The Gladiator Prince by Minnette Meador Page A

out her features as she moved to him. Her gait seemed oddly heavy, as if she carried something. The steam now released from all the commotion rose thickly around him, and he could not see her face when she stopped next to him and slid her cloak and tunic to the floor, but he could see why she walked with such a burden. It looked as if the child she carried would be there at any moment.
    As she slid down the stairs into the bath, Thane caught a glimpse of auburn hair and bright blue eyes. A Brit? It would have been very unusual for a Briton woman to wish to lay with him even if she was not carrying a child. However, Thane had had enough for one day.
    “Forgive me, mistress,” he said as she glided through the water toward him, “but I have fought and trained all day and lain with two women. I am afraid I do not have the strength to satisfy you tonight. Perhaps tomorrow…”
    “Tomorrow it will be too late, cousin.” The face that materialized out of the steam smiled at him with mischievous glee. “Besides, I have heard that it would take more than two women to satisfy the great Gladiator Prince. Perhaps six or seven…”
    “Your majesty.” Thane immediately lowered his eyes before her, and she lifted her hand to touch his face.
    “Quiet now. I have much to tell you, and we have no time. Are those the only guards?”
    “Yes,” Thane spouted, “but what are you doing here, Delia. You are in mortal danger. If they knew you had left Corieltauvi with Marius gone to Asia, they would take you and hold you ransom… or worse. I have heard the new governor is not a friend to you or Marius. You are risking too much for me,” he added angrily motioning to her swollen belly. “I have told you before this is not your concern. I accepted my fate for the sake of my children. Please do not try to…”
    Delia placed her fingers gently on his lips to stop him, and creases marred her smooth brow. She felt warm and comforting. It was the first time a Briton woman had touched him in four years. It was Delia’s hand then as well.
    “Shhh,” she hissed, glancing over her shoulder at her two soldiers on the other side of the bath. “Touch me as you would a lover, Thane. They must not know why I have come. As far as they are concerned I am nothing more than another of your…admirers.” She reached up gently and put her slender hands on his shoulders. “A kiss I will give to my cousin.” Pulling his face toward her, Delia laid her lips gently on his with a small kiss then drew him into her arms.
    Whispering into his ear, she said, “Would that I was not the one to bring you this news.” When she leaned back to see him, tears danced in her eyes. “Bandit slavers invaded the Corieltauvi villages in the east and captured many.” Her voiced stopped as she searched his eyes. “Anwen and Mabyn were among them.”
    All the strength went out of Thane’s knees at once and he staggered back, but Delia’s nails dug into his arms, and her glare warned him to be strong.
    “When?” he breathed.
    “Three days ago. They were loaded into a ship headed for Rome yesterday. We reached them too late.” The regret in her voice was heavy.
    “By the gods.” Anger burned away his fleeting moment of weakness, and his blood boiled. “I will make them pay for…”
    “Listen to me.” Delia put her face before his. “My people are in Asia, and I cannot travel… the child will be here any moment now.” She touched his arm. “I have found a man, a Greek medico named Adrastos who will help you, but you must be weary. He is a Roman deserter, and I do not trust him, but he is the only one who can get you on that ship.”
    “What ship?” Thane asked. His head throbbed to the quickened rhythm of his own heart, making his chest tight. He thought his heart would burst.
    “The Opulens sails for Rome in three days. The medico can get you on board and guide you through Rome. He will watch for you tomorrow night on the Iter III road, but you must