Free Taurus by Christine Elaine Black Page A

but Taurus did not intend to apply that rule to Kallie. She remained his exclusive property for as long as she pleased him.
    He backslapped his friend. “Bring a woman tonight as your guest. How about the little redhead, Rufia? The one who makes eyes at you when she thinks no one notices.” He rarely gave advice on women or social engagements, especially when Lidia was in the room.
    Barca eyed him carefully. “I will arrange it and meet you at the villa.” He left after a polite nod.
    Lidia stayed silent for a moment as she weighed her words. He grew strong-willed, and she lost ground every day. In his youth she had ruled with a firm hand, but her hold on him slipped as he matured.
    “Verragius’ daughter will be her best tonight. Give her your attention while in her father’s house,” Lidia cajoled.
    “What is her name?” Taurus asked, deliberately obtuse. Only one woman’s name sprang readily to his lips.
    “Flavia!” Lidia snapped, visibly grappling with fury. “I know she is forgettable, and I understand your lack of interest, but marry and get a son on her and make Panua’s future secure.”
    Taurus remained at his desk, sipping watered wine, long after Lidia left. The general’s daughter forgotten, his mind wandered through the memory of his afternoon with Kallie. He recalled her flawless face, her dark, wavy hair, stormy, gray eyes suffused with light, and a small dimple on each cheek when she smiled. Taurus remained lost in thought until he noticed a movement out of the corner of his eye and gave the signal to approach.
    Kristokus accompanied an old crone.
    “What did she want of you?” Taurus wasted no time in niceties.
    The crone’s lip curled in a lewd smile. “The same as all women engaged in licentious behavior,” she tittered.
    Taurus shot her a look of disdain. “I am in no mood for games. Speak plainly, woman.”
    “To avoid a child from your rutting,” the woman said crudely.
    “And did you promise her success with your potions, beldame?”
    “I can do it,” she replied, “for a price. And it’s a high price for the best quality.”
    “Hmm,” Taurus muttered. “Attend to the lady’s need, and I will take care of the cost.” He lifted a pouch of coins from his desk. “The finest herbs and powders for the lady…but not to inhibit a child. I want to encourage a child to grow between us.” Taurus tossed the small bag at the woman. “No mistakes, beldame. Your life and wealth rest on her success at giving me a son to grow strong and healthy. I will challenge Rome for its highest office.”
    Taurus sat back and raised his feet onto his desk. The old woman left in a hurry to begin the task. “Why are you still here?” Taurus asked his hovering steward.
    “Master, the lady from Rome recited a strange thing today.”
    Taurus sat upright and gave his full attention. In all his years with him, Kristokus had never once come with a problem or concern.
    “What did she say?”
    Kristokus repeated the phrase.“They say the men in Greece are handsome and proud.”
    Taurus shook his head. “Is there a significance?”
    The steward nodded. “It is a test. If I am not loyal to Panua and if I am a spy placed within your fortress, then I would respond. Another message may pass between us to confirm I am the true spy.”
    Taurus had heard of such tales. Lidia was a master spy. At one time she’d had spies in the bed of the old emperor. She knew Gregorian’s business before he knew it.
    He ran a hand through his hair. “Do you know the proper reply, Kristokus?”
    “Only the spy planted within our midst would know.”
    Taurus paced the room. A spy in the fortress, placed among the highest of the high. Damn! He had enough to worry over—the impending choice of a wife, the possibility of aggression from the emperor, and, most of all, the presence of Atticus roaming freely in his land, communicating with his captive. “Thank you, Kristokus. Keep your eyes and ears alert for the