These people have no clue about the things they've seen and done to walk back through these gates. If they did, they'd surely lose their dinner. Trotting through the streets as if they were heroes made him sick.
He had to do this, but by no means did he enjoy it. He swept his hair back, trying to think about anything other than the sea of people screaming in his ears. His eyes settled on the castle in the distance in an attempt to drown out the noise.
While he struggled to keep his composure, his third in command to his left seemed to be basking in the attention.
Out of the corner of his eye, he saw him raise his hand and smile at the women. Of course, any red-blooded man who had been on a campaign for as long as they would fiend for some female companionship.
Ian Mitchell continued interacting with the crowd while Maximus fought the urge to roll his eyes.
To his right, his second in command, Edgar Conners, sat atop his horse with his head held high and his eyes scanning the crowd for women he could enjoy the night with.
'I wonder if she's here….' He didn't look around. Instead, he tried to picture her in his mind's eye.
'She told me she's slightly taller than most women, which is perfect because I'm taller than most men. Her red hair reached down to her lower back, her build was delicate, her skin bronzed and her features soft.'
Maximus shifted uncomfortably on his horse.
He clenched his jaw. 'Damn it…it's happening again.'
Just imagining her was sending blood to an area a woman hadn't touched in years.
He'd have to control his urges long enough for her to get comfortable with him. Otherwise, like the beast he was, he'd scare her away.
"Edgar."
His second in command turned to him.
"Yes, commander?"
"If I get stuck in formalities with the King, I'd like you to deliver something for me."
"I'll take care of it. Is it another letter to your mystery woman?"
Maximus cut his eyes to glare at Edgar, then pulled the note from his bag and handed it over. After handing the man his message, his hand hung in the air for a moment longer. He had a strange feeling of déjà vu. He dismissed it, assuming it was because he had sent her many letters.
Edgar accepted it and placed it in his saddle bag.
"Commander?"
"Yes?"
"May I have a description of what this woman looks like? I know you didn't exchange names, but I cannot deliver a message to a woman I have not seen."
Maximus raised an eyebrow. "It seems to have been delivered okay for a year without our subordinates knowing what she looks like. Why do you require a description?"
He knew he was being a little too territorial, but he was frustrated in more ways than one and didn't want to bother with vexing questions.
Edgar had a slight look of disappointment in his eyes. He knew Ian was his best friend and had already recieved a description, he was slightly offended that even though he is the captains right hand, Ian knows everything about her.
Ian burst into laughter at Edgar's offended expression.
Edgar gruffed and eyed Ian, "Shut it you frosty-haired fucker."
This threw Ian into a fit of laughter. "Say what you want but ladies love the white hair!"
Maximus sighed in annoyance at the two. "Red hair, tan skin, taller than most women."
He wasn't just annoyed at Edgar; he was annoyed at having to entertain the King's conversation for the next… only God knows when.
Edgar nodded with a small smile.
Maximus sent up another prayer to be united with her soon and for her to be everything he thought she would be.
They were about 15 minutes from the castle at this point. 'Here we go….'