The Emperor's Daughter

Chapter Ten: Aurelia

Cato was in a surprisingly good mood. He waved Aurelia over to a chair, not waiting for her to sit before he'd begun to place a slice of bread covered in honey on her plate. Their father wasn't present which wasn't entirely surprising; he often missed dinner if he had other affairs to attend to. It was unusual for Cato's wife to miss dinner though. Cato's smile almost split his face when she inquired.

"Juno and Venus has blessed our marriage. My wife finds herself fallen with child," he announced proudly.

"Oh brother that's wonderful!" Aurelia cried.

Cato bowed his head. "The empire will have its heir."

Aurelia raised her glass of wine. Perhaps now her brother would calm down now that he knew the future of Rome was more settled.

"I shall thank the thank goddesses next I am at temple –yes I will take my guard when I go," she said before Cato could open his mouth.

Pouring a glass of his own Cato threw back his own wine and poured another. Apparently her brother was celebrating by drinking his body weight in wine.

"Well sister you'll be glad to know you won't need a guard much longer," he said signaling for a slave to bring a new jug of wine.

"I won't? Why?"

The wine poured into his glass without spilling a single drop, quite the accomplishment for Cato who seemed to have been celebrating since morning. "Avitus is returning soon and we'll have the details of your marriage arranged."

The cup in Aurelia's own hand froze in the air. Unpleasant chills spiraled up her spin in trepidation. "My marriage? Cato surely now that you have an heir, Rome won't need one from me."

The single word: Marriage. Sent her heart into a race of chariots and horses. She hadn't thought anything on the subject since Cato had arranged it weeks ago. She'd been hoping he'd forget it, especially with his focus on getting his wife with child. Now that his wife was with child, shouldn't Cato's mind be on his heir? What did he need Aurelia for?

"Aurelia," he scolded gently. "I know your knowledge on the subject of marriage and motherhood is limited being unwed as you are. Still, surely even you must know how easy it is for the gods to give and take a child. My heir could die before it's born. My wife could. You must do your duty to Rome.

"Beyond that, I told you sister –you need a husband. You should have been married long ago. I think marriage will suit you. Ever since I introduced you to Avitus, you've had the loveliest glow in your cheeks."

Aurelia felt her cheeks burn that lovely glow. It'd never been for Avitus though. Caius had placed that lovely glow on her cheeks...along with a few red marks under her clothes from where he'd held and kissed her.

Cato smiled, pleased by the heat he didn't understand warming her face. "Avitus will protect you. You'll marry and hopefully be a mother alongside my wife."

"Cato I do not want-"

"It is done Aurelia."

"Cato-"

He slapped the table, the sound echoing out in the room in a snap of thunder. "Aurelia, I may indulge your whims more than most brothers would their sisters, but I will not change my mind on this. You will marry Avitus."

Aurelia stared at him a moment before slamming down her glass in a perfect mirror of his slap. She stood up, not bothering to wait for a slave to pull out her chair before she'd scrapped it across the titled floor.

"I. Will. Not. Marry. Him." She spat each word venomously, turning on her heel and leaving the room before he could call her back.

She had to get outside. She needed air.