A Charioteer's Promise

by Tanya Bird

  Dulcia’s eyes met Licinia’s. Tears of relief poured down her cheeks.

  Everything seemed to move in slow motion from that point. Weapons were handed over, words exchanged. She could not comprehend any of it. They finally let Nero go, and he ran straight for her. Of course he did. There had never been a doubt in her mind that he would fight for her. He was captured by the guards once more. Then Felix and Albaus were in front of him, saying things she could not hear over the screaming in her ears. Mila stood in the same spot, silent, watching, heartbroken on her behalf. She knew the cost of walking away. Remus was at her side in the next breath, holding his unresponsive wife.

  Manius looked at Nero in a way Dulcia had never seen him look at anyone. It was pure hatred, a warning. Then she was walking off in the opposite direction, her eyes pausing on Nero a fraction longer than she had intended. Manius pulled on her arm and she faced forwards again. The crowd began to disperse, revealing a litter.

  A final look over her shoulder, a forbidden glance at everything she was leaving behind. Albaus kept hold of Nero while Felix shouted up at him, trying to talk him off the ledge.

  People refilled the space between them, and then he was gone from sight.

  Chapter 23

  Dulcia stood opposite her mother, body stiff and mind struggling to focus on the raised voices on the other side of the door. Rufus was telling Manius to calm down, and Manius was telling Rufus that they should wed that afternoon, that he wanted it done, that waiting would only invite more trouble. Then he said other things that made Tertia look away.

  ‘You are very lucky he is still prepared to marry you after your disappearing act last night.’ She shook her head. ‘You have jeopardised everything.’

  Dulcia’s closed fists were pressed into her stomach, helping to fill the emptiness. She did not reply.

  ‘You were supposed to be the one who broke the cycle.’

  That got Dulcia talking. ‘For goodness’ sake, Mother. You are disappointed. I get it. So am I.’

  Tertia leaned against the wall, hugging herself. The men’s voices were no longer raised but a consistent hum. They were safe to loiter with Aquila out of the house. She had left to avoid the drama, but not before throwing a filthy look in Dulcia’s direction.

  ‘I think it will be all right,’ Tertia said.

  Dulcia felt a surge of annoyance. ‘Will it? All right for whom?’

  Her mother looked up. ‘For everyone. You made a mistake, but you are not the first, and it is not the end of the world.’ It sounded as though she were trying to convince herself.

  Dulcia sucked in a breath. ‘I love Nero. I think you knew it before I did. And you must know I cannot just turn it off because everyone has decided I should.’

  Tertia looked taken aback. ‘You are confusing your friendship for something more.’

  ‘No I am not.’ Dulcia stepped away, releasing some of the pressure on her stomach. ‘I had planned to come here this morning, to tell you everything. I cannot marry Manius, because I belong to Nero, mind and body.’

  ‘Shush.’ Tertia rubbed her forehead. ‘If they hear you—’

  ‘Manius already knows, and Rufus must know.’

  Tertia pushed off the wall, her mouth pressed into a thin line. ‘How could you be so careless? So short-sighted?’ She was whisper-yelling. ‘That man is prepared to treat you like an empress. He wants you to be happy.’ Her hands went over her face, then fell away. ‘Last night…’ She could not finish. ‘That was not like you. Nero seems determined to destroy your future, and like a fool, you let him.’

  ‘Do not put this on him.’ She stared at her mother, feeling nothing but disconnect. The numbness made her brave. ‘I went to him when I realised I could not go through with the wedding, and we made a plan.’

  Tertia walked over, bringing her face inches from Dulcia’s. ‘That was your big plan? Fall into bed with him, throw away your future, and hope it works out in the end?’ She pointed a finger at the wall. ‘The only reason the wedding is still going ahead is because those men are trying to contain the damage. The alternative is public humiliation on both sides.’

  ‘To be clear, the only reason I am standing here is because that man, the one whose praises you sing, threatened the lives of everyone I love.’ She paused, panting. ‘I would not be surprised if he framed Licinia himself to ensure this exact outcome.’

  ‘He did no such thing.’

  ‘Of course you would defend him. You worship the man like a god, despite the fact that he would have thrown your other daughter into prison without a second thought if I had not agreed to his demands.’

  ‘His demands?’ Tertia threw her hands up. ‘Do you understand the shame you will bring on his family if people learn of your indiscretions? Manius did what any responsible man would do. He looked past your shortcomings and his own pride for the greater good. He controlled the situation and protected both families.’

  Dulcia closed her eyes, her thoughts fragmented by crushing heartbreak. ‘He will likely stop me from seeing Mila.’

  Tertia turned away. ‘Perhaps that is a good thing. The gods know I love that girl, but she has been a bad influence on you your entire life. And now we have Nero, a product of her terrible choices.’

  Dulcia could barely believe the words coming from her mother’s mouth. ‘That is an awful thing to say. Nero is a good man—’

  Tertia reeled back around. ‘Good men do not go around stealing other men’s wives.’

  ‘I was never Manius’s to begin with.’ Dulcia was no longer whispering.

  Both women jumped at the sound of the tablinum door opening. Manius emerged, his dark eyes fixed on Dulcia. His expression suggested he had caught the last part of their conversation.

  He turned to her mother. ‘Your dominus wishes to speak to you.’

  Tertia bowed her head and stepped past him into the room, her eyes meeting Dulcia’s as she closed the door.

  ‘The wedding will take place during the Ludi Apollinares,’ Manius said. ‘Many families will return to Rome for the festival.’

  Dulcia nodded. It was only two weeks away. ‘Will you not be racing at the event?’

  ‘Yes. We shall celebrate my victory by holding the ceremony afterwards.’

  The man loved to be celebrated.

  ‘All right.’ It was the only response she had.

  Manius cleared his throat before continuing. ‘Outside of dinner with my family, you are to remain at the house.’

  ‘Like a prisoner?’

  Manius’s jaw tightened. ‘Like an obedient wife. You have only yourself to blame for your change in circumstances.’

  Actually, she blamed him, and everyone standing with him.

  ‘And one more thing. I never want that man’s name spoken in our house. He ceases to exist from this moment. Do you understand?’

  She took a moment before replying, imagining a life where Nero ceased to exist. How would it feel to never have his name pass her lips again? It was just another form of imprisonment. She would surely wilt to nothing without him. But there was only one answer to give, one answer that would appease her future husband. ‘I understand.’ The words soured on her tongue, and she had to look away for fear he would see how much she struggled to speak them.

  ‘I will leave one of my men to watch over you in my absence.’

  A bodyguard. A spy. A thug. He framed it as a favour.

  ‘All right.’ She no longer cared. If he felt better having her watched, then he could go right ahead. ‘I am quite tired. Would it be all right if I stay at home this evening?’

  His expression was more accusing than sympathetic. ‘Of course. I shall leave you to rest.’

  ‘Before you go.’ A question sat on her tongue. She had to ask, and she was certain she would see it on his face if he were lying. ‘Was it you?’

  He frowned, confused. ‘Was what me?’

  Her breath was so shallow she worried she might not be able to speak. ‘Did you falsely accuse Licinia t
o regain control of me?’

  ‘No.’ He glanced behind him before continuing. ‘The information was brought to me.’

  ‘And you used it to your advantage.’

  He shrugged. ‘I saw an opportunity.’

  She could barely look at him, even though he appeared to be telling the truth. ‘She is innocent, you know. That is why I took a stand.’

  He nodded. ‘It seems you made the right choice, then.’

  He did not kiss her goodbye, just turned and left.

  Chapter 24

  Dulcia and Mila were across the street from the Papias house being watched by one of Manius’s men. Mila had wanted to take a walk, but Dulcia did not want to test Manius’s limits too much for fear of how he might react.

  Mila frowned at the man watching them. ‘And he just stares at you all day?’

  ‘When I step outside. Inside the house, the role falls to Mother.’

  ‘He waits outside all day?’

  Dulcia did not want to think about it. ‘They come and go. This afternoon someone else will arrive to take his place.’

  Mila turned back to her sister, her frown softening. ‘I wanted to tell you in person that we are returning to India.’

  She had seen this coming, but her heart sank nonetheless. It was just like the last time her sister had uttered those words, except this time she could not muster a smile. ‘Oh.’ Nor words, apparently.

  Mila took Dulcia’s hands and squeezed them encouragingly. ‘We came back for you, because Nerva left and I promised you I would return.’ She paused. ‘Now you are all grown up, and you have proven you are more than capable of handling yourself.’

  ‘You are wrong. Now I need you more than ever. Do not be scared off by Manius.’

  A sigh slipped from Mila’s lips. ‘I am not afraid of him, but I do have to be sensible. I have the children to consider now.’

  ‘I would never let harm come to any of you.’

  ‘Not intentionally, but this new arrangement needs time to settle. It seems Manius is prone to tantrums.’

  She could not argue with that.

  Mila squinted against the blazing eastern sun. ‘We always return eventually. Rome has a way of keeping a firm grip on those born within its walls.’

  Dulcia pulled her hands free. ‘I am sorry I put you all at risk that day.’

  That day. The day Nero’s distraught face had imprinted on her mind. It was still so fresh she could barely believe five days had passed since.

  ‘Stop. You saved your friend’s life that day.’

  Dulcia stared off down the street. ‘Her gratitude has likely waned by now. She was banished from the city upon her release.’ How much loss could one person withstand? The announcement of her sister’s departure was pushing her towards a tipping point.

  Mila must have picked up on the fact, because she pulled Dulcia into her arms. ‘I am very proud of the way you stood up to those guards. I always suspected beneath that timid exterior lay the heart of a lion.’

  Tears prickled Dulcia’s eyes. ‘What am I to do without you?’

  Mila held her at arm’s length, her eyes filled with mutual affection. ‘You do what you have always done. Be brave and smart. Manius is a powerful man, and that power will only grow as he moves up in the world.’

  Dulcia hesitated before asking, ‘Is Nero going with you?’

  Mila let go of her. ‘If we can convince him, I think it best. He needs family right now, but as you know, he is not very good at walking away.’

  ‘No.’ The thought of him being all the way on the other side of the world made Dulcia’s chest tighten.

  ‘If he stays here, he is going to get himself killed.’

  Dulcia nodded in agreement. ‘Yes. He should go with you, move on with his life.’ If only she could speak the words with conviction. ‘When do you leave?’

  Mila glanced over at the man watching them. ‘In two days. We have organised passage on a grain ship.’ Her lips curled into a smile. ‘I am afraid we will miss the social event of the season. Though I doubt Manius would have let me in the door anyway.’

  The wedding. How on earth was she supposed to get through it alone? ‘Lucky you. You escape Livia’s ridicule and Claudius’s leering.’ She shook her head. ‘You will not be missing much. It is just an excuse for Manius and Rufus to make a big display of their partnership.’

  ‘I do not doubt it.’ She smiled coyly. ‘Why else would Manius marry a ruined woman?’

  Dulcia blushed. ‘Careful. You sound like Mother.’

  ‘I am only teasing.’ Mila exhaled loudly. ‘You will survive this, you know.’

  Dulcia pressed her lips together to keep her emotions in check. ‘I hope so. Right now it feels like a life sentence.’ She glanced at her bodyguard, then lowered her voice. ‘I am afraid to ask how he is.’

  Mila did not have to ask who she was referring to. ‘Nero is a survivor. You do not worry about him. He must be working a lot, because whenever I go by the apartment, he is rarely there.’

  ‘Working for Gallus?’

  A nod.

  ‘Do I want to know what that work entails?’

  ‘No.’

  Dulcia was silent a moment. ‘I was naive to think this could end any other way. I see that now.’

  Mila scraped her sandal along the road. ‘I wish the world was different, but wealth and power usually win. The only alternative is to be an outcast like me.’ She smiled. ‘One positive thing has come out of this. Rufus is finally taking notice of you. Rebellion has its perks.’

  ‘Yes. All I have to do is tear my beating heart from my chest and leave it outside our marital home.’ Dulcia smiled sideways at her sister.

  ‘There you go. Just fill the gaping hole with jewels and silverware.’

  Dulcia laughed, but then the pain pressed in once more. She waited for it to pass before speaking. ‘Make sure Nero leaves with you. It is better for everyone if he does.’

  Mila studied her. ‘You will not feel abandoned?’

  ‘Oh, I will definitely feel abandoned.’ She attempted a smile and failed. ‘But he hates the city. He would only be staying for me, and that is a terrible reason to stay.’

  Mila reached out and squeezed her sister’s arm. ‘See? So grown-up. Feels like just last week you were sitting on your bed playing with your dolls, and now you are breaking hearts all over the city.’

  Crossing her arms, Dulcia said, ‘Mother gave all my dolls away to the poor a few years back. I came home one day and they were gone.’

  A smile spread across Mila’s face. ‘You must have been devastated.’

  ‘A little.’ Her cheeks reddened.

  ‘From dolls to men, seemingly overnight.’

  The colour on Dulcia’s face deepened. ‘Must you?’

  ‘Absolutely,’ Mila laughed. ‘You are too adorable not to tease.’

  Dulcia could not stop her own smile, proving to herself that it was possible. ‘I am going to miss you more than I can put into words.’

  Mila pulled her sister into her arms once more. ‘I will miss you too, but at least I leave knowing you can take care of yourself. You found your fight.’ She fell silent a moment, holding tighter. ‘This might seem like the lowest point in your life.’ Her voice was just above a whisper. ‘But speaking from experience, that’s a good thing, because now things can only get better. And when we leave, there will be no one left to defend but yourself. I have every faith in you.’

  Dulcia pulled back to look at her sister. ‘The fight is over. Manius won.’

  Mila tucked her sister’s hair behind her ears, the way their mother always did. ‘He only won that battle.’

  She shook her head, confused. ‘Are you saying I should keep fighting this?’

  ‘I am saying that with no one to use against you, the power shifts. The fight is not over until you lay down your weapons or die.’

  ‘Careful. You are sounding a lot like a gladiator.’

  Mila smiled. ‘Well, my gladiator blood runs
through you.’

  ‘Hmm. I shall remember that next time someone hands me a sword and challenges me to a battle.’ Her chest tightened at the realisation that she had to say goodbye. ‘Enjoy your paradise. You have earned it. You all have.’

  ‘We have to survive the voyage and Felix’s seasickness first.’

  Dulcia drew a long breath. ‘I will let Mother know of the news so she can visit before you leave.’

  Mila nodded. ‘You should go inside so that bodyguard of yours can relax.’ She leaned in to kiss her sister’s cheek, bent to pick up her basket, and then looked at Dulcia one more time. ‘Brave and smart. Remember those two things and you will be fine.’

  Chapter 25

  ‘Heavens, Manius,’ Livia said, ‘Dulcia grows more sombre by the day. A woman should be at her happiest before the wedding. That is when she is blissfully unaware of the tedious years ahead.’

  They were dining with one other couple, a senator and his wife whose names Dulcia had already forgotten. The wife tutted and smiled into her cup. The senator exchanged a light-hearted glance with Claudius.

  ‘You must forgive my wife,’ Claudius said. ‘She started early on the wine today.’

  There was light laughter, except from Livia, who continued to watch Dulcia with disdain.

  ‘What a dampener on the evening you are. How about entertaining us for once? Perhaps you could sing something.’

  Dulcia took a long drink, letting the liquid numb her. ‘I do not sing. I am afraid your guests would be most disappointed.’

  Another tut from Livia. ‘Does not sing, does not dance, does not even talk. I am still trying to figure out what attracted Manius to the girl. We all know it is not her pure bloodlines.’ She glanced at her friend. ‘She is half slave, you know.’

  ‘Mother,’ Junia said, hand going to her brow. ‘Every dinner you make it your personal mission to tear the poor girl down.’

  Livia looked around the room, aghast. ‘Am I wrong? I cannot be the only one who finds her dull of late.’

  Dulcia placed her cup on the table, perhaps a little too hard, for the wine sloshed over the side. She stood. She could feel everyone watching her, even Manius, who had remained silent through the entire conversation. ‘My cue to leave.’