Taurus by Christine Elaine Black Read Free Book Online

you a virgin?”
    “Yes,” she whispered, “but I have no wish to remain so.”
    Taurus grew suspicious. “Oh, and why is that?”
    “My virtue is currency for my brother. If I am ruined, he will deem me unimportant, especially if the man who ruins me is the Governor of Panua.”
    Taurus released her from his grip. “My guests are waiting. Lidia salivates at the chance to look upon a Gregorian after all these years.” Taurus eyed her openly. “Your mother was said to have entranced my father with her beauty.”
    “My mother always said her beauty proved to be a curse. We were taught skills, not pretty poses.”
    “She gave you permission to run around in boy’s clothes, shoot arrows, and ride horses?”
    “I’ll never be much of a lady.”
    She outshone any woman, but perhaps not in social skills. “I’ll seat Lady Virga on your right. She will be helpful if you feel overwhelmed tonight.”
    “Thank you,” Kallie whispered as they walked to the grand reception room.
    ****
    A roomful of curious onlookers waited to greet them, and Kallie handled them with expert ease. She spoke eloquently to the nobles of Panua who lined the hall to meet her, and even those women with skeptical looks on their overly made-up faces were handled with aplomb. They hushed the moment Lidia Paulinus entered the room just before dinner. Kallie inclined her head graciously to the old woman.
    “A Gregorian, if ever I saw one in the flesh,” Lidia said, in a half grumble.
    Kallie smiled with brilliance at the old woman. She held no fear of Lidia or her ambitions. “I am pleased to have you confirm my identity, Lady Paulinus.”
    “You are passable, like your mother before you. Are you a wanton wench, too?” Lidia sneered.
    Kallie fixed a smile on her face, determined to pass this test if it killed her. The room hushed to hear her response. “I am most definitely a wanton wench. It is the only way to avoid marriage to an old toad in the East.”
    Taurus roared with laughter and the room joined in.
    Lidia shrugged and moved to sit at the high table on Taurus’ left, while Kallie sat on his right. Lady Virga took her seat on the other side of Kallie, and they used the opportunity to inspect one another cordially. Virga, a demure, ivory-skinned beauty whose icy blue eyes showed no emotion, had her long blonde hair neatly braided for the evening’s gathering. Her lovely features were angular and aristocratic, completely opposite of Kallie’s dark and sensual looks.
    The magnificent food was served under the watchful eye of Lidia. The servants did not dare put one foot wrong, especially tonight, with the sister of the emperor as the honored guest. Kallie noticed Barca a few seats away, his face a mask of fury, unable to disguise the fact he viewed her as a prisoner and not a guest. Next to Barca sat a young man with a softer, friendlier copy of Barca’s face. Kallie leaned toward Virga and asked his name.
    “He is Hamilcar, brother of Barca. Handsome, is he not?” Virga questioned.
    “He reminds me of my brother, in Rome.” Kallie said, half to herself.
    “I hope to have a conversation with you about Rome’s colorful history and notable citizens,” Lady Virga whispered in low tones.
    Taurus turned from Lidia, busily chiding one of the stewards. “Lady Gregorian, you have fooled me.”
    Kallie turned to meet his inquisitive expression with surprise.
    “You gave me the impression you are a girl of the woods. But your skill with the nobility of Panua proves you a well-bred lady.”
    Lidia grunted at Taurus’ compliment. “Proper ladies do not run off from an arranged betrothal.”
    Taurus opened his mouth to retort, but Kallie interrupted.
    “I am no lady. I plan to avoid marriage and its political entanglements. Like you, Lady Paulinus, I wish to be mistress of my own fate.”
    Lidia paused for a heartbeat, contemplating her reply. “You will be cast down, as your brother will be cast down. I pray to see the day when another