New Rome

5. A Good Man

Wylo was working in the lab. Using the back of her gloved hand, she nudged her goggles further up her nose.

"Wylo?" Her colleague called over the intercom.

"Yeah?" Wylo replied, her voice muffled by the theatre mask she was wearing.

"Your grandmother's here."

Wylo looked up from the cadaver before her, her brow crinkling with worry.

Wylo scrubbed her hands clean before donning on a clean white lab coat over her office attire. Her ID badge knocked against her stomach as she marched briskly up the stairs to the offices. She found Livia sat in the head of departments office, sipping a drink and laughing at something the department head had said. The poor man was sweating and seemed relieved at the sight of Wylo – able to quickly leave them in privacy.

"Hi gran," Wylo greeted, leaning down to the kiss Livia's proffered cheek. Livia affected a shudder at Wylo's language. "How's the Imperator?"

Livia shrugged.

"Graesen complains, but like the radiant sun, he does so always smiling. I am a fortunate wife."

Wylo took the seat beside her grandmother.

Livia was Graesen's second wife. He'd married his first wife when only barely an adult and she'd given birth to his only offspring, a daughter, before tragically dying in an accident. At the time, Livia had been a widow with two young sons. Together, Livia and Graesen were the ultimate power couple. Both revered for their cunning and brilliance. 

Wylo's father had been Livia's younger son. The marriage between Wylo and Guy had been organised by their grandparents to further unite their family's. Livia had come to see her at work, just like now, and had calmly explained the family's wishes. And to make it clear that Wylo had no say in the matter. 

"Is something wrong?"

"Wrong?"

"Why are you here, gran?" Wylo clarified- her stomach twisted uneasily.

"Your husband," Livia paused for a moment – gathering her words, "treads recklessly on matters of politics."

Wylo frowned.

"This is something you should talk to him about – not me."

Livia reached across, to rest her hand on Wylo's wrist.

"In marriage, you became one." 

Wylo opened her mouth to protest but Livia cut across her, "Words from you would touch the tender strings of his heart. Counsel him – as is your duty."

Wylo's nostrils flared at the word 'duty'.

"What should I counsel?"

"Caution. At times, it is wiser to be carried by the current rather than to drown yourself by fighting against waves far stronger then they seem." Livia's words with thick with hidden meaning. Wylo took a deep breath, staring down at her lap.

"I will advise him – to do what is right."

Livia retracted her hand, the warmth leaving her eyes.

"You will obey, accepting that your elders know what is right."

"I'm not a child." Wylo snapped angrily. "I know just how dark and low this family has come. As if I could forget  - working here. "But know this grandmother, I won't be frightened of you or him."