Page 23 of Highland Lords of War & Thunder: The Prequel

Legion caught him, turned with his momentum and sent him crashing to the floor. The man scrambled up. Legion waited, ready. He came again, throwing a wild punch. Legion put him down again. Much harder this time.

The warrior lay there for several breaths before forcing himself to his knees.

Legion walked over and stood above him. “Enough?”

The man spat blood onto the stone floor. “Go to hell.”

He lunged from his knees and Legion's fist caught him squarely in the jaw. The man hit the floor and this time he stayed there.

Legion looked down at him. “You're strong.”

The warrior groaned.

“But there's always someone stronger. Behave or I’ll be back and see you finished.”

Legion returned to his table and sat. His meal had arrived. He reached for his ale.

Across the hall, Senna was watching him.

The instant their eyes met, hers dropped. Then she went back to work.

Legion finished his meal without further incident. The warrior eventually regained his senses and was helped from the hall, considerably quieter than he'd been before Legion put him on the floor. The chieftain had sent him a nod of satisfaction and departed the hall.

By the time Legion emptied his third and last tankard of ale for the night, the hall had returned to its usual noise.

Senna approached his table. “I’m to show you to your chamber.”

Legion stood.

She turned immediately and headed toward the stairs, apparently assuming he would follow, and he did.

Senna said nothing as they climbed, and Legion found himself watching her. Not because she was beautiful, though she was pleasing enough to look upon. It was something else that caught his attention.

She showed no interest in him, whereas most women did. Some were subtle about it. Others made their intentions obvious. Senna had smiled pleasantly when she had approached him, but nothing in that smile invited anything more. She hadn't lingered over him in the hall or found excuses to return to his table.

If anything, she seemed eager to complete her task and be done with him.

He found that strangely refreshing.

Senna stopped before a door and opened it. “Your chamber.”

Legion stepped inside. It was small but comfortable, with a bed, a chest and a narrow table holding a pitcher and basin. A fire burned low in the hearth.

“The chieftain said you were to have anything you required.”

“I require nothing.”

“Nothing?” she asked.

He heard the surprise in her voice, yet she looked relieved.

“I ate. I drank. There's a bed, and—” It struck him then. “I am tired and want to sleep.”

If she was told he was to have anything he required, she feared he might request she share his bed. He was only interested in willing women, not ones who were provided out of duty.

“If you are sure then⁠—”

“I am sure,” he confirmed with a nod.