Salvatoria: The Memoirs of Lucretia Aurelia

ᑕᕼᗩᑭTEᖇ ᙭᙭᙭Iᐯ: EᑎTᖇEᑎᑕᕼIᑎG ᗪEᗰOᑕᖇᗩᑕY

January 10, 33 B.C

Rome

The constitution had been promulgated, elections held and I held my breath. This was the moment to see if my reforms and actions would succeed. Cicero was retiring from public life regardless of the results but I had thrown my lot in for consul again. I still had work to do. No matter what, I had led the Second Republic into a radically transformed political landscape.

As citizens across the Republic prepared to cast their votes, anticipation and excitement filled the air, as they embraced their newfound power to shape the future of their nation. Campaigns were waged, promises made, and alliances forged as candidates vied for positions of power and influence. I was eager to take part, to lead by example as any good consul should.

Cicero would announce the results publicly to the city, and then messengers and couriers would spread the word far and wide. In the Senate elections, the results reflected the shifting tides of public opinion and the desire for change. Incumbent senators found themselves facing stiff competition from upstart challengers, as voters sought to usher in a new generation of leaders committed to the principles of liberty and justice. Among the winners were a mix of seasoned statesmen and rising stars, chosen by the people to represent their interests and advance the cause of the Republic. These newly elected senators would bring fresh perspectives and bold ideas to the Senate chamber, invigorating the legislative process and ensuring that the voice of the people was heard loud and clear.

I secured my first full term as consul for 33-30 B.C, with Decimus Brutus elected as the other consul. We were proud to work with one another, and knew we'd make a good partnership.

In addition to the Senate elections, contests were held for various other offices and positions of authority throughout the Republic. Governors, magistrates, and other officials were chosen through free and fair elections, with candidates judged on their merits and their dedication to the common good. The elections were successful on an immeasurable level and the people celebrated in the streets for days.

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March 19, 33 B.C

Formiae

My husband struggled to hold back his tears as Cicero laid back, ready to draw his final breaths. Admittedly, it was difficult. At the age of 74, it was said Marcus Tullius Cicero was a man who lived to see the Republic restored, and once that was done, he decided he was ready to go. The man was an ally, my father in law, but most importantly, a friend.

Cicero's breathing was labored, each shallow exhale a testament to the toll that time and infirmity had taken on his once indomitable spirit. Yet, even in his weakened state, there remained a flicker of the fire that had fueled his tireless pursuit of justice and truth throughout his illustrious career. He told countless stories from his long life, and he seemed content and happy with what he had accomplished. He didn't have many regrets, and the ones he did have he vocalized in his last hours.

"I wish I had been invited to that spectacular banquet!"

He was referring to the dinner where we agreed to assassinate Caesar. He told my husband to take care of me until death parts us because...

"She's a good one. A great woman. I am sure she will lead our country to a brighter tomorrow,"

I have to admit, being called a great woman by Cicero of all people was arguably the best moment of my life.

Outside, the world continued to turn, oblivious to the passing of one of its greatest sons. In the distance, the gentle lapping of the waves against the shore provided a soothing backdrop to Cicero's final moments, a reminder of the eternal rhythm of life and death that governed all things.

And then, in the stillness of the night, Marcus Tullius Cicero drew his final breath, his spirit departing this world to join the pantheon of Rome's immortal heroes. Something tells me Brutus and Cassius had a glass of wine ready for him.

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October, 33 B.C

The world kept turning, and I kept working. Day in, and day out, we continued restructuring the Second Republic to ensure it would survive for centuries past our death. Decimus spearheaded the professionalization of the army, which did roll back some previous decisions of mine. We settled borders, respecting the independence of the Germans, the Irish, and the Cantabri. We arranged a treaty with Phraates of Parthia, establishing an agreement of perpetual peace.

I only hope our ancestors and his uphold those agreements.

Efforts were made to balance the budget and reduce government debt, ensuring the financial stability of the Republic. Measures to combat corruption and streamline bureaucracy were also conducted... I nearly lost my head for that, but it was absolutely worth it. My reforms made me exceptionally unpopular with the elites but I didn't exactly care. If I died doing what was right, then it was a good death.

We also made efforts regarding commerce and trade, ensuring stable economic growth was absolutely on the docket. Almost the entirety of the Mediterranean was ruled by Rome apart from Egypt and Judea - which were both vassals. We waged war on pirates, trying to put down that threat to ensure safe passage of ships to and from any port. That was... admittedly harder than I thought, but we kept our heads high regardless.

Decimus and I successfully demobilized the nearly 300,000 veterans from the civil war. We settled them in Gaul, Britain and Hispania. By the end of the year, the Senate would be debating agrarian reforms to reduce economic inequality.

I fought off another assassination attempt, this time I successfully killed the assassin myself. I was very proud of that one. My eldest son would seal an alliance with Decimus, marrying his daughter, Decima Junia, something we both supported. Regardless of the alliance, the two seemed to love each other, something I always championed.

I would attend games, visit provinces, and cities and ensure the people knew I was listening, and that I cared. Because I did. I loved Rome. I loved the Republic. I loved democracy. That was why I never quit. I may have been misguided in my youth and service to Caesar, but I never regret standing up to the man. He raised me up to set in motion my diehard Republicanism and my future motions.

I think he, with the benefit of hindsight, wanted to save Rome... but his methods to do so were deplorable. I wonder if he's proud of me. He called me his daughter even at the very end, and so I'm left wondering.

In the end, my legacy matters, and I hope my legacy reflects the good I've done.