The Emperor's Daughter

Chapter Thirteen: Aurelia & Caius

Aurelia was relieved Cerberus had quickly fallen asleep in her lap. He slept peacefully, giving her a calm she was slowly able to take within herself.

The evening had been terrifying and draining as if it'd been her and not Caius who'd fought to free her from the wretched man.

She pet the dog's head, thankful when Laelia had fetched him from her room in hope of calming Aurelia. It'd worked well, the heavy body falling like a wool blanket across her lap, his soft fur combing between her fingers. She was thankful all that much more for Caius saving him.

Thinking of Caius she peered in the direction of the door.

She knew he had to report to her father and brother after the man's failed attempt to rob her. Surely he should have been back by now.

"I'm glad my guard was with me tonight," Aurelia murmured, her eyes on Cerberus. "Where is he Laelia? I thought he'd of been outside my door after such a threat."

Laelia was standing to the side as always, her eyes only lighting when Aurelia asked them to. "I believe he is with your father. I can ask one of the guards who stand in the hall to stand outside until he returns," she offered.

Aurelia frowned. "No." She shook her head. Only Caius could make her feel safe tonight.

She went back to stroking Cerberus and was on her fifth pass when she heard footsteps.

"Laelia!" she hissed holding out Cerberus. Should it not be Caius, it was best Cerberus not be in her room.

Laelia took the dog and quickly left, leaving a moment before a knock was sounded and Aurelia's father walked in.

"I'm glad to see you well," he said.

She bowed her head in acknowledgement. He pulled a padded sella chair up to sit across from her and tugged at his chilton to adjust the fabric.

"Your brother's rather shaken by the night's events," he said –sounding rather unshaken himself. He didn't worry about the succession of his line nearly as much as Cato.

"My guard did well to keep me safe," she said sincerely.

"Yes I've just seen to it that the man be compensated for his brave actions. Now about your brother." He continued on before Aurelia could ask him what he meant about Caius. "After what happened tonight, Cato's more anxious to get you married and out of the city for your own safety. Avitus has returned so your brother thinks it best you both marry in a month's time and I've agreed."

Aurelia's head snapped up, her earlier fog from the frightening night was chased away by this new fear.

Caius' face flashed in her head. She'd not told him about Avitus. It'd been easy to forget Avitus when he hadn't even been in Rome all this time, making it easy for her to completely forget about him and the threat he posed of taking her away.

"A month? That's so soon," she breathed, feeling a tightening begin to form around her heart. "There's no need to rush father. My guard can continue to look after me while a proper wedding is prepared."

Emperor Tatius was already shaking his head. "Cato thinks it best you marry soon and I agree. And once you leave to the countryside, you won't need a guard anyway. He'll actually be leaving Rome when you do."

Aurelia frowned confused. Was Caius going to be stationed nearby Avitus' home? It might make things easier on her during such a big change to have him near, yet she somehow doubted he'd enjoy sharing her with her new husband.

"I don't understand," she said.

Her father waved a careless hand, unconcerned by her, her marriage, or Caius. "Your guard will be leaving with a small group of men to the west to fight as soon as you are married and safely away."