“How so? What influence do you think you have over a man you say detests you?” Despite appreciating Melissa’s point, Cassius intended to be difficult. He did not like being told what to do by a woman, especially a foreign one.
“Antony is a man the same as any other. You must simply learn what his weakness is and have the wits to exploit it when the time is right.” Melissa raised an eyebrow slightly as a subtle hint at what she really meant and waited to see if Cassius was bright enough to take her lead.
Cassius laughed immediately at the innuendo. “Well, that is simple then. All we need to do is get an unending supply of whores to service Antony’s cock and he will be ours! Fulvia will kill the poor bastard long before he is of no use to us, but I dare say it will be a memorable death!” The others fell about laughing at the prospect of Antony screwing himself to death and the tone of the conversation became more debased.
Melissa eyes had fallen to the floor at the mention of the word whore. She had known for some time that the only way she could control Antony was to give him what he wanted, but something in the way Cassius had made his joke repulsed her and she shuddered at the thought. Mark Antony still reminded her far too much of Anthony Marcus − her Anthony. She had spent so very long fending off the former’s advances, not wanting to taint the memory of the latter’s touch. Her decision to do so had allowed Rebecca a chance for revenge. The girl had stupidly welcomed Mark Antony to her bed as a way of fulfilling her own fantasies of Anthony Marcus. Rebecca had never wanted to see the difference between the two men and her infatuation with one had led to her death because of the actions of the other. Now Melissa faced a similar prospect. She had to try to keep the man she loved separate from the man she knew she had to sleep with, but for her the stakes were far higher. At least her eyes were wide open to the risk she had to take.
Brutus had said nothing since introducing Melissa to the group. He preferred to listen and weigh the merits of both sides of the argument objectively before coming to a decision. Much of what Melissa said made sense. Lepidus was his brother-in-law, but he had not been approached to join their plot as he was known to be both loyal to Caesar and prone to hesitancy. Antony was a man of action and had been approached by Trebonius whilst he was out of Caesar’s favour. Antony had refused to join them, but had so far done nothing to betray them even though there had been plenty of opportunities for him to act.
Brutus had been watching Melissa closely throughout her exchange with Cassius. He had spotted the sudden change in her demeanour and believed it confirmed what he already thought she was planning. He knew as well as Cassius that there was only one way to control Mark Antony. As much as the thought of allowing Antony to touch her obviously disgusted his female guest, she was offering to do so for their cause. She had to be truly desperate to give up such a prize under the circumstances.
Brutus rose from his reclined position, but remained seated on his couch. He spoke suddenly and with more authority than any of his compatriots could have managed, instantly silencing the room. “Whilst I am sure we can all draw much amusement from speculating how Antony could be brought to heel, I feel it would be better for all of us if the exact details remain beyond our knowledge. I trust that our guest will illuminate that particular path at the appropriate time.” He stood and raised his glass “I have heard enough. I believe I speak for us all when I say we accept your offer of assistance and will heed all of your advice. Antony will not die by our hands. You have my word on it.” He smiled at Melissa briefly. “I propose a toast to Lissa. For without her change of loyalties, we would surely be dead already.”
The others in the room raised their glasses and echoed Brutus’ toast. Cassius looked less than pleased to have been outmanoeuvred by a woman, but he made no further argument. Trebonius looked relieved. The thought of killing a man who had been his close friend for many years did not sit well with him. He owed Antony a great deal and liked him, despite Antony’s many failings. He nodded in appreciation to Melissa who smiled in return.
The gathering continued for another hour, discussing the finer details of the plan before Melissa noticed the light was fading. As much as she wanted to stay to find out every last fact, she knew Vitruvius would be returning shortly and he would be anxious to leave. She attracted the slave’s attention as he was refilling the glasses and sent him to Brutus to tell him she had to leave. Ever the congenial host, he rose and made excuses on her behalf.
Melissa said farewell to those in the room and followed Brutus into the hall. She had one last request to make of him in private and asked him to send the slave away so she could speak.
“Brutus, you must understand that if the totality of my betrayal is realised, I will be as good as dead. I have no concern for myself, but I am responsible for the child of the friend Trebonius spoke of. I swore to his mother on her deathbed that no harm would ever come to him. So this is the true price for my assistance. I want you to arrange for a small parcel of land with a dwelling large enough to support the boy and his remaining guardian. I want it to be purchased in the name of Quintus Vitruvius. I believe somewhere near Ariminum would be acceptable, as that is where Vitruvius calls home. He and the boy may also need safe passage out of the city if anything should happen to me before you and your colleagues can act. If that should be the case, I will instruct Vitruvius to throw himself upon your mercy. In return, I will uphold my end of our bargain regardless of the personal cost. I shall give Caesar reason to doubt my information, keep Antony off-guard and ensure he is delayed on the Ides. I will entertain him as long as I am able, but I urge you not to delay on any account.”
Brutus looked thoughtful for a moment then nodded. “I agree to your terms as they are far less than I had anticipated. Vitruvius and the child will have my protection, so long as I am master of this house. I fear, Lissa, it is you who are making the greatest sacrifice of all, and I sincerely hope it does not prove too great a decision for you to live with.” Brutus leant forward and politely kissed Melissa’s cheek. “Farewell, Lissa. It is inadvisable for us to meet so openly again. It could leave you far more exposed than is necessary. I will send word to you when the arrangements you have requested have been made.” Brutus turned and re-joined his other guests, leaving Melissa to wait for Vitruvius in the hall.
Chapter 20
It was late when Vitruvius returned to the house of Brutus to collect Melissa. He was deeply concerned when Brutus’ slave had insisted he leave and return after dark, but he was given little choice and reluctantly did as he was asked. On returning home, he gave Antonius and Renna the lamest of excuses for Melissa’s absence that afternoon. It had taken an age to get Antonius to sleep in the evening without hearing his usual lullaby that Melissa always sang in her strange language.
Before he left the house, Vitruvius checked in on Antonius. Vitruvius looked down at him sleeping peacefully, and a sense of pride filled his chest. He may not have been Antonius’ real father, but to him the boy was as good as a son. He gently stroked the child’s hair and then left the house to resume his mission to retrieve Melissa.
Vitruvius had become increasingly annoyed with Melissa over the afternoon for failing to explain her actions properly. She was playing a dangerous game in being away from the house without permission and it would mean the end of them all if she were found to be missing. Vitruvius knew that she was still wary of him despite everything that had happened over the years, but he failed to see how he was supposed to protect her and little Antonius if she insisted on keeping secrets. His greatest fear was that she still doubted his loyalties, but she had no need: Vitruvius’ loyalties to Antony, such as they were, had died with Rebecca, and he could no longer bear to be in the presence of the man he had once looked up to, but now loathed.
Antony was not the only man to have dropped in Vitruvius’ estimation. He had fought for Caesar loyally for many years, believing him to be a defender of the common people, but Caesar no longer seemed to have the interests of the people at heart.
Caesar’s return from Egypt with Cleopatra and her bastard son was the final straw. The whore queen, as Vitruvius preferred to refer to her, seemed to have a compelling influence over Caesar. The principles of the Republic were dying at Caesar’s own hand, making Vitruvius realise that Caesar was the same as every other senator – interested only in his own gains. Secretly Vitruvius wanted to see Caesar’s reign ended by any means. It was treason to think in such a way and he never spoke openly of his feelings, even to Melissa, who was still reliant on Caesar for her safety. The only thing that truly mattered to Vitruvius was Antonius, and he would rather die than let any harm come to the child.
Melissa and Vitruvius hardly spoke on the journey back to the house. He asked her about her afternoon, but she side-stepped his questions, as he knew she would. She did seem unusually quiet though. Melissa knew that the best protection there could be for her surrogate family was for them to know as little as possible. She might well be able to control Antony for a time, but she could never really trust him. She knew Antony was aware of a move to dispose of Caesar and that he had chosen to do nothing, at least not yet. For the first time in his life Antony was exercising caution, preferring to be sure of his facts before acting on the rumours that had reached him. Despite this newly-developed control he was demonstrating, Melissa knew that Antony would kill them all without a second thought if he believed they were complicit in any plot to kill Caesar. She had needed to make sure that she had a back-up plan to secure Antonius’ safety and tonight she felt certain all the pieces were finally in place. Arrangements had been made to get the rest of her family out of the city when the time came. Brutus was an honourable man and she knew that he would keep his word all the while he had power. Now the final arrangements were in place for his new life, Melissa intended to tell Vitruvius everything once they were safely back home, but not in the street where they ran the risk of being overheard.
Melissa liked Brutus and she was certain that he could restore the Republic, given the chance, but not alone nor with the men who followed in his wake. They were little more than sheep following a family name. To truly succeed, he needed Antony. Both men had qualities the other did not possess. With Caesar gone, Brutus would have the allegiance of the ruling classes in the Senate, but Antony would control the army. Apart, they were destined to battle with each other for supremacy, but together they had the potential to restore the Republic to its former glory. It was an interesting prospect and worthy of consideration.
Melissa had again reached a crossroads and, for the second time, she was unsure what to do. She had always tried so hard not to change the past for fear of what it could do to her future, but to change the outcome of this event could make the world a better place for so many millions of people across the centuries. The Egyptians may have believed Cleopatra to be a god, but in that brief moment, Melissa actually had the power of one. The possibilities both frightened and excited her. She had an opportunity to change history, but would life be better or worse if she did? The decision loomed before her as if she once again stood on the banks of her own personal Rubicon: should she cross the tempestuous waters into the realm of the unknown, or remain safe on the shores of certainty?
When they arrived at the house, they were both shocked to find the front door slightly ajar. Vitruvius placed his fingers on his lips, signalling Melissa to remain silent and pushed her behind him. He drew his sword slowly to make as little noise as he could and moved forward to the door. He stopped and listened. There were the muffled sounds of voices coming from within. He could not tell who they belonged to, but reasoned that they would be engrossed in their conversation and might not hear him approach. He pushed the door open slowly, and stepped inside. The hallway was lit by the oil lamps he had left burning, but there was no sign of Renna, who was supposed to be taking care of Antonius.
Vitruvius motioned for Melissa to enter and then closed the door as quietly as he could. “Is that a good idea?” Melissa asked in a whisper. “Are we not blocking our own escape route?”
Vitruvius shrugged. “You are the one blessed with foresight – you tell me!” he replied in a hushed tone.
At that moment he heard someone squealing. He knew it had to be Antonius. “Stay here!” he ordered, pushing Melissa against the wall. He broke into a run and followed the sound towards Melissa’s sleeping quarters, dreading what he might see. His heart was pounding from fear. He sped into the room sword raised, ready to strike, but he pulled up short at the sight that met his eyes. Lying across Melissa’s bed were Antonius and Mark Antony. The boy was squealing from delight because Antony was wrestling with him. They both looked towards Vitruvius in surprise at his entrance.
“Vittores!” Antonius shouted. He wriggled free of Antony’s grasp and ran to Vitruvius, hugging his legs tightly. “This man played with me! Look at it!” He thrust his tiny hand upwards proudly showing off a small carved wooden boat that Antony must have given him.
Antony had rolled onto his back. He appeared to be fairly drunk and was laughing at Vitruvius, who was still holding his sword above his head. He reached for a flask of wine that was standing beside the bed and addressed Vitruvius, still laughing as he did so. “I would put that away if I were you. You may hurt someone.” He drained the flask and dropped it carelessly on the floor.
Melissa had failed to obey Vitruvius’ instruction to remain in the hall. She was sickened by the thought of finding Antonius being tortured in some way by their intruder, but she had to go to him. She entered the room a moment later and was equally shocked at what she saw. She stared at Antonius who had released Vitruvius and was now running back to the bed, onto which he dived, and began to attack Antony, trying to resume their play-fight. Antony lay back initially, still laughing, allowing the boy to jump on him and pinch him with his tiny hands, until his eyes met Melissa’s. Instantaneously his mood changed. He lifted Antonius with one hand under the boy’s chest, dangling him over the edge of the bed. His expression was deadly serious. Both Melissa and Vitruvius froze in fear.
Vitruvius lowered his sword. He swallowed hard to force away the lump that had formed in his throat and spoke. “Please do not hurt him, consul. He is just a child.”
For a moment, Antony did not respond. His mouth had twisted tightly and his face was turning red either from rage or from the exertion of holding the boy in mid-air. Then in a flash, his mood changed back. Antony grinned and lowered the boy until his feet were on the floor. “Enough,” he said to Antonius. “You must go to sleep now,” he leaned closer to the boy and added quietly, “and I am in trouble with the lady of the house for keeping you up so late.”
Antonius looked despondent. Antony put his hands on Antonius’ shoulders turning him to face Vitruvius. He playfully smacked the boy on the bottom. “Go! We will play again another day. You have my word on it,” he said, and pushed Antonius away.
Vitruvius had put his sword back into its hilt. He bent and gathered Antonius into his arms, lifting him up. Without even realising he had done it, he half-turned his body so that he was now forming a physical barrier between Antony and Antonius. He never took his eyes off Antony as he backed towards the door to stand next to Melissa.
Melissa kissed Antonius gently on the cheek. “You are in big trouble, young man,” she said gently. She looked at Antony, who resumed his casual pose on the bed, reclining on one arm. It was obvious he was in no hurry to go anywhere. “Where is Renna?” she said quietly, hoping only Vitruvius would hear her, but she failed.
It was Antony who answered her question. “Locked in her room, where she should be. You allow her far too much freedom for a slave.”
“If you have hurt her in any way ...” Melissa began.
“You will do what?” Antony replied coldly. “She is still mine to do with as I please, and it pleases me to lock her up.” Antony and Melissa glared at each other for a moment before Antony’s face relaxed again. “Have no fear, I have not touched her. She was unwilling to allow me entry to my house and so I fou
nd it necessary to teach her some manners. That is all I have done.” He waved his hand, motioning for them to leave, but turned his attention to Vitruvius. “You may go and release her if you wish,” he said in a condescending tone. As they all turned to leave Antony spoke again. “She stays,” he said casually.
Melissa and Vitruvius exchanged a look that betrayed the renewed fear that each of them was suddenly feeling. Vitruvius whispered to Melissa “I will not leave you alone with him. Not like this.”
Melissa closed her eyes briefly. She shivered with revulsion at the thoughts flooding her mind. She had not anticipated that this would happen so soon. In her plan, she intended to sleep with Antony much later, say around the Kalends of March. That way she would limit her exposure to him and maximise any influence she gained. If she gave in to him now, tonight, she would be forced to do so again and again for the next four months. He would be the one in control, not her. Worse still, Caesar might discover their affair before Brutus could fulfil his end of their bargain and get both Vitruvius and Antonius to safety. The die was once again cast, but this time for her. She had no choice but to go through with it and try to retrieve the situation later.
Melissa placed her hand on Vitruvius’ arm and opened her eyes. “I will be fine, you go to Renna,” she said weakly, then added, “I have foreseen this. He will not hurt me.” She hoped she had said the words with enough conviction for Vitruvius to believe her even though she was having trouble believing them herself.
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