The Long Task

a.d. iv Kal. Mart. (February 26, 10 B.C.)

Dawn 

I  was woken by creaking, like a reverberation outside the room. An amorphous shape, accrescent - just like my fear. My door was slightly ajar and then... hickory brown eyes. I know I was in fear three seconds ago, but how anti-climactic.

"Hey, let's go. I want to show you something." 

"Now? But my feet..."

Before I could finish complaining. he hauled me up, and we were off. We were racing, and we weren't making a sound - it was almost like he'd done this before. I couldn't help but smile to myself. Blessedly, it was dark. 

"I'm sorry, but you gave me no choice."

His smile was playful, but there was a spark of alacrity in his eyes. This meant a lot to him. He plopped me down and pulled a ladder from the ceiling - or what I think are the ceiling and ladder. I reiterate I couldn't see anything. I think he knew I was suffering from momentary ablepsia because he took my hand and placed it on a handlebar of the ladder. 

"Climb"

I did as I was told and arrived in some attic. The moment was peaceful, but then I heard a groan from behind. He took my arm with a mansuetude that I didn't think he could muster and led me to a window. 

He beckoned me to take a seat beside him. Thank Jupiter for the stars - otherwise, I may have been sitting on snakes for all I knew. 

"This was my mother's favourite place," he began. 

"Just before dawn, she would take me by the hand, get bread and honey from the Palace Culina and then we'd climb up here and watch the sunrise."

I couldn't have been more shocked. The Queen wasn't his mother?

As if he could read my mind, he answered. 

"The Queen is my second mother, she loves me, and the feeling's mutual, but my mother was special."

I wanted to say something, but I didn't want this to be a cliché. I'd never seen this vulnerable side, but I knew it was a part of him. 

"I wish I could have met her. I'm glad you brought me along." 

He smiled, but there was a sadness to it. I'm pleased he trusts me enough to let me this - not to be embarrassed. It's a kind of bravery - one that I appreciate.  I was going to tell him about my mother, but then a hint of light appeared. I tugged his robe, and the view was majestic. The sun rose like a flower opening, gifting its petals unto the world. Amid the dancing, rays were the blush of scarlet and the warmth of tangerine. Gazing toward the illuminating clouds, still beneath the ethereal glow, I felt at home in a way I hadn't before. I rested my head on Claudius' shoulder, and together we watched in awe. We took comfort in each other's company; just knowing that the other one was there made it all the more special. It was perfect. 

Midday 

For once, I had a break from wedding arrangements. I got to enjoy the gentle breeze while wearing my robe without anyone judging me. Dawn seemed like a lifetime ago. I was brought back to the present when a factotum presented me with an epistolary. I opened the first one who said,

Dear Lady,

You are cordially invited by the Royal Family for Cena in the grand triclinium. Consider it the engagement of the engagement. Sorry for the formalities, but they are necessary.