The Emperor's Daughter

Chapter Twelve: Caius

Tonight she smelled of lilies and cloves, the strong smell so vibrant Caius smelled it even walking a few steps behind her.

Every night she had somewhere to be; a debate, the theater, a dinner party, she came out smelling different depending on the food and flowers present at each place. He didn't always get to stand in her presence depending on where she was going and how safe it was deemed. When he did go, he watched her as she smiled and laughed with people dressed much nicer than him. Some recognized him, telling him they missed seeing him the arena or that his win-or lose- had cost them money. He handled the events as best he could, finding relief in the secret looks Aurelia gave him throughout the night.

Tonight she'd had supper at a senator's of her fathers. He was celebrating his wedding to a girl half his age who was clearly not looking forward to joining him in their marriage bed. The man had greeted Aurelia, the emperor's heir: Cato, and Cato's wife with warm words. Once Cato and his wife had walked to speak with someone else though, the lecherous man had made a comment to Aurelia about a necklace his wife wore and how much nicer it would have looked on her.

Caius' hand on his sword's hilt had tightened. He hadn't had to deal with much jealousy given Aurelia's clear devotion to him when they were alone. Such open declarations, not even disguised by the man however made Caius furious, the cords sticking out in his sword hand.

He was glad when Aurelia left early, Laelia coming from where she stood waiting to be called to her lady, stola ready. They left then, Aurelia walking beside Laelia and Caius following behind.

"I always have hated Senator Julius," she said to Laelia as they walked down a quiet street. It was growing close to night, the sky a dawning blue and black. Not many were out.

"He is..." Laelia trailed off thinking of the polite way to say it. "Outspoken," she said finally.

In the time that Caius had become Aurelia's protector, he'd come to know Laelia from a distance. They never spoke much, not that Laelia spoke much to anyone beside Aurelia. She was a careful woman Caius had found quickly. She didn't speak badly of people with power, but also did her best to never disagree with Aurelia. She was smart in that way, she knew her station as Aurelia's servant –perhaps her life- was precarious if she upset the wrong person. Caius had decided that was why she spoke so little –it was safer.

He'd laughed amused at Romilius' suggestion that Caius take her as a wife; she didn't seem to have an existence outside Aurelia. If she had, it was Romilius himself that Caius would have thought would make a good husband to her. Outside the arena Romilius could be kind and gentle, good qualities for a woman such as Laelia.

"Outspoken?" Aurelia said astounded. "He is a wanton swine and may his poor wife be granted some wisdom from Minerva when dealing with him."

Laelia nodded compliant.

As they rounded a street corner Aurelia lowered the white veil she'd pulled over her head leaving the senator's house. Caius had begun insisting she have some form of coverage when out walking on the streets. He didn't like how obvious she looked in the open for anyone to attack. At least with the veil up she'd hide some of herself from would be thieves. She still had the appearance of a wealthy high-born woman, but perhaps she'd at least not be recognized as the emperor's daughter.

They were in view of the palace, the bright torches lit, flickering in and out as wind blew against them.

The first time Caius had entered through the doors had been a torturous walk, his chest as heavy as a prisoner being forced to walk into the arena to face hungry animals.

In the weeks since it'd gotten easier. He still missed the sword clash of the arena. Following behind Aurelia though made entering the palace walls better, the vision of her in his bed, or him receiving the honor of being in hers, was always worth it.