The Epic Adventure of the Love & Empire Series
By Rich Linfield & Leilani Darling
Continues!
An Excerpt from Book Two,
The Seeker & The Spy
“My brother has been cleverly deceived,” Valerius muttered to her, his heart knotting in his chest.
Touching his hand, Samara said, “So even the great Emperor Marcus Aurelius can be deceived?”
He couldn’t be sure what her tone meant, but he managed a laugh. “My brother may be the most lied-to person in the Empire. Do you recall my telling you about Propensius? The Legate of the Syrian Province?”
She nodded. “You said he has greasy hair, he smiles too much, and you’ve never trusted him.”
“The same. Well, he lied to Marcus, claiming that our enemy Parthia is stronger than ever. Do you know why he lied? Because he wants a troop buildup in Syria so he can make personal profit from the armorers, the sword makers, the tavern owners and brewers – every type of merchant. Oh, and of course the bordellos. They’ll all be paying off the Legate from the money they earn from the legionaries. I’m in a quandary, Samara.”
“Well, then, Valerius, you should help Marcus clean up the mess. He needs you. I should hate the Emperor of Rome, but I can’t – because I love you.” This time he was sure of her sincerity. Her face, so lovely to him, looked slightly flushed, and he thought he saw the glimmer of tears.
Reaching over, he moved a wisp of hair from her cheek. “Cleaning up the corruption wouldn’t be easy as you think, my love. Marcus is faced with men who make money from Rome’s wars whether Rome wins or loses.”
She frowned. “These men are Romans?”
“Of some of the oldest families.”
“And they profit from Roman losses, not just from Roman gains?
“Yes.”
“Then they are traitors!”
“Traitors? True. Yet they prosper, Samara. Who can arrest the powerful?”
“The Emperor must!” she said indignantly. “It’s his job. Valerius, tell your brother who the traitors are, so he can get rid of them.”
He paused and searched her face, then said, “Most would say you’re naïve. Yet I know you’re right. It’s my duty to help rid the Empire of treason, difficult though it may be.”
She gripped his wrist. “Listen to me, Valerius. I know you’re unsure whether you have the power to do it. But you must take care of your people and your brother.”
She moved close to him and touched his cheek lovingly. “I abhor the necessity of extending our engagement again. Part of me really doesn’t want you to leave me. I’ll wither without seeing your loving eyes. You might be away from me for months, hopefully not for years. But I’m proud of your sense of responsibility and duty. So, first go help him, Valerius, and then get his permission to return to me in Africa. Once we’re together again, make love to me!”
Spellbound, he found himself gazing at her as her breast rose and fell under her flowing red gown. He felt his heart beating faster and his loins stirring. In all the months that he had desired her, in all the time when she had told him again and again to wait, she had never said anything like this.
Now he would move heaven and earth to be with her.
TO BE CONTINUED…
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