Taurus by Christine Elaine Black Read Free Book Online Page A

house will rule Rome.”
    “Enough,” Taurus breathed mutinously. “You ruin my meal with your constant harping.”
    Lidia shot Taurus a look but engaged the man on her left in conversation.
    The reception proceeded in a lighter mood as Taurus signaled the musicians to play. Kallie enjoyed the food and paced her eating to match that of Lady Virga. Taurus watched with his unreadable expression. Her eyes held his as long as possible without causing insult to their company. He scanned the room and nodded to two young ladies whom Kallie remembered as Lady Verragius and the Lady Hestonius. They glowed with pleasure under his scrutiny.
    “Your wife will be upset if you openly flirt with your guests,” Kallie mused.
    “My wife?” Taurus asked absently.
    “Lady Virga,” Kallie reminded him.
    Taurus smirked. “I do as I please. I am the Monster of Panua and take whatever and whomever I want.”
    “It seems to me there is another monster in this room.” Kallie glanced beyond him to the back of Lidia’s head. The old lady, as tough as iron nails and with a reputation as a mean old bitch, deserved her unkind comment. All of Rome knew she had raised the governor of Panua with flawed opinions and a biased hatred of the Romans.
    “I compliment you on your observation. Do not tangle with Lidia. Give her one reason to destroy you and she will seize it.”
    “You follow her like a disciple of the latest religion that rages around the empire. If you choose to believe her mad ravings over the Gregorian family it could mean your destruction, not mine.”
    Taurus gazed thoughtfully into his wine, ignoring her warning. “Lidia may grow old, but her idea of defeating Rome does not. If I have inherited her thirst for revenge, it is the fault of the Gregorians.”
    The meal wound to a satisfactory conclusion, but a commotion at the door caught Kallie’s interest. Kristokus whispered to the general, Captain Barca, and Hamilcar. Taurus had a wicked look on his face and gestured to Barca. The other man seemed to disagree, but Taurus pressed him. Hamilcar shot a look at Kallie aware they were discussing something concerning her.
    The great ornate doors were flung open, and a squat little man waddled into the reception room. All eyes went to the man who walked the length of the aisle to the head table. Taurus sat with a bored look on his face. He stretched out a long, lean leg and idly fingered his wine cup.
    The man reached the steps to the dais, paused, and bowed to Taurus. “I am the Grand Vizier, Alim Ben Alim, esteemed servant to the Satrap of Persia, and gratefully stand in your presence on his behalf, Governor Paulinus.” The little man’s thick accent confirmed his origin.
    Taurus eyed him for a moment. “What is of such urgency it causes you to interrupt my evening?”
    The man bowed again but this time in apology. “The sister of Emperor Gregorian is missing. It is believed she has wandered into your lands by mistake.”
    Taurus considered the information. “And what do you care about the sister of the emperor?”
    “My master has arranged to take her as a wife. She was to be…”
    “Your master has many wives. Will one less make a difference to such a man?” The crowd tittered at the jibe.
    “It matters a great deal to the satrap,” he answered.
    “Return to your master in the East and ask him what favor he will extend if I find the missing girl.” Taurus feigned concern. Both men knew it would take months to embark on the fruitless journey.
    The visitor glanced at Kallie. She held his gaze, her position tenuous. One word from the governor and she might be shipped off with this toad. Ben Alim recognized her; they had met once in Rome, many months ago.
    “Any favor you request will be granted by my master,” the toad offered, turning back to the governor.
    “Indeed!” Taurus said with an edge of disdain. “Your master will pay a price I have yet to decide upon.”
    The toad shifted on his feet. “The satrap