to Gaiusâs master chamber dashed through the vestibule and bowed. âYes, Commander.â
âTell my steward to send generous platters of ⌠â Gaius turned to Alle. âWhat would you prefer for the midday meal, Alexandros?â
Allerix shrugged. âEvery dish Euphronia cooks is scrumptious, sir.â
âTrue. Weâll have whatever our divine kitchen goddess has prepared. And more wine.â
After the guard left, Alle shuffled closer and snuggled into Gaiusâs embrace, draping his arm over Gaiusâs naked chest. They lay together silent for a while, listening to the doves cooing outside and the slowing rhythm of their synchronized breaths. Time froze.
If only they could remain here forever floating on this luxurious bed, safe from life’s noisome obligations. From reality. From the Emperor.
Sheltered from both the shame of the past and the uncertainties of future.
Allerix broke the quiet with a whisper against Gaiusâs skin. âAfter yesterdayâs lessons in your grandmotherâs gardens, youâve nearly mastered the falx, sir.â
âIâm fortunate to have an accomplished teacher.â Gaius combed his fingers through Alleâs tangle of damp, dark locks. âYou, however, require quite a few more sling lessons before youâll be able to hit⌠fucking anything.â
Grinning, Allerix protested, âYou must admit my final shots struck the wall close to the niche.â
âClose wonât catch a meal for a lad lost in the forests.â
âIâm never lost in woods, sir. At least not in forests I know.â
Gaius kissed Alleâs temple before throwing off the last of the bed linens. âWe have a brutal day ahead of us without any cover of a forest to shield us, unless you count as trees the soaring marble columns of the palace banquet hall. Letâs wash off the sticky libations from our morning frolics before the food arrives.â
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JPK