Dawn
Claudia and I were heading to the Baths of Caracalla. The best in ROME! We have only been once before. We hurried in silence; one wrong move, and we would have awoken the whole household. Claudia and I always leave at Dawn, to avoid the men who linger around the colonnade. Their eyes are like orbs, scintillating with a mischievous glint. The thought sent a chill down my spine. The slaves carried us past the forum through the marketplace, and soon enough, we were placed down. What a thrill it is to be up before Apollo. We paid our fee and entered the apodyterium.
Midday
I feel fresh, renewed; that massage did wonders for my skin. The maids were preparing my stola as we were going to the games that the Emperor was hosting. My lips were dabbed with red ochre, hair curled hastily with tongs, and eyebrows darkened with a concoction that filled the air with an acrid aroma. I wonder, what was he celebrating? We were always distinguished guests, as Father was one of the Emperor's favourite generals. Domitilla, Claudia, and I were always treated like Queens. Thank the gods. I wasn't one of Vesta's virgins. I would hate to sit in the front, seeing all the bloodshed.
My seat was perfect. I was placed in the back, where I could see no bloodshed but all the action! I could feel the excitement pour out of me like sunshine through fine white linen. This killing is wrong, though, I should feel pity for the gladiators, or even guilt for not feeling pity, but I don't. I was enjoying this slaughter. People were being slaughtered for our entertainment. Why doesn't this bother me as it did? I looked to father, and he was smiling again, the same way he did when he spoke to that young man. This time he was looking at the Emperor, and, by Jupiter, the Emperor was looking at him. I am definitely, missing something.
Dusk
Father had called us to the atrium. I could see the slaves all lined up behind father. Even Domitilla was there. Father had that smile again, but he was grinning at me. Suddenly, I felt the tension of my shaking limbs. I knew it was useless, but I did it instinctively, endeavoring to suppress for a few moments what I could not. I realised the silence was generating the fear that engulfed me. Then, Father broke the silence, still grinning at me. I could see the glow of excitement in his eyes as he spoke, "Girls, prepare your best stolas, as we will be dining with the Emperor in a few days. He has an announcement." He paused, took a breath, and said quietly, "You may go." Seriously father? He could make the simplest things quite dramatic. It's a huge deal to dine with the Emperor, of course, but Father always blows things out of proportion. I thought someone had died! I wonder why the Emperor invited us. What could he be announcing?
YOU ARE READING
The Long Task
Historical FictionA girl of the Roman empire must navigate her way through her world and manage the surprises that come along with it. With a general for a father, duty and tough love are what made her who she is. Her sister Claudia is to be married soon. All is well...
