Gladiator Heart
When Lady Valeria Augusta Marianus is captured by the savage Pict army, she is fearful of her treatment by their renowned and fearless commander. His enemy is the Roman Empire and she is the Cesar’s niece, but Tristan Caileanach is nothing like the wild beast she imagined.Instead his ruggedly handsome face and toned body makes her long to be held in his powerful arms. And her traitorous body can only resist the heat of this fierce warrior’s touch for so long…One night in Tristan’s bed is all it takes for Valeria to give him her innocence and her heart. Yet she knows they have no future together – not when his hatred for all things Roman runs so deep. But when the Roman army descends on the camp and Tristan is enslaved and forced to be a Gladiator, facing death every day, suddenly their roles are reversed.Now all Valeria wants is to give him back his freedom, but Tristan’s only chance is to win it in the arena…
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When lady Valeria Augusta Marianus is captured by the savage Pict army, she is fearful of her treatment by their renowned and fearless commander. His enemy is the Roman Empire and she is the Emperorâs niece, but Tristan Caileanach is nothing like the wild beast she imagined. Instead his ruggedly handsome face and toned body make her long to be held in his powerful arms⦠And her traitorous body can only resist the heat of this fierce warriorâs touch for so longâ¦
One night in Tristanâs bed is all it takes for Valeria to give him her innocence and her heart. Yet she knows they have no future togetherânot when his hatred for all things Roman runs so deep. But when the Roman army descends on the camp and Tristan is enslaved and forced to be a gladiator, facing death every day, suddenly their roles are reversed. Now all Valeria wants is to give him back his freedom, but Tristanâs only chance is to win it in the arenaâ¦
ALYSSA MORGAN is a native of Minnesota, but has also lived in Hawaii and Utah, and now resides in Los Angeles. She has worked as a waitress, a bartender, a file clerk, and a licensed financial adviser, and many of her experiences have added to her true passion: writing romance. When sheâs not slaving away over her latest work or devouring a novel by one of her favorite authors, you can find her giving in to her shopping problem, sunning herself at the beach, enjoying a leisurely Sunday brunch, or spending time with her friends and family.
I have to thank all the early readers for their encouragement. Without you, this story probably wouldnât have seen the light of day. Iâd also like to thank all those at Carina UK who decided to take a chance on me and for helping me bring out the best in my work. Lastly, thanks to Tristan and Valeria for sharing their love story with me, and now, with you.
To my mom, who loves a timeless romance as much as I do.
Contents
A Legendâ¦
It is in times of darkness that legends are born. When the world has fallen under the rule of evil men, the people pray to the Gods to send them a hero. Sometimes the Gods choose to answer those prayers.
In the ancient city of Rome, from the bloodshed of the arena, gladiators were born. The purpose of these fighters was to impress people with the might and force of the Great Empire and to instill fear in the hearts of the enemy. The gladiators brought not only sport to the games of the arena, but also glory and power. They fought bravely and died well, and quickly became champions of the people. Men wanted to be them. Young women swooned at the thought of their physical strength and prowess. Even children idolized them, drawing their images on walls throughout the city.
Most of the gladiators were slaves, prisoners of war or condemned offenders. Their lives were worth little more than half a denarius. But it was the people, and not their ruler, who decided whether a gladiator had demonstrated sufficient spirit and courage to obtain his emancipation. The people could choose to grant a gladiator freedom, just as they could call for his execution on the spot.
If they were good, the gladiators became heroes. This is the tale of such a hero. A warrior delivered to the people by the Gods, in answer to their loyal and heartfelt prayers.
Chapter One
Caledonia
Winter 317 A.D.
Valeria Augusta Marianus, a valued daughter of Rome, knew she was going to die.
She stumbled lost and barefoot through the fresh layer of snow that blanketed the land in white starkness. Above her, the naked boughs of the trees hung heavy and low with their icy burden. The clash of the earlier battle had long since quieted and an unsettling calm filled the air.
Having been born with a poor sense of direction, Valeria didnât know if she was headed towards her home in the south, or further into the enemyâs territory to the north. It didnât really matter where she was, because with no warm clothes and no shelter in sight, she would soon freeze to death, unless the wolves got to her first. At least she didnât have to worry about finding food. She would be dead long before starvation could take her.
An icy wind rattled through the trees and ripped through the scant material of her tunic, chilling her all the way to her bones. Her teeth chattered, her hands and face were chapped raw from the cold, and her feet were frozen like blocks of ice. Perhaps she should make her grave in the very spot where she stood. Simply lie down, close her eyes, and wait for death to take her. Or maybe she should pray to the Gods for a miracle.
