Chapter 48

Romans stood there mouths agape as they watched as their leader was escorted, restraints on her arms, but Reyna kept her head high, no weakness was to be shown, they hadn't stripped her of her position yet, that would have to be done with all of the Council present.

She could see the shock on some of the faces in the growing crowds, though one face caught her eye, one that was neutral, arms crossed, standing alone behind the others. Toni, she didn't seemed shocked at all, Reyna met her gaze and she understood that Toni was somehow part of this, she had been bitter since Reyna pretty much called her a liar after she tried to announce that Damien didn't have a heartbeat.

Toni was the one who broke the stare first, Reyna knew she didn't have the courage to be openly against the Praetor

"REYNA?"

The Praetor turned her head as Hazel appeared from the crowd, worry on her face, but Reyna shook her head slowly and Hazel came to a halt, tears in her eyes as she watched her friend being taken away by guards, closely followed by Caius. The daughter of Pluto thought for a moment before darting off up the hill, towards the temples, Reyna watched her go, not understanding exactly what the small demigod was doing.

There was a commotion ahead of them and the centurions escorting Reyna came to a halt, stopping her as well as their obstruction came into view,

Frank stood there with Dakota, Leila and Michael, Frank looked intimidating with his size and muscular crossed arms over his chest

"Why are we stopping?" Caius called as he pushed past the centurions and Reyna to come face to face with Frank, he faltered slightly as he looked up at the son of Mars

"W-What is the meaning of this obstruction Praetor Zhang?" he demanded though his voice squeaked slightly

"I have a right as Praetor to know where you are taking my colleague and on what charges she is being taken on" Frank said, his confidence radiating from him, he loomed a little over Caius

The weasely man took a step back "Well, Praetor Zhang, I have been given orders by the council to escort Praetor Ramirez to the dungeons where she will be held until her hearing"

"And what is the crime?" Frank asked, his eyes on the smaller man

"On the charges of deceiving the legion and aiding in the escape of another prisoner, using her position of power to help the enemies of Rome"

Frank's eyes darted to Reyna before returning to Caius, it was clear he didn't want to let them take Reyna away, but the charges were serious and he didn't have an argument in defence of her.

"Praetor Zhang" Reyna spoke clearly, the power in her voice never wavering "Step aside and allow the council to do their duties"

Frank looked at her, silently asking her if she was sure, she nodded and so he and the others stepped aside, Reyna nodded her thanks to each of them, but she would not have them risking their own positions for her, especially since they didn't know the whole story.

They continued their Journey, into New Rome and, more Romans watched on as Reyna was taken to the prison that they had there, it was small, not many went against the rule of Rome, she was led in and taken down to the cells.

Caius's smile grew as Reyna walked calmly into the cell, the restraints taken from her wrists and the door locked tightly

"Wait for me upstairs" Caius addressed the centurions, the obeyed and their footsteps echoed into the distance, silence fell as Caius's cold eyes landed on Reyna again

"Nothing to say Reyna?" he asked smugly

Reyna remained quiet as she glared at Caius

He looked irked that she didn't retaliate at all, he pushed himself from the wall and towards the bars, careful not to get within arm's reach of Reyna

"Finally where you belong and make no mistake Reyna that I will do everything in my power to make sure you get the punishment that you saw fit for Octavian" his voice was filled with so much anger

Reyna held her tongue, she wanted to rip this guy's head off but that would not help the situation, no matter how good she would feel after it

Caius cursed in Latin at her lack of action and stalked out of the prison, leaving Reyna alone, she sat on the bed, taking a deep breath.

"This is it" she muttered to herself, her heart breaking