It has always been said that 'Love is worth fighting for.' But I never truly understood its meaning until I saw her look into his eyes. It was clear to me then that she was ready for war.
– Alexa's diary
October 1151 AD
CHAPTER 2
Diana found it hard to breathe – whether from exertion or from the near unbreakable chokehold or from the shame of being duped or from the shock that a long lost beloved face now stared back at her, she could no longer tell.
Her thoughts and emotions in complete and utter turmoil, she studied his face closely. The hard and rugged features were the same, the square jaw, the clefted chin and high cheekbones were still undeniably stamped with the stony resolve and dark arrogance of one used to being in authority. She, however, noticed one very distinct difference – his eyes. His eyes were no longer the golden brown that she so fondly remembered. They were now a brilliant shade of blue, the exact same shade as hers.
A memory flashed through her mind's eye.
Your eyes mesmerize me, Baerius whispered to her, languidly stroking her cheek with his thumb. They have the uncanny ability to see into the depths of my soul... If the gods should see it fit, I will immortalize them so I can drown in their pools for the rest of eternity...
Great Hera! Could it truly be…?
"Will you swear," his achingly familiar husky voice brought her back to the present. "That if I let you up, you will cease to behave like a hellcat and heed the voice of reason?"
Mutely, Diana continued to stare at him in defiance, caught between the joy of the possibility that he indeed was back and the growing irritation that despite the passing of the centuries, he seemed to be as belligerent as ever. And now that she had had precious seconds to compose herself, she began to feel the full weight of her chagrin of having been fooled into believing that she had defeated him.
"Your oath on it, woman," he increased the pressure on her neck imperceptibly.
"Surely, Lord Bryce," a scandalized, booming voice interrupted. "You realize that it is not gallant to treat a lady thus."
Diana saw 'Lord Bryce' hesitate. Then, with a heavy grunt, he released her from his chokehold and rolled up in one smooth move. Diana sat up trying to catch her breath. She looked up at the hand he held out to her, contemplating on whether or not she should accept his gesture of peace. The decision was taken from her when the arrogant man rolled his eyes, grabbed her arm and hauled her to her feet.
"Diana!" Alexa ran up to her. Diana yanked her arm away from his warm grasp and turned to face her friend.
"Are you unhurt, Alexa?"
"You're welcome," Bryce bit out sarcastically.
Diana shot him a baleful glare over her shoulder.
"I am well," Alexa grabbed her wrist, gave it a squeeze, gently reminding her to play along. Alexa transferred her gaze to their rescuer. "And thank you for coming to the aid of two defenseless women, my lord."
"You are far from helpless," Bryce replied drily. "But it gladdens me to know that at least one of you is grateful for our help."
Diana whirled around furiously, finally giving in to the impulse to give him a piece of her mind but the towering knight who interrupted them earlier stepped forward and extended a conciliatory hand.
"Now that those bandits have been dealt with," the broad-shouldered man flashed a winsome smile, attempting to diffuse the tense mood. "I believe introductions are in order."
"I am Sir Clarence," he continued, giving the two women a deep bow.
The other knights gathered around, took off their helms and introduced themselves. Overall, they were a civil and friendly sort. Sir Jonathan gave them a somber but accommodating greeting. Sir Henry complimented Diana's courage and fighting prowess while Sir Oliver gave them a wink and chivalrously commented on how it was his honor to defend such beautiful women. Sir Walter went so far as to kissing the backs of their hands, gracefully making leg as if he was at a ball instead of the middle of a forest. Only Bryce remained silent, keeping his gaze steadily on Diana.
"My name is Alexa," Alexa addressed the knights with a tentative smile. "And this is Diana. We… we are pleased to meet you."
Diana bristled when Bryce arched a dubious eyebrow, deliberately scanning her disheveled form from head to foot.
"And this dark knight who seems to have lost his tongue along with his manners," Sir Clarence said pointedly, giving Bryce an admonishing stare. "Is Lord Wainwright, Earl of Gottam."
"I gather from your accents that you are not from around these parts. From whence do you hail?" Bryce asked bluntly.
Diana opened her mouth to give a scathing retort but Alexa forestalled her with a warning look.
"Laconia, my lord," Alexa answered. "We are from Laconia."
"That is almost a month's journey and you on foot," Bryce observed gruffly. "What brings you far from Greece and into these woods?"
"None of your business," Diana muttered under her breath. She pursed her lips when Alexa sighed in exasperation. Fine, she thought grudgingly, still miffed at being duped and his continued lack of decorum. I'll try to make friends.
"Forgive my rudeness and please accept my belated gratitude for your aid," Diana bared her teeth in a forced smile.
"There, now!" Clarence exclaimed. "We are all friends. Are we not, my lord?"
Clarence was spared from a sarcastic rejoinder when Richard ran up to Bryce.
"You're bleeding, sire!" the young squire's face was etched with worry.
"Tis but a scratch," Bryce waved offhandedly, barely suppressing a wince. Now that his adrenalin from the fight had ebbed away, his shoulder suddenly began to throb relentlessly with pain. Diana clenched her fists tightly, swallowing her indignation over the implication that her deadly strikes were nothing more than a mere nuisance.
"A scratch!" Sir Walter guffawed, slapping his thighs with ill concealed glee. "Surely, the Lady Diana gave you more than 'but a scratch.' I daresay, my lord, that the Saracens will rescind their claim on Jerusalem if you but displayed half the fervor and frenzy when you fought her."
The laughing knight held his hands up in mock surrender at the look of icy displeasure Bryce sent him. The amused chuckles of agreement from the other knights mollified Diana's pride. Somewhat.
"Regardless, milord," Richard insisted stubbornly. "I should still tend to it."
"Very well," Bruce assented.
"Wait… I…" Diana said hesitantly. "If you would allow me..."
"I beg your pardon?" Bryce's brows snapped together in suspicion.
"I…" Diana chewed her lip. "I gave you that injury. It is only fitting that I make amends. Think of it as… as a gesture of goodwill." Might as well find out if you really are Baerius reborn.
Bryce stared at her in contemplation for what seemed to be the longest time until he finally gave her a curt nod of agreement.
Collecting her supply of bandages, potions and other healing implements, Diana followed Bryce and his squire around a thicket to the nearby riverbank, leaving Alexa to set up camp with the rest of the knights. She sternly reminded herself not to provoke him. Well, not more than is necessary, Diana amended, unable to stop the wayward smile that tugged at her lips. She had to admit that she did enjoy riling him up and throwing him slightly off balance.
Her eyes roved appreciatively over the virility of his physique when she saw the young lad divest his master of his armor, stripping him down to his waist. He seems to be bulkier now, Diana noticed the rippling muscles of his arms, back and chest that emphasized his flat stomach and trim waist. His snug fitting black woolen hose clearly outlined his powerful legs.
"Leave us," Bryce commanded the squire when Diana reached them.
"But milord – " young Richard's protest died on his lips when his master gave him a firm look that brooked no argument. The youth gave Diana one final accusing glare before walking away.
"He is very protective of you," Diana said conversationally.
"The lad is an orphan. I am all that he has," Bryce sat cross-legged on the ground, watching her bend down, hands busy preparing the materials she needed to tend to his wound. His eyes were inadvertently riveted to her cleavage, finding it strange that it had escaped his notice just how abundantly endowed she was, the tops of her breasts plump and inviting over her skin tight leather cuirass. His eyes followed her, noting her tiny waist and gently rounded hips as she strolled toward the river to fill up a small bowl with water.
On second thought, it is not at all odd. Bryce decided, since up until a few minutes ago, he had been too furiously engaged in mortal combat with her. He studied her, slightly alarmed at his growing attraction to her. She was easily the most beautiful woman he had ever set his eyes upon. And he had seen plenty. He never before lacked the company of women – from readily available wenches to the coy wellborn ladies of court – who wanted to be bedded and taken roughly by the legendary 'Lord of the Bats.' All these women however did not want him for the man that he was. Their lust to share his bed was driven by the power and bridled savagery associated with his name and position. Apparently, the thought of being 'conquered' or 'used roughly' by a man whose name was synonymous with danger and death was a very potent aphrodisiac. But his gut feeling told him that Diana was different. That she was… special. And his instincts were rarely wrong.
"Now, hold still," her lyrical voice snapped him out of his pleasurable scrutiny of her more appealing assets. She knelt down in front of him. He shifted uncomfortably, half wishing he still had on his mail to help conceal the telltale signs of the beginnings of his arousal. "This might sting a little."
Diana began cleaning the wound on his right shoulder, dabbing gently but firmly. Being this close to him again after such a long time wreaked havoc on her emotions but she tried to tamp her feelings down. With his shoulder now washed clean of the blood and grime, she gasped when she saw a very faint yet very familiar marking right on top of the junction where his arm met his torso. It was so faint that if she were not this close to him, she would not have noticed it. It was shaped like an arrowhead, an inverted 'V.'
"Lambda," she whispered.
Bryce regarded her with a confused frown.
Diana felt a shudder run down his body when she traced the mark with her fingertip. "Bae… An old… friend… has… had this exact same symbol branded on the exact same spot," she explained softly. Her heart thudded in her chest as she looked searchingly into his eyes. Is it really you?
"I have had it since I was a babe."
"We Greeks recognize it as 'lambda,'" Diana smiled at him tremulously, their faces inches away from each other. "It… it was used as a symbol for Laconia." By the Spartans, she added silently.
"Interesting," Bryce said huskily. Somehow, Diana knew he was no longer talking about the birthmark.
His attraction to her was growing with each passing second. Like a moth to a flame, Bryce leaned forward entranced by her lush, red lips and her captivating blue eyes. There was a gentle compassion about her that filled his heart with warmth and an indomitable spirit that challenged him. There was aura about her that hinted of timelessness, something that whispered a promise of forever.
"Stitches," Diana whispered raggedly. She ducked her head and closed her eyes trying to resist his magnetism, afraid of moving too fast, too soon. "I think you will need stitches."
"Go on then," Bryce leaned back on his uninjured hand, wondering why she seemed so evasive. "I am at your disposal… my lady."
With shaky hands, Diana hastily grabbed a needle and thread from her satchel.
A sudden, irrational pang of jealousy coursed through him. "Who is Baerius?" Bryce winced inwardly when he heard his resentment for an unknown man reflected in his tone.
Startled that he recalled the whispered name, Diana accidentally pricked herself in the process of threading the needle. "Ow!" She exclaimed more from surprise than from pain.
He took her hand in his and thumbed away the drop of blood from her fingertip. "A lover?" His voice was spiked with self-annoyance. It is not my place to be jealous! He reminded himself sternly.
"A fighter," Diana replied, unable to meet his eyes. She took a steadying breath, threaded the needle and began stitching up his wound. "Gone a lifetime ago."
Trying to save face, Bryce hastily changed the topic. "You screamed something at me earlier – what did it mean?"
"I…" Diana felt her face grow warm with embarrassment. "I thought you were a demon."
Bryce's shoulders shook violently as he threw his head back laughing. The blush on her cheeks looked absolutely fetching. 'Fetching?' Bryce mentally shook his head, amazed at his unusual train of thought. Lord Almighty, the next thing I know, I'll be singing ballads about her courage and beauty.
"Hold still!"
Bryce promptly sobered up but his eyes continued to twinkle with merriment. "A demon?"
"Well, can you really blame me?" Diana asked, defensively. "That armor of yours is dreadful enough in broad daylight. In these woods, it would seem like Hades himself walked the earth again."
Bryce admired her candor. It was rare in a woman. "Where did you learn to fight like that?"
"It is customary in our society for women to learn how to defend themselves," Diana replied carefully, mindful that she must keep her true identity a secret.
"How… odd," Bryce commented lightly.
"Is it?" Diana arched an eyebrow. "You live in a world full of chaos. Do you truly find it strange that a woman would want to learn how to defend herself?"
"And what do your men do?" The corner of Bryce's lips twitched, deciding to bait her. Judging from what he had seen thus far, he knew that the Lady Diana would insist on being treated as an equal – so unlike the insipid, simpering women that he usually encountered. He found it absolutely refreshing. "Stay at home and tend the hearth?"
Bryce half groaned, half chuckled when Diana jabbed the needle into his flesh with more force than was necessary.
"Women are capable of so much more than tending to home and hearth," Diana declared heatedly. "We can be artisans, philosophers… warriors. We can rule the world if we wanted to."
"I never said otherwise," Bruce drawled, enjoying their banter.
"Well, you implied it," Diana huffed. She knotted the thread and cut it off with her dagger. "Once made equal to man, woman becomes his superior."
Bryce gaped at her. "A warrior woman who can quote Socrates." Mother of God, his admiration for her went up another notch. Is she for real?
"You must think me silly," Diana looked away.
"I meant that as a compliment," Bryce clarified. He reached out, taking her chin between his thumb and forefinger, tipping her face up to his, forcing her to meet his eyes. His voice turned sensual as he added, "You are a rare gem, indeed, my lady."
Diana's mind struggled in vain for a reason to forestall what her heart knew was inevitable. Her entire body began to tremble as his lips purposefully descended to hers. A shock jolted through her as the familiar feel of his lips against hers rekindled the memories of that one night of stormy passion over a thousand years ago. His mouth opened on hers and Diana lost control, her heart lurching in painful beats. She leaned into his arms, hands sliding up his bare chest, feeling his muscles bunching up in response to her touch. She wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him back shyly, allowing him to part her lips, tongue probing, invading. She felt his sharp intake of breath when she moaned against his questing mouth.
Bryce could not believe the uncontrollable surge of passion that Diana was igniting within him. Her seemingly innocent caresses and sweetly tormenting kisses made his desire pulsate violently in his veins. He wanted her. Nay, he needed her. It was as if his very existence depended on her. He deepened the kiss, one hand plunging into the thick, silky hair at her nape, holding her head captive and his other hand curling around her tiny waist, drawing her closer to him. His tongue darted in and out of her mouth in a blatant imitation of the deed that he desperately craved to do with her, to share with her. He shifted her onto his lap, wrapping her long legs around his waist, bringing her into contact against his turgid arousal. She melted into him, totally unconcerned with the bold evidence of his desire straining for her.
Unable to resist the divine temptress in his arms, his kisses became more demanding, Diana willingly giving. His hands had a mind of their own, stroking up and down the sides of her torso, clumsily clawing at the stays of her leather armor, desperately seeking a way to bare her full breasts. Diana moaned, pressing her body closer, wanting the same.
His heretofore silent conscience chose this very inopportune moment to make its presence known. Damnation! You treat her like a random wench you picked up at an inn! It yelled at him. Let her go! You will ruin her!
Stunned, Bryce tore his mouth from hers, realizing the ramifications if he continued with the seduction. He closed his eyes, hands convulsing tightly on her waist, torn between kissing her again and trying to lamely pass the entire incident off as some sort of a joke. Clearly, I have gone mad, he berated himself.
Diana rested her forehead against his, breathing heavily, still dazed from the passion of their kiss. Sweet Aphrodite, it is better than I remembered.
Bryce opened his eyes and met her gaze. "This was a mistake," he said, his tone harsher than he intended. It is a mistake, he tried to convince himself. Despite the fact that she was a complete stranger to him and despite her wanton response to his touch, he knew she was innocence and decency made flesh. Impossibly, he had a feeling of certainty that Diana had never allowed any other man to take any liberties with her. No man except him. Consummating their passion would only spoil her purity, ruining her chances for a good match in the future. He instantly hated the man that would be her husband because he knew the man was unlikely to be him. And he very nearly cursed his strong code of honor for demanding that he protect her virtue.
"What?" She gasped, a small, confused frown wrinkling her brow.
Bryce steeled himself against the hurt that he saw in her yes. "This was a mistake," he repeated, his voice holding more conviction than what he actually felt. "I apologize for… for manhandling you. It will not happen again."
Gently but firmly, he lifted her from his lap and rose. He hesitated then pressed a tender kiss on her forehead. Not uttering another word, he turned and walked away.
Diana remained sitting hugging herself, fighting the tears of hurt, disappointment and frustration. Finally, when he disappeared, she buried her face on her knees and let the tears slide. After what seemed like hours, she wiped the hot tears from her cheeks, jaw set in determination.
You may not remember me but I vowed to you that I will never let you push me away. And I always keep my promises.
As night fell, the travellers gathered around the campfire and exchanged stories over a filling fare of wood grouse, bread and hard cheese. Sir Jonathan explained that they were on their way back to England from fighting in the Crusades. In return, Alexa told the knights that she and Diana had been travelling from town to town 'collecting stories' and that if they allowed it, she would like to add the knights' story to their collection. The scholarly redhead further mentioned that they were travelling to a town called Staufen, which according to their maps, was about a week away from where they were. It was unanimously agreed that since they were travelling in the same direction, it would be best to travel together.
Diana remained unsure of exactly what to do regarding Bryce but the campfire conversation proved to be a pleasant diversion from her perplexing dilemma. She felt an instant camaraderie between her and the battle-hardened knights who, much to her surprise, were unfailingly courteous and charming. Her bond with them reminded her of her relationship with her Amazon sisters. It was somehow the same yet different – in a good way. They are actually not that bad, she thought. Even if they are men.
For most part, Bryce pointedly ignored Diana. Or at least she thought he did. She did not notice the discreet looks he gave her when she was not looking. She did not notice the dark glower he directed at Sir Walter when he made her laugh at his hyperbolic tales of the knights' misadventures. She did not notice the ominous ticking in his jaw when Sir Oliver compared her eyes to the sky on a bright cloudless day and her lips to the dewy petals of the reddest rose. She did not notice the tight clenching of his fists when Sir Clarence, refusing to be outdone by Sir Oliver's chivalry, boldly told her of how he would face an entire army alone for but a glimpse of her smile.
"An entire army?" Diana laughed at the outrageous claim.
"Aye, my lady," Clarence confirmed. He puffed his chest out proudly, emphasizing his powerful physique. "And I have every confidence that I will be victorious in my quest."
"Because you are strong?" Diana teased.
Clarence gave her a look that said the thought was ludicrous. "Because you will be there to save me were I to be overpowered."
"In that case," Diana's shoulders shook with mirth. "You may place yourself entirely in my capable hands."
With a sound of disgust, Bryce abruptly stood up and stalked away.
"That man is insufferable," Diana scowled, her jolly mood broken. "What is wrong with him?"
"On the contrary, my lady," a thoughtful, knowing smile tugged at the corners of Clarence's lips as he watched Bryce blend into the surrounding darkness. Unlike Diana, he did not miss any of Bryce's agitated body language. He reached out and gave Diana's arm a small brotherly squeeze. "Everything is just right."
The morning after, the group broke camp after eating and freshening up. Sir Walter went ahead on foot to scout the terrain. His warhorse was being used to carry the women's belongings.
Diana looked up as she saw Clarence approach leading his horse.
"Diana, will you do me the honor of riding with me?" the handsome knight asked with a congenial smile.
"I'd be glad – " Diana started to reply.
"She rides with me," Bryce interrupted brusquely, riding up to them atop the majestic Titan.
"Thank you, but no," Diana replied coolly, hating how she had to look up to meet his gaze. "I prefer to ride with Clarence."
"I said you will ride with me," Bryce enunciated each word crisply.
"And I said," Diana matched his tone. "I want to ride with Clarence."
"Peace!" Clarence exclaimed. "Let us take turns then. Lady Diana can ride with you today and with me tomorrow," he suggested magnanimously, fighting back a grin.
Diana began to mumble under her breath but Clarence forged on doggedly. "Please, Diana. For me?"
"Fine," Diana bit out. "But only because you asked nicely. Unlike some people." She shot a pointed look at Bryce.
Wordlessly, Bryce held out a hand to her. The second she placed her hand on his, he hauled her up unceremoniously onto his horse.
Diana twisted trying to face him. "Must you always – "
His arm snaked around her waist and yanked her hard against him. "Don't you ever again talk to me in that tone of voice in front of my men. Do you understand?" His breath was hot against her ear.
"Of all the insolent –" Her indignant reply was cut off when he spurred his horse to a fast gallop.
Bryce was seething. At Diana. At Clarence. Diana and Clarence. He had prowled the woods during the night, unable to banish the mental picture of Diana flirting with his closest friend. His overactive imagination tormented him with visions of Diana in Clarence's arms locked in a passionate embrace. Of her pliant lips surrendering to Clarence's kiss. Of her luxurious hair splayed over Clarence's bare chest during the sated lassitude that one experienced after the most intimate of actions.
But most of all, Bryce was angry with himself. Angry for caring. Angry for his lack of control. Angry for being angry. Self-disgust ate at him like acid. In the wee hours of the morning, his keen mind weighed his options, objectively looking at the facts and finding solutions. The way he saw it, he wanted her and she wanted him. And his certainty that it was not just a passing dalliance was absolute. Despite knowing her for only one day, there was no doubt in his mind that they suited each other because every time he looked at her, he would get a feeling that he already knew her – that his soul knew her. It was very unlike him to have his emotions override his logic but try as he might, he could not stop himself. They would be spending an entire week together and it would take some holy miracle from the heavens above for him to keep his hands off her.
There is only one thing that I can do, he decided with a wry twist to his lips – woo her into going all the way to England with him. When he finally came up with a plan, he felt like a great burden was lifted off his shoulders. And despite the sleepless night, he greeted the sunrise with excellent spirits knowing that he now had something concrete to work toward. He was about to put his strategy into action by asking Diana to ride with him but Clarence beat him to it. What's worse, they seemed to be on first name basis. He could not contain his fury at the familiarity.
But now that he had Diana riding with him, her body pressed securely against his, he could feel his anger slowly ebbing away. Belatedly realizing that he was driving Titan at an impossible pace, he slowed the destrier down and dismounted, leading him to the river for a drink.
Diana dismounted as well and she studied him silently. She had felt his mood shift for the better during their ride. Remembering her long ago vow, she decided that it was most prudent to establish a more amiable atmosphere between them.
"My lord," Diana said tentatively, keenly aware of his mercurial disposition.
"Bryce!" he snapped.
"I…" Diana stared at the back of his head, dumbfounded. "I am aware of your name."
"Then use it!" The irate earl rounded up on her. Diana stepped back from the wrath reflected on his blue-eyed gaze. He stalked her step per step. "If you can address Clarence by his given name, you can certainly address me by mine!"
Realizing that she was retreating like a coward, Diana planted her feet, firmly standing her ground. "It is to my understanding that the proper way to address an earl like you is to call you 'my lord' as if you were my master and I your slave, unless you bid me otherwise."
"Well, I'm bidding you to call me Bryce!"
"And I am waiting for you to ask me nicely… my lord."
Bryce's fists clenched tightly by his side, his entire body quivering with the effort to control his rage. Diana crossed her arms over her chest, holding her chin at an impertinent angle. "You are impossible," he finally said. His obsession with wanting to hear his name upon her lips was bordering on the ridiculous.
"As are you, my lord."
"Stubborn chit." A rueful chuckle escaped his lips when he realized the hilarity of it all. Bryce could not resist chucking her lightly under the chin. "My lady, it would please me greatly if you would call me Bryce."
"See? That wasn't so hard now, was it?" He was rewarded with the most dazzling smile. It hit him like a kick to the stomach. "And you may call me Diana… Bryce."
He regarded her with an amused grin. "I have a proposition for you… Diana."
"Pray tell."
"Since it will take us a sennight to reach Staufen," Bryce began. "I believe it is in our best interest if we behaved more… congenially… toward each other."
"For once," Diana's smile widened. "I agree with you."
"And would you also agree," Bryce looked at her slyly. "That despite my rather… volatile and uh – boorish nature, you are, in fact, attracted to me?"
A hot flush suffused her cheeks at his blunt but accurate assessment of their situation. "You arrogant, conceited –"
Bryce held up a hand, interrupting her tirade. "The truth, Diana."
Diana pursed her lips struggling with herself. Finally, she nodded reluctantly.
"Very well," Bryce continued. Diana was not sure but she could almost hear the relief in his voice. "My proposition is this – If, in our journey to Staufen, I am able to prove to you that I can be the most agreeable of companions, you will journey with me to England thereafter."
Diana blinked rapidly trying to absorb his strange proposal. "I… I don't understand… What do you get in return?"
Bryce answered her question without a word. He stepped closer to her, running his hands up and down her arms. His eyes captured hers then he bent his head, firmly pressing his lips against hers in a brief but meaningful kiss. He rubbed her lower lip with his thumb, waiting for her to answer.
And then what? Diana stared at him, dumbstruck. With all her heart, she wanted to say yes but she knew she would ultimately be expected to go back to Themyscira. How do I keep a promise without breaking another?
Bryce saw the conflicting emotions on her expressive face. "You don't have to decide now. Just promise me that you'll think about it."
"I will."
The next two days of their journey remained relatively uneventful with the women blending seamlessly into the knights' well-oiled routine. The days took on a surreal quality for Diana when Bryce stayed true to his word. She had always known that he was a warrior in a classic sense. But little by little, she learned more of the man underneath the armor. True, there was a part of him that was terrifying, borderline obsessed. But he was also brilliant and driven. He was stubborn and ruthless but it only made Diana want to improve herself even more.
And always – always – he treated her like an equal. Philippus had always seen her as a student with much potential albeit a rebellious one. Artemis had always been condescending. Her mother was protective. Most of her friends were warm enough with her but there was always a certain amount of reflex deference toward her as heir to the Amazonian throne. Even Alexa held her with a bit of awe. But Bryce… Bryce was chivalrous, of course – as was expected from him in this day and age. But his respect for her individuality was undeniable. He treated her like a true equal… a partner.
During the day, he charmed her, teased her and made her laugh as they rode. At night, he would take her on nighttime strolls that usually ended up with passionate kisses and caresses. They could talk about anything and everything. They did not see eye to eye at all times but Diana enjoyed their differences and it seemed that he did so as well. It only made their conversations more challenging, more interesting. She could almost forget to think about what the future might hold for them. Diana had tentatively broached the topic of going all the way to England with Alexa. The good-natured Amazon readily agreed saying that she had read much about the island kingdom and would love to see it with her own eyes. Diana was delighted at the opportunity to prolong her time with Bryce but somehow, her heart was burdened with the thought that sooner or later, their time together would have to end.
How do I tell him the truth? Diana deliberated. Will he believe me? Will he accept who I really am? How will he react? Do I even tell him?
For the first time since never, Bryce felt at peace and dare he say… happy. Diana's presence was like a soothing balm to his scarred and weary spirit. In the short time that he spent with her, she had begun successfully tearing down the walls that he had erected around himself. She had found the tiniest crevices and seeded them with creepers, which slowly but surely, caused the thick barrier to crumble. She made him feel vulnerable and yet… she somehow made him feel complete. But a nagging thought weighed heavily on his mind – King Stephen had mentioned a possible marriage with Lady Celine, which meant that upon his arrival, a betrothal would likely be imminent. It would not be surprising for the monarch to expect Bryce to sacrifice himself in the altar of matrimony in exchange for gaining a political ally. Saying no would constitute treason. And he could not – would not – disrespect Diana by making her his mistress.
We could run, he thought. But the very image of doing so was enough to make him blanch. What kind of man would I be if I forced her into living that kind of life? I should not have gone this far. But Bryce knew it was too late. Diana was already in his blood. He was hooked. For a man who always had a plan, he was dumbfounded.
The third day of their journey was dampened by their respective troubled thoughts. Silence reigned supreme as they rode onward to Staufen. But they were so attuned to one another that they did not need any explanations. Diana contented herself with leaning against the comfort of Bryce's solid chest and he held her tighter than usual, wanting to never let go.
When the group set up camp for the night, Clarence walked over to Bryce and Diana. "My lord, a word, if I may?"
Bryce's hand shot out to grab Diana's hand when she made a move to give them some privacy. Without letting her go, he nodded to his friend. "Whatever words you need to say can be said in Diana's presence."
"Very well," Clarence obliged. In another time, he would have grinned at the sight of the couple holding hands. "Walter has not come back. This is… uncommon… for him."
"I know," Bryce said.
"And he hasn't left any signs," Clarence pointed out. Bryce frowned, contemplating.
"Signs?" Diana asked, curious.
"You would not have noticed them, Diana," Clarence explained. "But our company had long ago agreed on a set of symbols. Whoever scouts will leave behind something to signal the others of what's ahead. Something inconspicuous – it could be two crossed twigs or stones positioned in a certain way – it could be anything. Only those who know where to look and what to look for will see and understand."
"And leaving no sign is a sign in and of itself," Diana concluded. Bryce smiled a little at her astuteness.
She took a decisive step forward but Bryce squeezed her hand to stay. She gave him a confused look. "Shouldn't we go and look for him?"
"It is rare for Walter to do this – true. But there have been occasions when he has."
"I do not have a good feeling about this, Bryce," Clarence told him.
"As do I. But until we know more, we must act with care. You know very well that Walter can take care of himself," Bryce flashed him a meaningful look. "You know what to do."
Clarence dipped his head in a small bow and walked away.
Dinner seemed so subdued without the quips and puns of the fun loving Walter. As soon as they finished eating, Oliver scurried up a tree while the rest settled down for sleep. "In times like this," Bryce explained, taking out a small whetting stone from one of the numerous pockets of his belt bag. "We double up on the watch. One takes the high ground and another patrols the perimeter."
"A sound plan," Diana nodded in approval. She watched as Bryce methodically sharpened the edges of his sword. The light from the campfire glinted off the shiny metal as he inspected its sharpness. Diana squinted trying to decipher the engraving on its blade.
Tempus fugit non amor.
"Time flees but not love," she whispered.
"This has been handed down in my family for generations," Bryce told her. He stared at Diana with a speculative gaze. "The original inscription was in ancient Greek. One of my ancestors had it translated to Latin at the height of the Roman Empire. Here, have a look. It has faded over time but maybe you can make something out of it." He held out the blade, turning it over to show her the original engraving on the opposite side.
Awed, Diana ran her fingertips over the cold hard steel, her acute vision easily making out the time-weathered markings. Her heart thudded with nostalgia, feeling like she just found a tattered page of a long lost love letter. This was his only way to send me his message of love through time. She held back a bittersweet smile. And only a Spartan would expect a sword to endure forever.
"A strange aphorism for the hands that wielded it," Diana observed, deliberately not voicing out the translation of the original message. "Do you know its history?" She asked in what she hoped was a nonchalant manner. Please remember.
"This sword is so old that the real story is lost in time, I'm afraid," Bryce shook his head.
"There have been many variations over the centuries," he continued with a hint of a smile. "One such story said that supposedly, the goddess Aphrodite herself gave this sword to a fierce and brave warrior. But regardless of its true origin, there has always been one constant theme. Family lore has it that the first owner of this sword vowed, with his dying breath, to never rest until he found his true love again."
"That is so… tragic," Diana said. She closed her eyes in an effort to keep poignant tears from falling.
"Indeed," Bryce concurred. "But such is a warrior's life."
"Do you have one?" Diana asked softly.
"One what?"
"A true love."
They stared at each other for what seemed like infinite heartbeats until Bryce forcibly broke eye contact. He sheathed his sword.
"I do," he answered silently, staring into the fire. "But I am no longer entirely certain if it is fair to the woman who holds my heart if I gave her widow's weeds as a bride gift," he stood up abruptly. "Forgive me, I need to patrol the perimeter."
A/N:
Town trivia! (For those who don't already know anyway)
Gottam (Gotham) is the Old English word for "goat home." It is a village in Nottinghamshire, England whose residents were famed for being stupid. In truth, the villagers feigned madness to avoid a Royal Highway being built through the village. Madness was believed to be highly contagious at that time.
The German town of Staufen im Breisgau is noted in history for its association with Dr. Faustus who, according to legend, sold his soul to the Devil for unlimited knowledge and power (And in all likelihood, he was probably the inspiration for the DC villain/evil sorcerer Felix Faust).