Return to Me - By Morgan O'Neill Page 0,71
had showered her with flowers, cheers, and praise, and when it had come time for her to depart Barcino, they had insisted on seeing her off, insisted on protecting her for as long as they could.
The only sound was the breeze puffing across the heights, rustling leaves and skirts. Placidia let her gaze move over the Roman troops, and had to admire their straight lines and military discipline. General Constantius knew what he was about, and she was sure there was not a man among them who would not lay down his life for him.
She turned to Constantius. He was battle hardened, tall, and tanned, an older man, yet fit and intelligent; no doddering fool was he. She saw the grim line of his mouth, the bulging eyes, and within that gaze, she also saw a spark of … hope?
The unexpected glimpse into his thoughts filled her heart with butterflies of uncertainty, but, just as quickly, she thought of Athaulf and knew she would be fine. Even in death, he would protect her, never leave her alone, would forever be her guiding strength.
Placidia bowed her head slightly in response, and then heard Wallia step up beside her.
It was time.
Constantius took a knee before her, his fist to his chest. “Aelia Galla Placida, Princess of Rome, I salute you.”
She held out a hand and drew him to his feet. “General Constantius, I thank you for your kind greeting, but I must ask you, please, to remember I am not just a Princess of Rome. I am also the dowager Queen of the Visigoths.”
Still clasping her hand, his eyes flickered for a moment to her short hair, then to Wallia, and he bowed his head. “Queen Placidia. I shall ever honor you with that title, my lady.”
Placidia took a deep, calming breath, recalling what Magnus and Gigi had told her; she would marry this man, bear his children, and even reign with him for a short time. She had known him for years, and knew he harbored feelings for her. She was also certain he would act honorably toward her. Still … Placidia sternly reminded herself she had been blessed with great love, a gift very few people were ever given. Now duty called and she must fulfill her destiny.
“King Wallia,” she said, gently removing her hand, “would you give us a moment?”
He backed off a few paces and she turned to Constantius. “You will see the food blockade is lifted?”
“It is already done,” he replied. “They should be offloading grain even as we speak.”
Relief washed over her. “Then on behalf of my husband’s people, I thank you.”
Constantius nodded curtly. “There are some issues I would like to discuss before we take custody of you. First, some unpleasantness we should cover, in case you disagree with my actions.”
“Go ahead,” she replied.
“The emperor commanded that I preserve and send your husband’s head and, er, his private parts,” Constantius blurted.
Placidia gasped and stepped back, but he raised his hand. “Of course I could not ignore a direct command,” he explained quickly, “and for your sake I found a way around it. One of my men died of a wasting disease. He looked passably like your husband, and I thought to take … er, I preserved everything needed. Should your brother ask, I hope you will agree to acknowledge the contents of the jar as belonging to your husband.”
Shocked, Placidia could only stare at him as she tried to absorb the information. Finally, she whispered, “You have acted with commendable foresight.”
Constantius nodded grimly and shifted feet. “I am glad that is settled. The next issue is, er, I believe you recall we were betrothed before … and you must know the emperor stands by that. He will see us wed, but I want to assure you that I do not take this lightly. I will honor you and care for you, and will put you before all others. Including your brother.”
Placidia inclined her head. “I thank you, for our future together, and for all you have already done in my regard.”
“Please be assured … ” He took an awkward step toward her, then hesitated. “I have harbored the deepest, purest of feelings for you since the first time I laid eyes upon you.”
Curious, Placidia smiled. “And when was that, Constantius? You have been at court as far back as my memory reaches.”
He ducked his head and Placidia was surprised to see a flush cross his cheeks.
“It was at the dual coronations of your brothers for