Forbidden

Chapter 14

Weeks had passed, and so had many nights with Atilius. The Princess spent her nights out and having fun, and her mornings under a deep slumber. "Aeliana, what has gotten into you? Sleeping 'till all hours of the morn!" Her mother had fussed at the dining hall while her family and palace servants watched with questioning eyes. "Forgive me Mother, I find that it takes me quite some time to fall asleep."

"Well, we must find something to cure that musn't we? We cannot have you marrying with those purple bags under your eyes." Aeliana only nodded and smirked to herself, for she had just realized that she willingly lied to her family.

It wasn't very long however, before those closest to Aeliana started to see through her facades and complicated lies. One morn, her maids Blandina and Cassia fluttered in. Cassia shook the slumbering girl awake with a creased brow. "Princess, please." Grudgingly, Aeliana propped herself on her elbows and glowered at the two.

"There better be a good reason as to why I am awake at such an early hour." She grumbled. Blandina planted her hands on both hips and returned Aeliana's glare. "It is half past noon. You are lucky to have been woken this late! Your Mother is out with your sisters." Aeliana rolled her eyes and slumped back. "We can only hope the witch somehow gets snatched by an oversized eagle." Cassia and Blandina broke into a fit of giggles but quickly silenced.

"What has gotten into you?" Cassia asked while bringing forth a navy toga. "Whatever do you mean?" "You very much know what I mean, Liana." It wasn't very long before Blandina joined in the conversation. "Sneaking out at all hours of the night, coming back when the sun just starts to rise..the sudden shift in your attitude, I dont remember you having such a snarky personality." Aeliana's stomach started to churn when both maids stood, staring.

Cassia broke into a smile and clasped both hands together. "It's a man isn't it?" The blush quickly formed across Aeliana's cheeks while she avoided the younger girl's gaze. "Aeliana we know you, do not lie." Seeing no other alternative, Aeliana sighed and relaxed her shoulders. "Will you promise to not-" "Do you really think we would spread such a secret around?"

Laughing, Aeliana shook her head. "Alright," Cassia squealed and jumped onto the mat beside Aeliana, looking at her with wide eyes. "Who is he?" Blandina asked with a smirk. "Atilius, the-" "Gladiator?!" The two spoke at the same time. "Yes, the gladiator." Cassia started to fan herself dramatically while Blandina broke into a large grin. "Is he really as lovely as everyone says?!" Aeliana burst into laughter at Cassia's face and nodded her head. "Even lovelier."

"Oh, Liana! How romantic!" "You're lucky, child. Most girls do not have a choice as to who they love." Aeliana nodded quickly and turned to giggle and whisper with Cassia, but Blandina's loud gasp interrupted the action. "What of Terentius?" She harshly whispered. "I am not in love with Terentius, Blandina."

"We could all see that, but how do you plan on going about this affair?" The maid had asked a very complicated question that made Aeliana think, but before she could muster a valid response, there came a pounding on the great doors of her room.

"Aeliana! Come, love. I am supposed to be taking you to the market!" Terentius' muffled voice rang through the doors and all 3 women froze. Cassia, not wasting a minute, grabbed Aeliana's hand and wrenched her upright. In a mess of linen and perfumed water, the two made Aeliana up in a matter of minutes. Once all were satisfied with the appearance of the Princess, they pushed her towrads the door.

*****

Aeliana climbed the marble steps of her Palace quickly on the arm of Terentius. The day had been filled with tension and sly glaces from each other. When the couple had passed the Colosseum, Aeliana found herself smiling and Terentius questioned her acts. "What is so humorous?" He asked with a sneer on his face. "I am just thinking of the upcoming fights. They seem to be exciting for a change." The lie rolled easily of Aeliana's tongue and she felt a sense of pride.