Taurus Read Online Free Page B

hostage, pointed an arrow at his chest, stolen his money, and degraded him like an animal on its way to market. A rush of indignation rose in his throat. He should walk away and let the laws of Panua (which he influenced greatly) punish the girl.
    The door opened, and he entered. A small lamp hung on the far wall and cast a pale glow over the room. Taurus eyed the lump on the straw, evidence of her sleeping form. For an inexplicable reason he desired to look upon her face.
    “Why are you here?” The voice came from the wall behind the door.
    Taurus moved with lightning speed and pinned her against the heavy wood. He hissed, “What in the name of the gods do you think are you doing?”
    The girl eyed him in the dim light. “Waiting to see who assassinates me first. I would put my money on your dear grandmother, but I did not expect you to kill me like a thief in the night.”
    A low chuckle came from his throat. “I have no intention of killing you yet. I came to enjoy the sight of you on the straw, and pray your back itches as madly as mine.” He pressed against her as she wriggled, his pulse raced, and his blood ran hot. His grip relaxed, and her arms dropped to her side. “Are you comfortable with your accommodations, Lady?” Taurus asked with scorn.
    She shrugged, “I have spent many nights sleeping on cold, hard ground. This matters not to me.”
    Her ease shocked Taurus in a situation when most women would beg for mercy, crawl on the floor, and keen like a newly made widow. What kind of life had she led to be unperturbed by a lack of basic comfort? If this girl truly was the sister of the emperor, she was the most unusual woman he had ever met. “Come with me,” he commanded.
    They entered his masculine den of rich leather and polished metal. Weaponry lined the walls, along with various maps of the empire. Dark, exotic furniture graced the room, and she noted the open door leading to his sleeping quarters. The room smelled clean and fresh, of soap and pine essence blended to create a manly fragrance. The same scent had enveloped her when he had her pinned to the wall.
    He gestured to a chair and she obediently sat, scratching at her arms while he poured them drinks of watered wine. Food lay on a nearby table, its tempting aroma filling the room. He handed her a goblet of the finest silver, his fingertips brushing her hand as she accepted it.
    “If you lie, you will be executed without any hope of an appeal,” Taurus threatened as she eyed the delicious fare.
    “What do you wish to know?” She raised her chin and waited for his questions.
    “Who are you? And I want the truth.”
    “Prima Kalliassa Gregorian, the daughter of Maximus Octavius Gregorian.”
    Taurus tapped his foot with impatience. “Why are you here?”
    “To seek an audience with the governor of Panua.” She scratched at her arm a second time.
    Taurus smirked dangerously. “Well, you have what you seek. I suggest you utilize my time wisely.”
    Kallie collected her thoughts. “I seek political asylum from Emperor Gregorian. Panua is the only place I can stay until it is safe for me to travel.”
    Taurus remained intrigued but suspicious of her story.
    “Why would I care if a Gregorian brat needs help?” He intended to test her mettle.
    “It benefits you if I am out of the emperor’s control.” Kallie’s eyes strayed to the food. “Do you mind if I eat?”
    Taurus took her by the arm to the table and watched her fill a platter with choice cuts of meat, delicious breads, cheese, and fruits.
    She sighed in relief. “The smell of food makes me realize I am hungry.”
    She picked at the food with dainty fingers and commented on the fare, appreciating the fine food and good wine, and remembered her manners as a steward approached to check on his master’s table. She inclined her head to the surprised servant.
    “You must be of Greek descent,” she remarked, smiling at him. “Only a Greek creates such wonderful delicacies.” The