Forbidden

Chapter 24

Eight days had passed since Atilius' death and as each day wore on, the ache in Aeliana's whole body worsened. There were nights where the princess would awake drenched in sweat having had dreams of her gladiator's embraces and soft kisses.

Eight days of wedding plans had passed by as well. Although Aeliana never took much thought. When asked about the day of her wedding or which hairstyle she preferred, a mere shrug was all she gave. Caecilia of course was there to reprimand Aeliana's blatant "rudeness".

Today was her wedding day. But Aeliana was still thinking of Atilius' last moment in her arms, and how the man she was marrying that evening had taken his life. Hot rage flared up again in her veins as she watched her mother burst through her doors followed by Cassia and Blandina carrying her own outfit.

"It is such a lovely morn for a wedding, do you not think Priscilla?" Caecilia said from her position near the door. Priscilla pasted on a brilliant smile for the woman and nodded. "Yes, Empress Cacilia." The poor girl's eyes searched to meet Aeliana's now dull eyes, and nodded her head once. Aeliana lifted one side of her mouth in a half-hearted smile.

"Liana my dear you will have to see your tunica and flammeum, simply breath taking my love. Come now you two, get to it." The empress clapped her hands at Cassia and Blandina and they immediately opened the cloth package.

In Cassia's hands was a deep yellow veil and Blandina was holding a long white robe. Still, Aeliana could do nothing but nod. Her mind was flooded with Atilius' voice, face and touch. "Stupid girl, give compliments." Caecilia bothered.

Aeliana nodded again and murmured "Beautiful." Her mother threw her hands in the air, exasperated and glared at her. "Do not you understand impact of your actions on the Avitus name, daughter?" the Empress screamed, "This family will not be embarassed any further by your depressive antics. The boy died because he deserved it! Be glad we have chosen to accept you into this family after what you have done. He is dead and you are to marry Terentius."

Refusing to allow her anger get the best of her, Aeliana continued to stare at her mother. "My lady," Cassia said quietly "I think it is best you leave." Silence filled the room. "Pardon me?" "Only so that you are surprised when you see our princess." Blandina blurted while Cassia defiantly met the empress' eyes. There was a long pause before Caecilia looked at every woman in the room and backed out of the exit.

"By the Gods I hate every inch of that woman." Cassia grunted. Aeliana let out the first real laugh since Atilius' abduction and the other women joined in. "Liana, I am so sorry my dear." Blandina shook her head.

"Not as sorry as I." Aeliana whispered with a sad smile on her face. "You should not have to be able to go through with this." Priscilla muttered angrily, hot tears threatening to fall from her eyes. Aeliana shook her head, violently, "Yet here we are."

"Come, prepare me for my betrothal." Aeliana gestured to the maids that solemnly watched her.

*******

Every citizen crowded the streets of Rome. Children and young women threw flower petals in the air to rain down on the royal bridal party. "Hail Princess Liana!" They screamed and with every praise thrown her way, Aeliana's stomach clenched.

Most of her citizens beamed her way and waved, but there were others who stood and glared. A man had snarled when she walked by and spat at her feet. "Murderer." He had grunted, and stalked away. The princess shut her eyes tightly for a moment and willed the guilt away for just that moment until Priscilla looped her arm through hers and moved forward.

'Gods, grant me the strength.' Was the small prayer she sent up before climbing the stairs of the Temple.

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