Domina Triumphans

Chapter 33, 51 AD, Rome, Gaul, Britannia, and the Levant

Caradoc followed Afranius into a room that held bittersweet memories. Four short years ago, he had come here as a condemned captive. Now, he was the ambassador for both Iolarix and Prasutagus as Kings of Gaul and Britannia. Today, he would give his first speech to the Senate on behalf of both and transmit back any orders or decrees that the Senate wished to make. The heat was becoming unbearable and soon the Imperial Family, most Senators and anyone else who could would depart for their seaside villas to escape the dog days. He would accompany Lepidus to Baiae and sit on his ass for six weeks straight. At least Grainne and the girls, now four in number, would have fun on the beach.

An usher came to the door and Afranius escorted Caradoc to a visitors' seating section in the crowded chamber. A statue of Victory flanked by two large braziers with an altar was on the opposite wall. The Emperor was serving as Consul along with Vespasian. Valerius and Lepidus were the two suffect or deputy consuls. They sat on a dais below the statue. Agrippina, with Nero and Britannicus, were nearby. The Senators sat on bleachers on either side of the room. High-ranking ones such as Valerius, Otho, Rufius, Galba, Vitellius, Pompeianus, and Vespasian's brother were at floor level.

Claudius nodded at his nephew, Nero, who stood and made his way to the center of the room. Now wearing the white toga of a man, he was a pudgy youngster with a round, flabby face. Caradoc knew why Nero was being put forward so young. Claudius was showing his years and it was time to bring the next generation forward. Nero was tasked to present petitions on behalf of the Illyrians and some colonia in Italy. If he was nervous, he gave no sign. His voice projected through the room. His gestures were natural, with good diction. If this was Rome's future emperor, the signs were positive.

Nero sat down and the Senate voted on Illyria's request for a tax reduction, and for additional land for the veterans' colonies. All measures carried. This last week of session was a good time to present petitions, as the Emperor was in a generous mood and ready to be elsewhere. An usher called his Roman name.

"Tiberius Claudius Caratacus!"

Caradoc rose, wearing a formal tunic snd white toga. But he had added his own touches. He had had a smith refit his best torq to rest around the iron collar, concealing it somewhat. His sleeve covered the armband on his upper right arm and he had added a wide bracelet below it. He was wearing a circlet with a large amber stone that Cyllin had sent. He was greying, but at least his hair was naturally blond and he could care less about curl. Right now, blond curly hair was the rage for both men and women and the lengths that people with black or brown and straight hair were going to achieve dyed, frizzled locks were laughable. Romans prized sculpted, toned bodies, but almost all these men were fat, balding, and letting nature wear them down. Caradoc ran, swam, and worked out, and hoped he looked like it for being almost sixty. He was aiming to set a tone, here, today. He bowed to the Emperor and came to attention as an augur poured a libation on the altar. Claudius nodded.

"Divinity, Diva, your august heirs, noble Consuls, Senators, indeed all of Rome and the Empire here assembled. You know me as Tiberius Claudius Caratacus. I know myself to be Caradoc ap Cynobelinus of the Catuvellauni, father of King Cyllin and Prince Coel ap Caradoc, representing our most distiguished Kings, Iolarix of Gaul and Belgica, and Prasutagus of Britannia.

"Divinity, your Celtic realms flourish under your benevolent hand. Gaul and Britannia send timber, metals, produce, and manufactured wares. Celtic men serve in Legions and auxilia throughout the Empire, plying an honored trade we have known since the dawn of time. These high kings send their humblest greetings, and make the following entreaties."

As he spoke, he glanced at Nero. The young man scowled back. Claudius nodded and was following. Nero was pissed.

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