by Ryan Lew
Caesar smiled and let out a small laugh. “I play my game and everyone else is simply a pawn. Present company excluded. And as far as my mistress and her loose lips, I prefer lips like that. Makes for better sex.” Crassus was not amused. “You needn’t worry,” Caesar continued, “I tend to her every financial need and she will never give that up. Now, must we stay longer? I grow weary of politicians.”
“Humor me. Stay the whole meeting for once. Maybe you will hear something of interest. And if not, maybe you won’t anger the entire group of men before you.”
Chapter 31
Livius was sitting in one of his favorite spots in the house, finally finding solitude in his chair. Too much had happened in the last few days. A web had been spun, and webs tended to be sticky things. This particular web had put his son and his house in danger, and that did not sit well with Livius.
He was so lost in thought, he barely noticed Cato’s approach. The other slaves had been dismissed and Livius guessed it was Cato’s doing. That was not good news. Cato usually did this when he had something important to discuss. It was not what Livius needed right now.
“Dominus,” Cato said. “Might I have a word?”
“Pour yourself a cup of wine Cato and join me.”
Cato did not move.
“Is there a problem?” Livius asked.
“Apologies,” Cato said. “It is just that in all the time I have known you, you have never offered wine.”
Livius thought for a moment. “Then it is I who owe you an apology. Please, join me.”
Cato brought the wine to Livius and topped off his glass. Livius motioned for him to fill his own. He did so, then took a seat.
“Gratitude for the wine,” Cato said and took a sip. “I have not had wine in quite some time.”
“I hope the taste brings back pleasant memories.”
The two men sat for a while, enjoying their drinks before either of them spoke.
Livius was the first. “How long have you been under my roof?”
“Since Justina and Atilius were but babies.”
“And how do you find my accommodations?”
“Your household has been fair,” Cato said without hesitation. “We all appreciate that you choose not to stand by the whip.”
Livius smiled. “When I was younger, violence often proved the best deterrent. Now, as I get on in years, simple words find same results.”
“I am glad that is your way, Dominus. However, I fear your loins may have found original path.”
Livius knew exactly of what Cato spoke, though he was a bit surprised at the comment. Surely he understood that Fabricius did as commanded, that the slaughtering of slaves was not in his nature. “What you saw in the arena was a command from a very powerful man in Rome.”
“I know of Caesar and his reputation from many years ago. However, this is not the first slave killed at the hands of your son in the recent past. I am worried this is becoming a thirst.”
“Nonsense,” Livius said sternly. Though he treated Cato as a confidant, he was more than a little annoyed at his boldness. “I know my son. You know my son. He is of good heart. But he is a soldier, and a soldier does as commanded, whether or not that command is welcome. Soon enough, he will be a leader and you will not see same choices made.”
Cato took another sip of wine. After a few moments, he spoke again, “And what of your youngest son? I do not mean to speak out of turn, but he longs for the Roman Army and the ability to kill. He took much pleasure in seeing the killing of those slaves yesterday.”
Cato was right, more than Livius wanted to admit. “Living under this roof, under my rules cannot be easy. He is ready for the next stage in his life. He has yet to find a girlfriend, which would ease built up tension.”
The two men shared a knowing laugh.
“He worships his brother and looks up to Lucilius,” Livius continued, “He is more bark than bite.”
“It is his bite that has caused injury to both Antonia and Justina in recent days.”
The news was not completely unexpected. Justina had been bandaged after all. She and Atilius had been at each other’s throats the last few weeks, and those feuds often ended in the sparring room. It wasn’t entirely her fault. In fact, Livius himself had routinely pointed the boys to the same spot in their youth. It was a good place for energetic boys to settle feuds. Not so much for girls. But he had not heard of harm coming to Antonia, though it did explain Justina’s recent plea.
“Apologies for any harm that has occurred to Antonia. I was unaware. She is quiet and respectful. A good addition to our home. I fear that her association with my daughter may have invited confrontation. If further harm comes to her, or any slaves at Atilius’, or his friend’s hand, please inform me. We do not harm slaves unwarranted in this household.”
“Gratitude,” Cato said. He was about to take another sip of wine when Alba entered the room.
“Is this what you choose to do now after simple argument between us?” Alba demanded.
Cato jumped up so fast, he almost spilled his drink. “Apologies Domina,” he said and bowed his head. He turned to Livius. “Thank you for your counsel, Dominus.”
Livius raised his glass and nodded.
Alba watched Cato leave the room, then returned her attention, arms folded, to Livius. “My husband sits in general conversation with a slave? Drinking wine as if a senator was occupying the next seat?”
“You act surprised by my actions.”
“Surprised? If the outside world were to learn that you choose to share wine with slave and not wife, it would ruin us.”
“Cato is a better confidant than most Romans. He has been loyal friend to me and to this house for many years.”
Alba remained standing. “Your wife is the only confidant you need. You should remember this. One argument and you choose to avoid me, our bed.”
It was true, Livius had been avoiding the bedroom since the other night. It was easier to slip in once Alba was asleep and leave long before she rose. It was partially due to the fight and partially due to seeing Servilia again. The meeting had stirred memories he thought long ago buried, and he was looking at his marriage through a different lens.
“We have had several years of coexistence,” he said without looking at his wife. “To say our total years peaceful together would be a ruse. You are the mother of my children, and thus, I do everything to make sure we remain as one. If avoiding our bed for a few nights helps in that cause, then let it be.”
Alba unfolded her arms and slid into the seat next to her husband. “Our complex past is filled with many secrets,” she said softly. “We harm one another if secrets were to be revealed to wrongful people.”
Her words caught Livius’ attention. “It is you who speak of jealousy for Servilia. A relationship born over twenty-five years ago, and dead almost as long.”
Alba sat up straight. “You speak of jealousy as if it were confined to my side of the bed. Was it not you who found two slaves in our bedchamber with me as the third willing participant? You neglected my needs so that even I stooped to such a low level for satisfaction.”
It was not a memory Livius wanted to re-live. Walking in on his wife engaged in intercourse with two slaves was bad enough. Having one of those slaves be male, did more than hurt him, it wounded his pride. It cut him deeper than she could ever know. Anger sparked in his eyes. “To find one’s wife in that position was not one of jealousy, but anger. Have you not been full of jealousy since the first day I took Justina into this household? You no longer being the only female of my attention.”
“You and I have not seen eye to eye on numerous things,” she swiped back. “We do for our children as we must. I long for the day that your favorite child leaves, the one not born of this house or from either of our loins.”
Livius let Alba simmer. He took a slow drink before continuing. “I have recently had words with her about this. She is set to purpose.”
The news clearly took Alb
a by surprise.
“You have been a good wife and mother to all of our children,” he paused, “all four of them. I would not want otherwise. In fact, tomorrow as we celebrate Atilius’ eighteenth, I have preparations to make it even better. Fabricius told me not thirty minutes ago that he intends to take Justina to the square and for horseback ride. I know that Atilius will be happy to have her absent.”
“Well, that is good news,” Alba replied. “Fabricius always the peacemaker. Maybe you are right. Maybe I overreacted to news of you and Servilia meeting up. It was not of your doing, nor hers. She beds a very powerful man. And why would she ever want to be with the man responsible for killing her husband so many years ago?”
Livius frowned, and his eyes narrowed. “I shared that information with you after too many glasses of wine, to calm your jealousy of my past women. You said you would never mention that again, and yet here we are, and it comes spewing from your lips.”
“As I said, Livius. We are a team. But make no mistake, your past is very clouded.” She stood. “Facts like these and others would cost you the respect of your family, and love of your daughter. I offer gift tomorrow to Atilius and you will honor said gift with open arms. Any other reaction, and revelations will come forward.” She turned to leave, then paused. “Find yourself in guest chambers tonight,” she said and left.
Livius took another drink and wondered if any of the choices he had made in life had been correct. Suddenly, his chair did not seem so relaxing.
Chapter 32
march 13, 55 BC
After months of pestering, Livius had surprised him with the horse. Fabricius was but a child of twelve. They had found a good, clean stable to house it, and he had come to see it every day since. It took some time to learn how to ride it properly, but Fabricius had put the time in willingly. The stables were his escape. Being atop Arion as he ran was one of the grandest moments he had ever experienced. He didn’t know what flying felt like, but he imagined it was something like this and couldn’t have been happier had he been on the winged Pegasus itself. Sometimes he’d be lost for hours, rushing home to face the consternation of his parents.
He had hoped to join the Equites unit but couldn’t bear to see his Parthian Stallion in battle. So he told no one of its existence. Only his mother and father knew of the horse. “Let’s keep this as our little secret,” his father had told him.
He snuck away often in his youth to ride, groom, or just be alone with his Arion. His favorite meal was barley, and Livius kept him well stocked. That is, until Fabricius took over the financial responsibility himself. Lately, Fabricius would visit Arion before his patrol, but often afterward as well, before he went home. The animal helped him relax.
“Keep them closed,” Fabricius said. He was holding his hands over Justina’s eyes. She had a hold on his arms, trying with all her might to pull his hands away. She was having little luck.
“Where are you taking me?” she asked.
“It’s a surprise.”
“I already know we are around horses,” Justina said. “Their odor betrays them. Besides, you invited me on a horseback ride, did you not?”
“That I did, but I did not tell you on what horse,” Fabricius said and pulled his hands away. In front of Justina was a beautiful, strong chestnut horse with a dark, brown mane, standing nearly eighteen hands high. His black tail almost wagging.
“He’s beautiful!”
“He’s mine,” Fabricius answered. The horse’s ear twitched, when he spoke.
Justina turned to Fabricius. “What do you mean he’s yours?”
“He’s mine. Father bought him for me when I was a mere youth.”
“And you have never shared him?”
“I was not allowed to tell anyone of his existence.”
“Anyone?” Justina questioned.
Fabricius smiled. “Only mother and father know.”
The horse walked over to Fabricius and nibbled his ear. Justina laughed. “He is certainly fond of you.”
Fabricius stroked Arion’s face. “He well should be. I see him every day and ride him most days.”
“Can I touch him?”
“Of course, he loves to be petted.”
Justina laid her hand on Arion’s muzzle. It was soft and warm. She pet him several times. Fabricius smiled.
“What is his name?”
“Arion,” he said.
“The horse in the Illiad?”
“The very one.” Fabricius was pleased Justina knew the origin of the name.
“He is just lovely.”
“I am glad you like him. Are you ready for a ride?”
Justina nodded. Fabricius moved to check Arion’s saddle.
“What have you planned for me?” she asked. “Honestly, take me to the sewers and I will be grateful. Anything but being with Atilius and his jackal friends.”
Fabricius stopped his preparations and turned to Justina. “I over-reached in planning then. A simple sewer tour and you would have been happy? I shall remember that for our second date.”
“So this is a date,” Justina said and smiled. “I wonder how father would feel. Should I go let him in on that fact? And what of mother? Always trying to get me out of the house and meeting a man. Would she be pleased to know I have met a man, that is of her blood?”
“If you are going to tease me the entire day, then we should make this brief. Atilius would be glad to have you alongside him for the day.”
Justina smiled coyly. “Truth be told, I tease you to calm my nerves. If I were to date anyone, why not someone I already know and love?”
Fabricius took Justina in him arms. “I have a nice day scheduled for us. Hopefully it will last long enough for you to miss the birthday festivities.” Before she could answer, Fabricius lifted Justina up onto the horse, positioning her just behind the saddle. He placed his foot in the stirrup and, in one single move, was in the saddle in front of her.
She placed her arms around his middle and kissed him on the back of the neck. Her kiss was warm and unexpected.
“Today is going to be a day we will not soon forget,” said Justina. “I am already blessed by the Gods in Atilius’ absence this morning. Though I at least wanted to wish him a happy birthday.”
“He was too excited to wait for breakfast. Lucilius took him down to registration so he can officially start his training this upcoming week.”
Fabricius pulled the reins and led Arion out of the stable. When they had reached the open field, he stopped the horse. “Hold on,” he said. Justina tightened her grip and leaned into him. He gave Arion the command and the horse bolted forward, so fast that Justina almost lost her grip.
“Your horse is well-named.”
Fabricius led Arion around the field, over hills, and through streams. Arion did not miss a beat. He followed Fabricius’ commands just as they occurred, either from rein or heel. It was as if the two were of one mind, one purpose. Time flew as quickly as did Arion, and before they knew it, they had reached the market.
Fabricius dismounted first, then helped Justina slide off the horse’s side. She walked over and cupped Arion’s face, then kissed him on the muzzle. Fabricius led the horse as the two walked slowly around the colorful booths, eyeing the wares.
“I love the market,” Justina said.
“Do you?”
“I do. I have ever since Cato took me here as a young girl. The sounds of vendors barking, the smell of herbs and oils. It is the only place you can catch a glimpse of the world outside Rome.”
It is a world, Fabricius imagined, Justina longed to see. She was walking down an aisle when she paused before a table of jewelry.
“Has something caught your eye?” Fabricius asked.
“No,” Justina said quickly.
Fabricius laughed. “Do not lie to me. We have passed dozens of tables and yet this one gives you pause.”
“I have no desire for materialistic things. I wear father’s gifts over the years with pride.”
“Do you like it?” Fabricius asked.
Justina did not speak. She was smiling brightly.
“Of course she likes it,” the vendor said. “Can you not see it in her eyes?”
“He’s right,” Fabricius said. “You do love it.”
“No,” Justina said. “I mean yes, I like it, but no, it is far too much for you to spend. I do not need it.”
“We do not buy because we need,” the vendor chirped in. “We buy because we desire.”
“You deserve it, and I want you to be happy,” said Fabricius. “Your brother will be receiving many gifts today. I would not have you feel left out.”
Fabricius turned and haggled with the vendor, before Justina could object further. Maybe it was his size, or perhaps the horse standing stalwartly behind him, but the vendor gave Fabricius what seemed more than a fair price.
“It is yours. Justina pulled him into her and kissed him. They kissed so long that Arion even seemed to blush.
As they continued down the aisle, Fabricius led them to a vendor selling food. He bought enough for two, plus wine and an apple for Arion.
“What have you planned?” Justina asked coyly.
“Come,” he said, and led Justina and Arion away from the market.
“Where are you taking me?”
“Someplace quieter so we may be ourselves.”
When they reached an open spot, Fabricius lifted Justina back on Arion and then jumped into the saddle in front of her. He led Arion out of the city into the countryside, back toward the stables, then took a turn up into the hills surrounding Rome.
When they stopped, he slid off Arion and helped Justina down as well. As Justina was taking in the views, Fabricius removed Arion’s saddle and blanket, opening it up on the grass. He placed the food and wine on the blanket, then went over and handed Arion the apple. As Justina turned around, she saw Fabricius whispering something into Arion’s ear.
