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Her heart seemed to rise into her throat as she spoke breathlessly. “Have you finished your patrol, soldier? For my duties to the Goddess are done this day.” She tried to resume her teasing tone, tried to ignore the tangle of emotions he stirred within her. “But I will wait, if you’ve need of more pacing.”
Though she knew his duties did not include suffering her jests, she could not resist. It was no easy feat, drawing a smile from her guard. In fact, she’d found herself thinking of ways to do so the last few days. Eliciting his reluctant grin brought a satisfactory end to her day.
If he were indeed struggling with something, as she suspected, surely she should try to cheer him.
When she did not poke or tease at him, the silence hung heavily – the air seemed to thin and constrict. She did not know what it was, this pull between them, but she fought it, for both their sakes.
His eyes fell from hers, a small grin forming as he answered, “No, mistress. I only wait for you.”
His smile caused warmth to spread within her.
Athena would not approve.
Her smile, her laughter, her body, all of her, belonged to Athena. She would be wise to remember that.
He waited for her, for the slight nod of her head, before turning to lead her on the long descent home.
She sighed, falling silent as they set off.
She’d had many guards while serving the Goddess, though she admitted she’d paid them little notice. Something about this man captured her interest. She spent far too much time lingering on his mood, the curve of his smile, his rugged jaw and welcoming grey eyes.
She followed several steps behind him, turning her attention – forcefully – to the journey before them.
The stone of the Acropolis dropped sharply away, jutting from the hillside as if Hades himself had thrust the peak from the Underworld – or so she thought. Athena believed that her priestesses should avoid the main road to the temple, keeping her servants from those with less restrained dispositions. Her priestesses and their protectors had to scale this slippery shale and sand path, barely fit for goats and ever precarious to those who used it.
But the Goddess’ wisdom had led her to select the Acropolis for her temple. With its clean air and soothing sounds, one might watch over the city free from its noise and drudgery. No enemy could invade, by land or sea, without being immediately detected.
She admired the Goddess for such foresight, even if the climb was taxing. Her path was all the more unsteady as she was under layers of linen and wool.
Her guard turned back, ever watchful as she scaled down a steep drop. He did not meet her gaze, but stood waiting. He was gravely distracted, his displeasure evident by the furrow of his brow and the slight flair of his nostrils.
She could not bear it. She drew in a breath and asked, “Is Athens your home?”
“No, lady. My home is far across the sea on the shore of Rhodes.”
“But that is leagues from Athens.” She paused, surprised by his answer. “You traveled here for the Goddess?”
The path interrupted their conversation. He jumped down the sudden drop, sliding. Once steady, he nodded, a slight smile on his handsome face.
“Olympus will reward such fealty.” She regarded him, momentarily distracted by the glint in his grey eyes. “You are loyal to Athena.”
“I am.” His voice sounded strained, she noted, but his smile did not falter.
He offered his arm, the leather greaves allowing such an action. He could never touch her, her skin must remain pure. But she might use his arm, covered, to help her scale such a sheer step.
She watched the muscles of his neck and shoulder flex as he offered her his arm and swallowed. Her heart thumped against her chest, further disconcerting her.
He glanced at her, waiting.
She cleared her throat and shook her head before leaping to the ground beside him. She met his wide eyes, a breathless laugh escaping her.
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Her laughter stirs my blood. He drew a steadying breath.
Her eyes gazed into his, threatening his fragile control.
“I’ve heard of Rhodes’ fair waters.” Her curious blue gaze mesmerized him.
