Gilded Serpent by Danielle Jensen (top 10 novels txt) 📕

him for a minute, and then with shocking speed, spun in a circle and disappeared from sight.

“Bit strange that Celendor uses something considered vermin as its symbol,” she said, sheathing her knife.

“It’s a fitting choice.” He stared at the dirt, mouth drawn into a thin line, and she knew that he was about to tell her their plan of action for meeting with the Senate. And with Cassius.

Her heart was galloping so hard in her chest that she could barely breathe. But she had to do it. Had to ask. “Don’t go into the city.”

Marcus’s face snapped up. “But if—”

“I’ll go,” she said. “By myself. I’ll meet with the Senate—with Cassius—and I’ll tell them about the xenthier. I’ll tell them everything. And I’ll also tell them that you’re dead.”

He opened his mouth, but she couldn’t let him interrupt her now. “I might have to wait until they can prove I’m telling the truth, but then Cassius will have to honor the agreement. He’ll release my mother and my people, and then I’ll cross over with whatever legions he sends and get Titus to give me the Quincense back. And then I’ll…” She swallowed hard, but she couldn’t ask him to give up so much without making sacrifices of her own. “Then I’ll come find you.”

The only sound was the wind in the brush and the distant sound of the rushing Savio.

“Why?” The word sounded torn from his throat. “Why are you asking me to do this? Why are … why are you willing to do this?”

Twin tears rolled down her face. “Because I love you.”

And there it was: she’d said it. The words that had been sitting on her tongue for a long time now, and if she was truthful, even longer in her heart. She was in love with him, and if living apart from her people was the only way to be with him, then she’d do it.

But would he?

“You shouldn’t.” His voice cracked. “I don’t deserve it.”

“That’s not what I asked.” Catching hold of his hands, she squeezed tightly. “I love you and I want to be with you, but the only way that’s possible is if you leave this life behind. Will you do it? For me?”

He didn’t answer, only stared at the ground between them, his breathing shaky. “I…” He pulled his hands from her grip. “I need a minute. I need to think. I … Just don’t go anywhere, all right?”

“All right,” she whispered, watching him disappear into the brush, heading down to the river. Bending her legs, she rested her forehead on her knees, trying to hold back the sobs that threatened.

What did you think? a dark voice whispered inside her head. That he’d give up everyone he cares about just for you?

She squeezed her eyes tighter, hating the flush of fear and embarrassment and hurt that burned her skin.

He’s spent his entire life fighting to get where he is, the voice continued. Why would he give that power up? What can you possibly offer that will compare to what he’s got now?

“Shut up,” she muttered, reaching up to wipe her nose with her sleeve. “You’re underestimating him.”

Except he hadn’t come back. What did that mean? Was he considering her offer or trying to think of a way to let her down gently? Should she go find him?

“He told you to wait,” she muttered. “Maybe for once, you might listen.”

Then hands closed over her shoulders, hauling her upward and dragging a scream of surprise from her throat. She was spun in a circle, finding herself face-to-face with six legionnaires, a 29 stamped on the metal of their breastplates.

“Well, well,” one of them said, grinning. “What do we have here? A Maarin girl.”

“Thought we’d caught the last of you,” another said. “Though I’m sure the consul will be more than happy to add you to his collection.”

“Let me go!” She tried to jerk free, but the hands gripping her were like iron, squeezing hard enough to bruise. She lifted a foot, intent on slamming it down on his instep, but he kicked her in the back of the legs, sending her sprawling.

“Touch her again and all six of you will be whipped until I can see the ground through your rib cages.” Marcus’s voice cut through the air, calm and cold in a way she hadn’t heard in a long time.

Lifting her face, she saw the legionnaires’ faces darken, and one said, “Who are you?”

“Taken a few blows to the head since Bardeen, Carmo, or is it the drink that’s turned your memory to jelly?” Marcus strode toward her, and miraculously, the men moved. “Get up.”

Part of her cringed at his tone, but she understood the necessity, rising swiftly.

“Well, I’ll be damned,” one of them said. “It’s the Thirty-Seventh’s legatus. Aren’t you supposed to be on the other side of the world?”

Marcus fixed the legionnaire with a cold stare, and the older man rolled his shoulders and looked away first, muttering, “Sir.”

“Mine is the business of the Senate and none of your concern.”

“We’re under orders given by the Senate and the consul that all Maarin are to be arrested, sir,” the one called Carmo said. “So while your business may be your own, the girl must come with us.”

“She’s my asset, and she has an agreement with the Senate and the consul,” Marcus countered. “She will remain with me.”

“Then I’m afraid you’ll need to come with us as well, sir,” Carmo replied, a slow smile working its way onto his face. “If all is as you say, I’m sure it won’t take long for this to be cleared up.”

“As you like.” Marcus’s voice was flat. “Lead on.”

He said nothing to her as they followed the legionnaires through the brush, then up a well-trodden road. And the men, perhaps realizing they’d pushed the limits far enough, said nothing to them. It didn’t take long for a camp to come into view, the orderly white tents and campfires at equal intervals eerily familiar. Flags snapped on the wind,