Britain, 450
After many attacks and wars, a truce was to be made with Romans and a Celtic tribe. It would be made by marriage. A centurion would wed the village leader's daughter. And peace would be made.
That bride would be Seren, and she was not pleased. Her father only wanted the best for his people. Romans were only known as cold hearted rutting dogs to the Celts. She combed her long blond hair, and dressed for the feast. Her maid, Edith, began to braid her hair.
"You must be pleased of this marriage, my dear." Edith began.
Seren frowned."No,I am rather against it."
"But a Centurion,he is likely to be wealthy. You will have a good life and a home to fill with babies."
Seren shuddered. Half Celt half Roman babies! The horror! In the mirror, she looked at herself, her attire was a dark purple gown with a lace up bodice, and she wore silver bangles. She hoped not to be man handled by those men. Romans had an insane amount of lust.
Her father had served a huge feast, along with loud music and dancing. The tables held roasted pheasant, roasted pig, clotted creams, leeks, fish with honey and herbs, fresh apples, and breads. The centurion stood beside her father. He was tall and dark. His hair was thick and curly and his eyes dark. His face was good looking, and when his eyes met hers, she felt her heart jump and warmth heat between her thighs. He had a strong and well toned body, she wanted to feel how strong he was. Other Roman men reached out to touch her body as she moved past the crowd. Seren fought to keep their hands off.
The centurion noticed and came before her and helped her get past the men and lewd comments.
She stiffened at his touch.
Her father seemed pleased with him as he drank his ale. Seren ran to him. "Father, please do not make me marry a Roman." She pleaded.
Her father smiled. "Now my girl, you should be pleased. You will be taken care of."
"And once the peace is over, I am killed."
"No, you will be secure. It has been vowed."
"I will not submit to him." Seren huffed. The centurion smiled at her. She fumed.
He came to her."Lady," He greeted."I am Justin Valerius."
She let him take her hand into his and the crowd cheered. It seemed this marriage would happen whether she liked it or not.
Justin kissed her hand, and she shivered at the warmth of his mouth on her skin. His eyes gleamed sinfully.
"Please,"She whispered.
He smiled and let her go, and the ceremony began.
Dim candle light filled the dark room of Justin's bed chamber. He carried his bride into the room and set her on the bed. She looked at him with bright green eyes and swallowed hard. He felt pity, knowing she barely knew him. She was tiny and very pretty, but not very young. Her father said she was nineteen summers, old enough to be a wife. Still, he was only a handful of years older than she.
"Your father wants me to take your virginity tonight, so the pact can't be taken back." He said softly.
She nodded."I understand."
"Please do not fight me. Let me make this good for us both."
She bit her bottom lip."I won't fight you, but I won't like it. "
"Very well, stand up."
