Read Online Selene of Alexandria by Faith L. Justice - Free Book Online
Authors: Faith L. Justice
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Selene assumed Rebecca – had arranged a spray of lilies to complement one of her father's favorite fishing scenes on the wall. Oil lamps depending from a chandelier shed a soft glow, creating an air of intimacy appropriate for discourse.
Nicaeus and Selene arrived in the vestibule to see the impressive figure of the Prefect conducting an animated conversation with their father. Archdeacon Timothy, a barrel-chested man who seemed totally unencumbered by a shriveled left leg, thumped Phillip on the back as the latter finished a story.
Selene made a deep curtsy.
"Lady Selene." Orestes took her hand and raised her to her feet. "It is good of you to receive me on such short notice."
When her eyes met his cool green gaze, she stopped breathing. She felt a blush rising and ducked her head, unable to meet the eyes that seemed to see into her soul. "Th-thank you, sir. Welcome to my father's house." She retrieved her hand and turned to the rest of the party. "Archdeacon Timothy, it's so good to see you again. I'm pleased to welcome you to my father's house." She bowed slightly to her father. "I hope the preparations are to your satisfaction, Sir. Shall we repair to the courtyard?"
Her father's eyes glowed with pride. "I'm sure all will be perfect, my child." He took her arm and gestured to the rest of the party to proceed. "Please, let's see what miracle Selene has wrought."
Cook did well, Selene thought as she surveyed the remains of the feast. The lamb spiced with cardamom and the marinated palm hearts were particularly fine. The bones of the fowl stuffed with liver and onions littered platters. She had not tried the eels, but the men seemed to enjoy them. She would have to remember to commend Cook for her efforts. Selene reclined on her couch, sipping watered wine, listening to Orestes and Phillip regale the dinner party with stories of adventure and piracy.
They seemed easy with each other and her father watched Phillip with barely concealed surprise. But then, her brother always seemed to mix well in whatever company he found himself – high or low. It was the low company which sparked Calistus' stern disapproval.
The conversation turned to council business – increasing disorder in the city and the need for more guards – as the servants removed the platters. The house staff looked fine in their matching livery of white with a deep blue stripe on their tunics. Rebecca, in a fresh robe and neatly dressed hair, exchanged a few pleasantries with Phillip then continued to carry a bowl of rose-scented water and linen towels to each guest to wash their hands.
Another servant stood ready to serve candied figs and dates stuffed with nuts. Selene gave him a hand signal to offer the treats to the guests. Orestes chose one of each and nibbled in a peculiarly dainty manner. Selene noted with annoyance that Nicaeus took a more than generous share. She waved the servant past her own plate to make sure there were plenty for the others. Concentrating on the logistics of the meal, the sound of her name took Selene by surprise.
"Selene, I understand you are quite an athlete." Orestes smiled at her. His slightly parted lips revealed a crooked front tooth. Her breath caught in her chest. She opened her mouth to reply.
"She's faster than anyone I've seen, especially over long distances," Nicaeus broke in. "You should see her leap a wash or take a hill. The gazelles can't even keep up with her. She's good with a javelin and sling as well, but I can outshoot her with a bow."
Selene felt the heat rising in her face and was grateful for the lamp's flickering shadows. The uncertain light also hid the murderous glance she sent her brother, but did nothing to leach the warning tone from her words. "Nicaeus, I'm sure our honored guest doesn't want to hear about me."
"On the contrary, I admire women who can take care of themselves. The native women in Britannica are superb athletes. Many are warriors and leaders of warriors more feared by
Nicaeus and Selene arrived in the vestibule to see the impressive figure of the Prefect conducting an animated conversation with their father. Archdeacon Timothy, a barrel-chested man who seemed totally unencumbered by a shriveled left leg, thumped Phillip on the back as the latter finished a story.
Selene made a deep curtsy.
"Lady Selene." Orestes took her hand and raised her to her feet. "It is good of you to receive me on such short notice."
When her eyes met his cool green gaze, she stopped breathing. She felt a blush rising and ducked her head, unable to meet the eyes that seemed to see into her soul. "Th-thank you, sir. Welcome to my father's house." She retrieved her hand and turned to the rest of the party. "Archdeacon Timothy, it's so good to see you again. I'm pleased to welcome you to my father's house." She bowed slightly to her father. "I hope the preparations are to your satisfaction, Sir. Shall we repair to the courtyard?"
Her father's eyes glowed with pride. "I'm sure all will be perfect, my child." He took her arm and gestured to the rest of the party to proceed. "Please, let's see what miracle Selene has wrought."
Cook did well, Selene thought as she surveyed the remains of the feast. The lamb spiced with cardamom and the marinated palm hearts were particularly fine. The bones of the fowl stuffed with liver and onions littered platters. She had not tried the eels, but the men seemed to enjoy them. She would have to remember to commend Cook for her efforts. Selene reclined on her couch, sipping watered wine, listening to Orestes and Phillip regale the dinner party with stories of adventure and piracy.
They seemed easy with each other and her father watched Phillip with barely concealed surprise. But then, her brother always seemed to mix well in whatever company he found himself – high or low. It was the low company which sparked Calistus' stern disapproval.
The conversation turned to council business – increasing disorder in the city and the need for more guards – as the servants removed the platters. The house staff looked fine in their matching livery of white with a deep blue stripe on their tunics. Rebecca, in a fresh robe and neatly dressed hair, exchanged a few pleasantries with Phillip then continued to carry a bowl of rose-scented water and linen towels to each guest to wash their hands.
Another servant stood ready to serve candied figs and dates stuffed with nuts. Selene gave him a hand signal to offer the treats to the guests. Orestes chose one of each and nibbled in a peculiarly dainty manner. Selene noted with annoyance that Nicaeus took a more than generous share. She waved the servant past her own plate to make sure there were plenty for the others. Concentrating on the logistics of the meal, the sound of her name took Selene by surprise.
"Selene, I understand you are quite an athlete." Orestes smiled at her. His slightly parted lips revealed a crooked front tooth. Her breath caught in her chest. She opened her mouth to reply.
"She's faster than anyone I've seen, especially over long distances," Nicaeus broke in. "You should see her leap a wash or take a hill. The gazelles can't even keep up with her. She's good with a javelin and sling as well, but I can outshoot her with a bow."
Selene felt the heat rising in her face and was grateful for the lamp's flickering shadows. The uncertain light also hid the murderous glance she sent her brother, but did nothing to leach the warning tone from her words. "Nicaeus, I'm sure our honored guest doesn't want to hear about me."
"On the contrary, I admire women who can take care of themselves. The native women in Britannica are superb athletes. Many are warriors and leaders of warriors more feared by
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