Chapter 74: Troubles In The Journey
"It would be better if you ride with me," Arioch said. "We got information that there is a bounty set on my head, again, because I "kidnapped" the Brute’s wife."
His tone held obvious mockery of Maximus. Alexandra could see the contempt Arioch has for Maximus.
She shook her head as she didn’t like the idea of riding with Arioch. And she didn’t like the mocking tone of Arioch.
She wondered if it would be possible for Maximus to learn that she is with Arioch already. And she didn’t think that Maximus would have announced to the public that his wife was kidnapped from right under his nose, but Arioch won’t say it if there isn’t truth to it.
She didn’t care either way.
She knew one thing. Taking her to Mount Begida is dangerous for Arioch and his men than for her. She didn’t think that Maximus would hurt her. He lies to her and it hurts her, but she didn’t think that he would hurt her.
But he would hurt Arioch!
She didn’t want either of them to get hurt. She didn’t know why. She should be hating on one and taking sides, but she couldn’t do that.
"Then that means I must ride alone. People will be looking for a woman of my stature getting held against her will and it wouldn’t arouse suspicion if I ride alone. You will have fake identities, right?" She asked as she remembered Arioch entering the Zemfir Castle with some papers. "Make it seem like I am a boy."
She observed Arioch and he didn’t look very good as he contemplated. There were a bunch of men around him who seemed to agree with her but they said nothing and waited on Arioch.
It reminded her of Maximus. His men would wait on him and for his decision but she never saw fear on their faces when engaging with him. There would be an air of familiarity in their conversations although he is a titled Emperor of the realm.
And Maximus would sit on the ground if he is tired and wouldn’t care for a chair especially a well-ornate one. He treated the knights as his peers and respected them as they respected him.