by Tanya Bird
‘Why?’
‘For us.’
She pulled back to look at him again, her expression serious. ‘Us? Nero, please tell me you are leaving on that boat with my sister.’
He guided her head back down to his chest, rubbing his stubble on her hair. ‘You should know me better than that.’
She was limp against him. ‘Whatever you are planning, it will never work.’ Tipping her head back to see him, she added, ‘Manius has men all over the city, it seems.’
‘I know.’ He kissed her again, tasting wine and tears, an insight into her future if he failed to get her out.
‘Nero.’
‘Yes?’
Her head nestled against him. ‘I just wanted to speak your name aloud.’
He kissed the top of her head, resting his lips there. ‘Is he hurting you?’
She hesitated before replying. ‘No.’
‘Why did you pause?’
A sigh. ‘Because pain is complicated. He is not beating me, if that is what you are asking.’
He let go of the branch to wrap both arms around her. ‘Then tell me what hurts.’
She swallowed. ‘He wants me to forget you. He wants to erase you from my mind.’ Soft fingers stroked his throat. ‘How can I erase you? It is like cutting out a piece of myself.’
A hand went to her thigh, pulling her closer—but not close enough. ‘He’s a… fool.’
‘Did you just stop yourself from swearing in front of me? My, how you have matured.’
He could hear the smile in her voice. ‘It had to happen eventually.’ He breathed out. ‘I have a plan.’
With great effort, she sat up. Her hair was a mess. It reminded him of the morning she had woken in his bed.
‘You mean a new plan?’
His torso felt cold where her body had lain. ‘I can get us out of the city, out of Rome.’
Her brow creased, and he felt certain she would shut the idea down.
‘When?’
Not how, but when. All that faith and trust. ‘As soon as Mila, Remus, and the rest of them are safely out of the city.’
‘Of course. It would be reckless to try anything sooner. I do not trust Manius when it comes to my family.’
‘I’ll need you to meet me.’
‘Someone will follow.’
He tilted his head, a hint of a smile forming. ‘You’ve proven to be rather resourceful in that regard, wouldn’t you say?’
‘Yes, but Manius will be watching me like a hawk after tonight’s escapade.’
He rubbed her hips. ‘How did you give them the slip?’
‘There was a brawl on the street. I jumped out of the litter while everyone was distracted.’ She looked pleased with herself. ‘I know a lot of shortcuts and hiding places.’
He leaned in and kissed her. ‘Do you trust me?’
A nod. ‘Of course. I will follow you anywhere.’ She brought her palm to his cheek. ‘Just tell me what to do.’
He kissed her again, deeper that time, a familiar hunger igniting inside him. ‘You need to find an excuse to leave the house.’ He spoke the words into her mouth.
‘And when they follow?’
‘I’ll take care of that.’ His expression turned serious. ‘Go to the temple of Jupiter, where it’s nice and busy.’ He felt her withdraw. ‘What’s the matter?’
She hesitated. ‘You will not kill them, will you?’
‘Not unless I have to.’ He did not want to lie to her.
Dulcia’s gaze went to the river.
He sighed. ‘Talk to me.’
It took her a moment before she could look at him again. ‘I do not want to start our life together with blood on our hands.’ She leaned away, watching the impact of her words.
‘You want me to tell you no one will die, is that it?’
She nodded, slowly.
‘I’m sorry, but I can’t promise you no one will get hurt. I’ll protect you by whatever means necessary.’ He watched the conflict play out on her sweet face. ‘When you’re safe, when all the threats have passed and this is all over, things will be different.’
Her eyes searched his, and she teared up, despite her best efforts not to. ‘I know who you are, and I never want those against us to have the opportunity to say they were right about you.’
He kissed her again, letting his mouth linger over hers for a few moments longer. She lightly touched his bandaged arm.
‘When we leave this place, will you stop?’
‘Fighting?’
She swallowed. ‘All of it. Everything you are doing for that man against your conscience.’
He swallowed. She really did know him. ‘Yes.’
She nodded, her forehead resting against his.
‘We can’t risk being seen together,’ he whispered.
‘I can walk myself home.’
He struggled with that notion, but what choice did he have? Before he could object, she brushed her lips over his and began to climb down.
‘I will try to get to the temple at noon. You will be there, waiting?’
Nero nodded. ‘Of course I’ll be there.’ He kept hold of her arm until she was out of reach. Dulcia looked up at him one last time, attempting a smile. He smiled back at her.
‘I’m sorry I didn’t fight for you sooner,’ he whispered. Gods, he was sorry.
She stopped climbing. ‘And I am sorry for every time you did not feel worthy of saying something.’ There was so much affection in her eyes. ‘No more guessing and uncertainty. We leave together, and we stay together.’
More blind faith in him.
He nodded, then watched as she climbed to the ground, where she was swallowed up by shadows.
Chapter 27
How does one say goodbye to her mother without speaking the words? It was in the embrace, the aversion of eyes and the choked tone of her voice. It was in the endless fidgeting, distracted conversations and long stares.
‘I know this is hard,’ Tertia said. ‘But I think your sister’s decision to leave Rome is smart. You will be surprised how quickly things will settle down once Nero is out of the picture.’
Another benefit of the timing. She could blame her scattered mind on Mila’s departure.
‘I really think prayer will help.’
Tertia nodded. ‘I am sure Manius will respect your need for prayer at this time. His men will, of course, accompany you to the temple.’
Dulcia pulled her mother to her once more, hugging her.
Tertia laughed. ‘I will see you soon.’
‘I know.’ No she would not. Perhaps never again.
Dulcia stepped back, hands trembling. She needed to keep it together or she was going to ruin everything. Leave the house, walk to the temple, ignore the two men trailing behind her. Not one, but two—her fault. They had doubled after her disappearing act a few nights earlier, despite the fact that she had turned up at the Papias house feigning confusion at the panic.
‘For goodness’ sake,’ she had said to her mother. ‘I just needed a walk to clear my head. Now everyone is running about like I am suddenly incapable of finding my own way home.’
It was a shame she was not actually planning on praying at the temple. Prayer might have eased her conscience from all the lies she had told in the past few days.
‘See you soon,’ she said over her shoulder before leaving the laundry and heading to the front door. She glanced once at the closed door of tablinum and felt a pang of something in her stomach. She could only imagine what Rufus would say when he learned of what she had done.
One foot in front of the other, all the way to Nero. He would be waiting at the temple, ready to get them out of the city. In return, she would spend the rest of her years loving him the way he deserved.
A small flutter of hope stirred.
She closed her eyes as the front door banged shut behind her, then forced them open. Two large bodyguards straightened, ready to follow her. Down the steps, she descended the hill while resisting the tempt
ation to look behind, to fret, to think about all the things that could go wrong.
Slow down, she told herself. The urge to run was overwhelming.
The precinct was unusually crowded. Families were visiting the various shrines, altars, statues and victory trophies, fathers passing down stories of their childhood heroes.
As Dulcia ascended the steps, she searched for Nero amid the pillars, careful not to turn her head, look distracted, or do anything else that might raise suspicion. He was not there. She reminded herself that he was hardly going to wait out in the open where he would be recognised.
When she reached the top, she saw a vendor coming towards her. He was pushing a cart with baked cheese, nuts, fish and garum on display. The man nodded in her direction before the cart passed behind her, blocking the path of her guards.
‘Everything is fresh,’ the merchant said to them. ‘What can I get for you? Some nuts, perhaps?’
Dulcia’s heart rate sped up as she continued forwards. She did not look back, stop, or even break stride.
‘Move,’ one of the men said, his tone impatient.
‘At least taste the cheese,’ the vendor urged. ‘The honey is still warm.’
As the men continued to argue, a woman fell into step with Dulcia.
‘Follow me,’ the stranger said without turning her head.
There was no time to ask questions, so when the woman dashed left instead of entering the temple, Dulcia followed. She glanced once at her bodyguards, who looked about ready to throw the cart down the temple steps, and then a pillar passed between them. Dulcia faced forwards, pressing her hands against her stomach, hoping the small amount of food she had consumed that morning would stay where it was.
A hand reached out and grabbed her by her wrist. She inhaled sharply as she was pulled behind another pillar, coming face-to-face with Nero. He threaded his fingers through hers, his grip like a vice.
‘Do exactly as I say.’
She nodded. Trusting him was the easy part. Containing her fear was something else entirely.
He turned and led her away in the other direction, his pace brisk but not so fast as to draw attention. They weaved through the crowd gathered in the shade of the portico, moving towards the back of the temple. She was too afraid to turn and look, too afraid she would see the men in pursuit of them. If Nero was scared, he did not show it. His gaze moved in every direction, checking every window they passed, every pillar and person. Outwardly he seemed completely calm.
They descended the steps onto the street, Dulcia concentrating on not falling. She was thankful for the tight grip he had on her, for she was terrified of getting separated. As though reading her thoughts, Nero glanced across at her.
‘I won’t let go.’
Her free hand went to his arm. ‘Good luck prying me off when the time comes.’
A smile flickered as he faced forwards again, all his beautiful features hardening once more. Dulcia found the strength to look back, and she spotted one of her guards. He was jogging between people, eyes darting about, searching. Her head snapped forwards.
‘What is it?’ Nero asked, reading her.
‘Behind us. He has not spotted us yet, but he is close.’
Nero did not say a word, just veered right, ducking into the first alleyway they came across. He picked up pace then, checking behind them to ensure they had not been followed. His grip tightened even more if that was possible.
Dulcia glanced nervously over her shoulder, eyes widening as she recognised the second guard looking back at her. Then she was pulled forwards.
They ran along the uneven stones, turning down the next alleyway. It was so narrow they could hardly fit side by side. She knew she was slowing Nero down, but her legs could move no faster, despite the adrenaline coursing through her. He said nothing, just continued pulling her along.
Stopping suddenly, he tugged her into a doorway. She looked up at him, panting, and he held a finger to his lips. She tried to quieten her breathing, while his was barely affected. He gently pushed her farther back until shadows fell across her face. She waited for the man to run past, for him to flash into sight and then disappear. Instead, the footsteps slowed, and Nero let go of her hand.
Lurching forwards, Nero tackled him against the opposite wall. The man swung at him, but Nero was too quick, dodging the blow and hammering his own fist into the guard’s side before grabbing his head and driving it into the stone wall. Eyes rolled back, the guard slumping to the ground.
Nero stepped back, his breaths coming faster now. Turning away, he returned to Dulcia and held out his hand. ‘Let’s go.’
Her eyes were fixed on the man bleeding from the head. ‘Is he… is he dead?’
‘He’ll be fine.’ When she still did not look at him, he added, ‘We need to keep moving.’
She nodded absently and took his hand. His fingers closed around hers once more, the firm warmth of his hand calming her. ‘There is another one.’
‘Yes.’ He pulled her out into the alley and broke into a jog. ‘And there will likely be others.’
She had no choice but to try and keep up. The toe of her sandal caught the edge of a step, and she tripped. He pulled her upright before her knees touched the ground, all the while checking their surroundings.
‘Sorry,’ she whispered.
Nero sped up again. ‘Not much farther.’
They turned right, and Dulcia was knocked sideways into a wall when the second bodyguard threw himself at Nero. She was stunned for a moment, then looked down at her empty hand. Nero pushed the man off before throwing a knee into his side. The man cursed and shoved him back into the wall, missing Dulcia by a few inches. She felt completely useless as the bodyguard’s large hand tightened around Nero’s throat.
‘Get off him,’ she said, shoving at the man with both hands.
He was a solid mass of muscle, the size of the two of them combined. Unsurprisingly, he did not move one inch despite her throwing all of her weight against him. A choking sound came from Nero, one that made her insides scream.
‘Back,’ Nero managed to get out.
The moment she stepped out of the way, a blade flashed in Nero’s hand, slashing the man’s arm. The guard released him with a cry of pain, his free hand going over the spurting wound. Nero’s foot crashed into his chest, sending him flying backwards into the opposite wall. Before Dulcia had a chance to process what was happening, Nero was dragging her over blood-splattered stones towards the street visible at the end of the alleyway.
She watched as he wiped his face with his hand, then looked down at it. They could not afford to draw unnecessary attention. Dulcia’s gaze fell to her own tunic, which was also peppered with blood.
‘No one will notice as long as we’re calm,’ Nero said, wiping again at his face. He squeezed her hand. ‘We’re almost there.’
Another nod.
They emerged onto the busy street, in an unfamiliar part of the city, with the blazing sun on them. Dulcia blinked against the harsh light. The heat, the noise, the crowd—it was all too much. She brought her free hand to her sweat-covered forehead. Her stomach churned and her hand flew over her mouth.
She was going to be sick.
Nero pulled her into an alleyway just before she vomited. She could feel the fabric of her tunic clinging to her back as she bent, her palm pressing the wall for balance. Nero held back her hair while keeping hold of her. She was fairly certain he was the only reason she was still upright.
‘Are you all right?’
Straightening, she pressed her cheek to the cool wall. She needed to get herself together or they were going to get caught.
He gave her a moment, then asked, ‘Can you walk?’
She pushed off the wall, feeling a pulse of annoyance when her legs trembled beneath her. Her sister had once fought tigers and giants in an arena, and all she had to do was keep up.
Tears prickled her eyes. ‘I am so sorry.’
Nero pulled her to him, holding her c
lose until her legs finally stilled. ‘Don’t apologise again.’
‘You cannot let go of my hand this time.’ It was such a childish thing to say, but his hand was the only thing holding her together. ‘Promise me you will not let go this time.’
He held her at arm’s length, his expression serious. ‘I’ll only let go if I have to, but I’ll always come back for you. Always.’
A few tears ran down her cheeks as she nodded. He kissed the top of her head before pulling her out onto the street.
They continued west until they reached the Theatrum Balbi, then crossed the street to a shopfront selling silk. Nero walked straight inside, nodding at the merchant, a tall man with crooked teeth and kind eyes. He gestured to the door at the back. Nero knocked once, and a few moments later a short, large-busted woman stood in the doorway, assessing them. After a painful wait, she finally stepped aside to let them pass.
‘He’s out back,’ she said, waving them through.
They walked into the next room where a balding middle-aged man with ring-covered fingers sat perched on a stool. He stood when they entered, smoothing out his expensive toga, but something about his appearance told Dulcia he was not of noble birth.
‘This is Gallus Minidius,’ Nero said, gesturing to the man.
That explained everything. She nodded a greeting.
‘This must be the lovely Dulcia I have heard so much about,’ Gallus said, stepping closer and briefly taking her hand. ‘You have your sister’s pretty face, though not her muscle.’
‘Pleased to meet you,’ she said.
Done with the pleasantries, Gallus picked a loculus off the floor, dropping it onto the table next to him. ‘Food, personal items, a change of clothes.’ He glanced at Dulcia. ‘It might be a little big on the lady. There’s a sword, two daggers and all your travel arrangements down on parchment. The ship will take you to Alexandria.’
Dulcia stared at the satchel that contained the entirety of their new life. ‘Alexandria.’ They were really going. She felt Nero’s thumb rub the back of her hand. True to his word, he had not let go.
Nero reached out and grabbed the loculus. ‘How are we getting to Ostia? Boat?’
Gallus shook his head. ‘Manius knows you have contacts along the river. He will be expecting you to go via boat. You will go on horseback, but you cannot leave now.’
