It seemed that dinner was going to be years away. Years before I could talk to her. Hear her beautiful voice. Years before I could look into those eyes, black as the finest ink in the world.

She was a goddess amongst peasants. I dare not walk the same dirt as she. She's a slave, but to me, she's so much more. I worship her. A woman so enchanting that I may never discover where her body ends and her soul begins.

She may be a siren, but her music is the loveliest sound of all.

But, I dare ask myself, will my affections ever be returned?

I would never force myself on her. Many in the Legion have taken unwilling wives. She would never love me if I was inclined to do the same.

It seems the darker the world around me gets, the faster my heart beats. It beats only for her.

I sat at the end of the table and waited patiently for my muse.

She was making herself busy with meals. I find myself looking her up and down, admiring from a distance. I wonder if she enjoys cooking. And if she enjoys making meals for so many people every day.

I was too caught up in taking in the sights to realize Lucius sit next to me. I turned my attention to him, albeit hesitantly.

"I swear to Mars, you probably wouldn't even notice if the Fort was overrun with profligates dressed as brahmin. She's got you in the palm of her hand."

"I would hope she never let me go."

He rolled his eyes. "You sounds like a teenager with their first girlfriend.''

"If you don't mind, once she done and comes to sit, I would rather you leave. You tend to talk an abundance of rubbish."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. I get it," he scoffed.

"She's coming. I'll see you later. Ave."

'Ave, lovebird."

I kicked him in the shin right before Sennia took her seat. He winced and groaned in pain as he limped away.

"What was that about?"

"He's being an ass."

"Oh, well, I brought you a plate. I hope you like it."

She watched me intensely as I took a bite.

"In all honesty," I paused for effect. She stared with hurt and confusion.

"It's one of the best things I've ever eaten."

She brightened. "You really mean it?"

"I want you to know right now, Sennia, that would never lie to you."

She gave me a questioning look but didn't press further.

I ate the rest in a matter of minutes as we shared simple chatter.

"All right, all right. I have a joke. What is red and gold and brown all over?"

I sat quietly, wondering what it could be. After about twenty seconds of silence, I came up empty.

"I really have no idea."

She leaned in closer to my ear. "Otho," she whispered.

I was thinking about her body heat so close to mine. I didn't even hear the punchline. I laughed anyway to please her.

"Now you try."

This was a new experience. I never had to come up with a joke before. I thought for a moment before speaking.

I opened my mouth to talk as Lucius leaned over my shoulder from behind.

"Did he ever tell you about the time he ate bad gum drops and shit half way up the wall of the bathroom?"

Sennia threw her hand over her mouth to stifle a laugh. She failed miserably.

My face was hot red and I felt like I was on fire.

"And that was just last month. Hey Vulpes, is your ass okay now?"

Sennia was practically falling out of her chair. The whole table was staring in distaste at the sound of a slave actually laughing.

"I will speak with you later." I spit out through gritted teeth.

"All right, but don't kick again. That's a nasty habit."

He walked away practically giddy. I turned back to Sennia.

"I'm so terribly sorry for that. I told you he was an ass."

"I like him, he's funny."

She said she liked him. Him. What does she mean by that?

"I'll forget he even said that. For now. Anyway, weren't you suppose to help me with my Latin?"

"Oh, yes. We should start off with greetings and goodbyes."

It took a few tries but she got it eventually.

"It's getting late. I think I should go. I'm not supposed to be here at this time."

"Alright. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Okay. Vale."

I smiled with pride. "Vale."