"Do you think to seduce your way to ruling Rome, my sharp taloned beauty?"
"No, my lord, only to your heart."
As he leaned in and sucked in her delicious nipple, he knew she was a liar. But, by the gods, he loved her.
* * * *
Julia sat outside in a small seating area set up for her and Gaius to observe Marcus working with the new team of horses, a quartet of white Barbs. Two weeks seemed to fly by as they prepared for the chariot race ordered by Caesar. None of the group mentioned the outcome if Marcus lost the day. Gaius was solemn as the team rounded one corner of the makeshift training course. Even though the team, driven by Marcus, made the turn with skill, Gaius frowned.
"I'm sure they will be ready by the day of the race,” Julia said, trying to comfort the Senator.
"Yes, they will be ready. Marcus has the touch. He knows how to encourage the horses to work for him."
It was what was left unsaid that bothered Gaius. Caesar had murdered his prized horses, and he felt the pain of the betrayal deeply. She suspected Gaius was a part of the upcoming plot on Caesar's life.
Julia shifted her seat further under the shade of the wide umbrella blocking the brutal sun's rays. “Caesar has made many enemies in the Senate."
He turned his head to her. His eyes were fatigued and his face seemed more deeply wrinkled than before. It was the look of a man with heavy concerns burdening his conscience. He nodded but said nothing.
"Queen Cleopatra expects to see her son named successor."
"How do you know this?"
She took a sip of water from her goblet, relishing the cool liquid slipping down her throat. “It's obvious. She traveled here to Rome to face Caesar with her son, for Julius to acknowledge the boy as his heir."
Gaius grunted. “You suspect her intentions well. While none of us doubt the boy is indeed Caesar's, the Senate does not want to put the Egyptian whore's progeny in the seat of power in Rome. A child born to a foreign woman is not legitimate in the eyes of Roman law."
Marcus drove the team around another turn. This time the team worked more smoothly.
"I must think about leaving Rome,” Gaius said as he watched Marcus race the team by them at top speed. “Whether Marcus wins or loses, I am a marked man."
"I'm sorry we put you in such a delicate position with Caesar."
He sighed. “Many within the Senate are afraid for their lives if they cross him. It is not safe to go against Julius."
"But yet you do by taking Marcus and me in as your guests."
He turned his head to her, his mouth a grim line. “I know why Marcus was condemned. Julius was wrong to do it. His evil deeds will come to haunt him one day."
She blushed and turned away, remembering the painful, shadowed memories. She bowed her head and gazed at her fingers folded on her lap. “Be sure the day vengeance visits Julius Caesar,” she began in a low voice, “you run as far away as you can."
"I plan to be far from Rome when that day comes.” He picked up his goblet and poured himself a healthy dose of wine. “I fear the day will come more quickly than anyone will expect."
She caught his eye and for a split second, his meaning was clear. “Beware the Ides of March,” she said softly.
Marcus halted the chariot team nearby and praised the horses for their hard work. Several grooms hurried to lead the horses away to cool down. He strode up to the little area where Gaius and Julia sat observing the training.
Marcus was pleased for the most part at the rapid progress of the new team of horses. In fact, this was the best team of horses he'd ever worked with. They ran in unison, taking turns with grace without losing their speed. If this wasn't a farce in order to see to his demise, Marcus would expect the team of horses to win numerous races in the future. But Marcus would not drive them into victory.
Normally the thought of his death did not affect him. But now he had Julia. The thought of losing her filled him with pain. What would happen to her when Caesar finally killed him? Images of her married to some other man, a man like Brutus, sickened him. How could he bear leaving her unprotected?
True, Gaius had agreed to help smuggle Julia out of Rome on the day of the race, but would it be so easy to escape Caesar? Marcus knew it would not.
Gaius had appeared troubled since the day his champion team of horses was poisoned. Marcus did not believe his mood was entirely that of a grieving owner. Something else was bothering the man. When Marcus had pressed Gaius to unload his troubles, the Senator withdrew into silence.
Marcus walked up to Julia and Gaius and took a seat next to Julia. “They are fine horses, Gaius. I do believe they will be ready by the day of the race."
"Mmm.” He grunted then took a sip of his wine.
"What is it, my friend?” Marcus asked as Julia handed him a goblet of wine.
"I am afraid of what the future holds."
Julia put a calming hand upon his forearm. Marcus couldn't help his body's reaction to her simple touch. He wanted her. Each time he took her was never enough. Even now, her gentle touch made his heart beat faster. The tender meaning behind her gesture confused him. Did she know something of Gaius and his troubled mind?
She had said she was from the future, but Marcus hesitated believing her. By the gods, it was an outlandish notion. He wasn't sure what to believe ... but his heart dictated to him that she spoke the truth. He couldn't doubt her. Somehow, she had traveled through time. The specific details of this incredible feat confused him. There was only one way he could grasp the possibility—the gods had sent her to him. Of that, he was sure. Julia was here for him.
Her hand steadied his questions and he glanced over at her sitting in the shade next to him. She appeared troubled, as well. He covered her hand with his own. “Julia, is the sun too hot for you? You look tired."
She nodded. “A little. It has been a trying few days. I think it may be catching up with me."
Marcus rose and helped Julia from her seat to their tent. Once inside, she lay down on their bed and he stood looking at her with worry. “Are you unwell, Julia? Can I get you some water?"
"Yes, thank you."
He retrieved a goblet of water and handed it to her. Questions filled his mind as he watched the cool liquid slide down her throat.
"Tell me, what is it like in your time?"
She sat and gazed into his eyes. “It is very different from here. I live across the sea in a place called America. I live in a city, much larger than Rome, called New York."
"I did not think any place could be bigger than Rome."
A small smile crept over her lips, and his heart leapt. “Many things are different in my world. You can flip a little button and the lights turn on. You can see news from around the entire world at any time of the day or night. Buildings climb high into the sky and people can travel from one place to another in cars ... horseless chariots, or by flying in airplanes ... kind of like horseless chariots with wings."
He sat and thought for a moment. “Do people still cheer on Gladitorial games?"
"Not to the extreme extent of the concept here in your time. In my time, people gather in stadiums to watch sports like baseball, football, or ice hockey."
So many strange terms and ideas, but Marcus understood the basic concept of what she said. “Like the Greek games of skill and strength?"
"Yes, exactly. Sports. No one gets killed, at least not on purpose."
Marcus sighed. “Killing is my life. It is hard for me to think of a time where this is not the daily occurrence."
"There are still wars, and the need for soldiers to defend and fight. I don't think that will ever change. The methods change, but the drive to fight will always remain part of human existence."
"Do you miss your time?"
She reached for his hand, and she said, “Part of me does. I loved my job at the museum, a place where historical objects are studied and we learn about the people from the past. My favorite time period was ancient Rome. I was fascinated wit
h the history, the men who ruled in the great Roman Empire, and the examples set for other civilizations to follow. I learned Latin and became an expert translator for a large museum. I was translating scrolls found here in Rome when I was brought back in time. I do miss my friends at the museum. But then part of me belongs here ... with you. I don't want to go back and live without you."
"Do you have family there? A mother and father?” He paused then looked up to her face, and asked, “A husband?"
"My father passed away two years ago from cancer ... a terrible illness. I took care of my father when he was sick until the day he died. My mother died when I was just a kid. I do have an older brother, Theo. He is a lieutenant commander in the navy, and is involved in a war in the Middle East.” She squeezed his hand. “I only have Theo. No husband or lover is waiting for me."
"Part of me wishes you could stay with me here, but then I know my fate. I am worried for you and your safety."
"I hate hearing you talk of dying. I also fear the circumstances are far more dire than we think."
"What do you mean?"
"Gaius. I fear he is part of the plot to assassinate Caesar. That is why he is so troubled."
"He has agreed to take you out of Rome the day of the race."
"And Julius is assassinated the day after, the fifteenth of March."
He shook his head. If Julius was to die the day after the race, why was Gaius still in Rome?
"Could he plan on waiting after the deed, remaining in hopes the city would be safe once Julius is dead? I tell you, that is not the case. Antony hunts down the Senators. Chaos rules Rome as civil war breaks out and there is a struggle for power."
"I will speak to Gaius. Whatever the plot is, I do not want him to risk his life, or yours. You both must leave Rome during the race."
Chapter Eight
The day of the great chariot race arrived. Julia's nerves were on end and her stomach was doing flip-flops. She loathed to see this day come. As much as she hated the thought of Marcus within the arena, she knew there was no way to escape destiny. Just like the fate of Julius Caesar lay within the hands of the dagger wielding Senators. She could not stop the progress of history from playing out. No matter how her heart broke as she stood watching Marcus prepare the chariot and the team of horses.
She handed him his red cape after he secured his arm bracers and armor breastplate with the help of one of Gaius’ servants.
"Look upon me with love in your eyes, my sweet Julia. That is how I wish to remember you."
Her heart lurched at the finality in his voice. “You have my heart, Marcus. For all time."
He reached out and touched her face. “As you have mine.” Then he leaned in and kissed her gently upon the lips. Her tears flavored their kisses with a light salty taste, but she didn't care.
"Niece!” A strong voice rang out in the tent.
Marcus pulled away from her and controlled anger ticked a muscle along his jaw. “Caesar,” he said with a slight bow.
"Marcus.” Julius Caesar strode into the tent where they prepared for the race. His guards followed the dictator in through the tent flap.
"You honor us with your visit, Great Caesar,” Marcus said, not lifting his eyes as Julius approached.
"You have dishonored my niece for the last time, Marcus.” Caesar's face reddened in his growing anger. “After today, she will marry a man I see fit to bear her children."
As a modern woman, Julia wanted to lash out in defiance, claiming only she could pick her future husband. But she remained silent. She wrung her hands tightly together, trying to control her emotions.
Marcus lifted his eyes and met Caesar's gaze. “No matter what happens today out in the arena, Julia will always belong to me."
"How dare you! You are nothing but a slave."
"I was not born a slave. I was thrust into this life without trial, without due justice."
Julius took a step closer to Marcus and the two men stood eye to eye, two titans squaring off before the battle. The tension within the tent was palpable as Marcus held his steely gaze unwavering before Caesar.
"I made you a Gladiator, to die for Rome. And today, I promise, you will die."
"If I die, it is not for Rome. It is not for you either, Great Caesar."
"Then your death will be in vain."
"No. I will die for love.” Marcus turned from Caesar and reached for Julia. “I die because I fell in love."
Caesar made a strangling sound. “Die, you will, Gladiator. Go and face your fate. In the mean time, Julia will come with me to watch your death unfold."
Marcus pulled her into his arms, and she clung to him, but the guards with Caesar came forward and grabbed her by the arms.
"No!” she protested, but to no avail. They dragged her out of the tent. She struggled, but then Caesar left the tent and came up to her. Without a word, he slapped her across the face. His rings dug into her flesh, and her skin pulsed with pain where he struck her.
"Whore,” he spat. “You are fit for nothing now. Do you carry the slave's child? Shall I just toss you to the tigers once we see your Gladiator lover trampled beneath the wheels of a chariot?"
She stilled and stood straight, squaring her shoulders. “Death would be the fate I choose. Do with me as you will."
Caesar stepped closer and whispered into her ear. “I will consider your future soon. Brutus has expressed an interest in marrying you. I find this to my liking. I've heard he is a man of unusual tastes, binding his lovers to his bed, torturing them into sweet submission."
She lifted her chin in silent defiance. His words scared her, but she refused to let him see weakness.
He leaned away and instructed the guards to take her to his imperial enclosure. He turned to Gaius who watched from the tent's open flap.
"She belongs to no one but me. There is no escape.” And with that, he flipped part of his robe over his shoulder and strode off to watch the race.
"There will be no smuggling her out of Rome, Marcus. Julius will make sure she stays close.” Gaius lowered the flap and turned to his friend. “She will suffer. Of that, there is no doubt."
Marcus lay his hands on Gaius’ shoulders. “You must promise me you will save her. Don't let her come to harm. Get her out of Rome, no matter what happens to me. I place her life into your hands. Can you do this for me?” Gaius nodded and Marcus turned to climb into the chariot. As he picked up the reins, he swore, “If Julia is hurt, let the gods strike Great Caesar down."
* * * *
Julia was pushed along the long entryway toward the imperial enclosure in the great Circus Maximus. When the guards released her, she rubbed her arms where they had bruised her with their forceful grip.
"Chain her.” Julius strode into the box and his black eyes cut through her like sharpened daggers.
"Where is your Egyptian lover?” She had no idea where the strength to question him came from. One of the guards grasped her leg and secured a fetter about her ankle, which was attached to a shiny but heavy chain secured nearby. A royal prisoner.
His stone cold eyes held little love or tenderness. Julius had turned from the great ruler of Rome into a ruthless, heartless tyrant. “Sit down and be quiet,” he said finally.
There was little point in arguing. She knew the outcome to this was bleak.
Trumpets sounded as the charioteers drove out into the arena. They were in a perfect line spanning one side of the course, well rehearsed in exact precision. The trumpets continued to play as the chariots marched around the track of the Circus Maximus. It was a grand display of horsemanship.
Julia spotted Marcus and his team in the line of charioteers. He was a master of his team and held a tight control over his horses. She sat in awe at the magnitude of the pageantry.
"Fine horsemen,” whispered Caesar from behind her. “Do you not think so, Lady Julia?"
"They are indeed. I thought Brutus would be racing today. I do not see him"
"He is out there. You see the mag
nificent team of blacks?"
She searched the line of chariots and spotted the team of perfectly matched black horses. They were large and powerful and gave Brutus some trouble in controlling their gate. “They seem to be ready to run,” she commented.
"They will win me the day,” Caesar said with confidence.
She sat in silence. She recognized his bait, teasing her to defy his word.
Caesar softly laughed. “Your reluctance to answer is entertaining."
"I see no point in disagreeing with you, uncle."
He was struck silent for a moment. “Why call me uncle after all these years, here and now? Do you think blood relations will save you and your lover?"
She turned to him and shook her head. She hadn't even consciously realized what she'd called him. “I do not hate you. I don't think I ever could, even after the things you've done to Marcus and me. I can't help but admire your accomplishments. Your name will live on through time as a great leader, the builder of the Roman Empire. I live in awe of you, uncle."
The charioteers led their teams about the arena to the cheering of the mob spectators. The sound was deafening. They rounded the spina and back around towards the imperial enclosure. Once in line before Caesar, they stopped. The trumpets quieted, yet the mob's cheers increased.
Julius stood from his seat, the crowd silenced to a murmur, and he made a short speech.
"Friends, Romans. I present to you the finest teams known to Rome to race for you today.” Another cheer rang through the crowd as Julius put out his hand for Julia to take it and rise. “Cheer on their feats, and to the winner goes the hand of my niece, Lady Julia, in marriage."
"Hail Caesar! Hail Lady Julia!” the crowd sang.
He continued to stand with her hand in his, giving the impression of a great king offering his most prized niece to the crowd, to honor her. If only they knew she was chained to his side.
He released her hand and she sat back down.
Then in unison, the charioteers pledged their loyalty. “We about to die, salute you!” Marcus did not join in the dedication, but placed his hand over his heart and bowed to Julia. Just as he had done before so long ago.
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