The soldier held out a sealed letter. "A courier brought this. It was discovered on a Roman messenger earlier today."
Taking it from him, Kyrian saw the seal of Valerius the Younger on the outside. Curious, he opened the vellum and read it, and with every word, his panic swelled. His heart beat faster. "My horse!" he shouted, running out of the crowded tent. "Saddle my horse."
"Commander?"
He turned to his second in command who had followed him outside. A worried frown creased his tired old brow. "Dimitri, you're in charge until I return. Pull the army back into the hills, away from the Romans until you hear from me. If I'm not back in a week, then lead the men to Punjara and combine forces with Jason."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
A youth came forward with his black stallion. His heart hammering, Kyrian swung himself up into the saddle.
"Where are you off to?" Dimitri asked.
"Valerius is riding to my villa. I'm going to head him off."
Dimitri grabbed the horse's bridle, horrified. "You can't go alone to meet him."
"I have no time to wait for you. My wife is in danger. I will not hesitate." Kyrian wheeled his horse about and spurred it through the camp.
Amanda twisted in bed as she felt Kyrian's rising panic. His need to protect his wife at any cost. The days ran together as he rode furiously, changing horses every time he happened upon a village. He never stopped to rest or eat. He was like a demon possessed, with only one thought on his mind. Theone. Theone. Theone.
He reached his home in the middle of the night. Weary and terrified, he leapt from his horse and pounded on the door for admittance.
An old man pulled open the heavy wooden door. "Your Highness?" he asked in disbelief.
Kyrian pushed past the man, his gaze sweeping his grand foyer looking for signs of hostility. Nothing out of the ordinary met his fearful gaze. Still, he wasn't comforted. Not yet. He would not be calm until he saw her with his own eyes. "Where's my wife?"
The old servant looked confused by the question. His mouth opened and closed like a fish. Finally, he spoke. "In her bed, Highness."
Starving, exhausted, and weak, Kyrian ran down the long, columned corridor toward the back of the house.
"Theone?" he called as he ran, desperate to see her.
A door at the end of the hallway opened. An incredibly beautiful and petite blond woman came to stand in the hallway. She closed the door behind her and swept a chiding glance over Kyrian's dishevelment.
She was alive and unharmed. And she was the most beautiful vision his adoring eyes had ever beheld.
Her long, golden hair was tousled, her cheeks bright pink. She clutched a very thin white sheet over her nude body. "Kyrian?" she asked sharply.
Relief rushed through him and tears filled his eyes. She was alive! Thank the gods. Blinking the tears away, he swept her up into his arms and held her close. Never had he been more grateful to the Fates for their mercy.
"Kyrian," she snapped, bristling under his touch. "Put me down. You smell so bad I can barely breathe. Have you any idea how late it is?"
"Aye," he said through the tight knot in his throat as joy pounded through him. He set her down and cupped her face in his hands. He was so tired he could hardly stand or think, but he wouldn't sleep. Not until she was safe. "And I must get you away from here. Get dressed."
She frowned. "Take me where?"
"To Thrace."
"Thrace?" she asked incredulously. "Are you mad?"
"No. I've received word that the Romans are headed this way. I'm taking you to my father for safekeeping. Now hurry!"
She didn't. Instead, her face darkened dangerously as fury snapped in her gray eyes. "Your father? You've not spoken to him in seven years. What makes you think he'd shelter me?"
"My father will forgive me if I ask it."