The Wings of Mercury
Copyright© 2025 by Lumpy
Chapter 27
Temporary Legion Hospital, Eastern Germania
“And make sure those supplies reach the forward aid stations by tomorrow,” Ky heard Lucilla say, her voice reaching him as he prepared to push his way through the tent flap. “I will not accept any delays.”
Ky smiled to himself. Although he spoke to her every day, it was different to hear her voice in person and not over the comms. Ky held up a hand, halting his lictore and directing them to wait outside the tent before entering into the darkened interior.
He was not interested in having this reunion in front of spectators.
“Yes, Empress. I’ll see to it personally,” the man inside said.
Lucilla gave him one of her curt, approving nods and was about to say something else when her eyes fell on Ky, and her brain seemed to short-circuit for a moment.
“Thank you,” she said as she seemed to shake herself awake. “You ... you may go.”
The man gave Ky a startled look, apparently not realizing he had come into the tent until he turned around, realized who he was, and gave a sort of half-bow, before hurrying out. Ky hadn’t meant to startle the man, but he’d wanted to keep from interrupting and knew he could, at times, be very quiet when he moved.
“What are you doing here?” she asked as soon as the man was gone. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?”
“I wanted it to be a surprise,” Ky said, smiling at her.
She crossed the tent in three quick strides and threw her arms around him, burying her face in his chest.
“Well, you certainly succeeded!”
Ky tilted her face up to look at him and bent down, kissing her deeply.
“How long can you stay?” she asked, a little out of breath when he finally pulled away.
“Not long. The front is still in turmoil. How is Titus?”