New Rome

12. Prince in the City

Agrippa stepped out of the shuttle-chariot, his duffle bag slung across his back. He'd arrived and he was finally standing outside his swanky city apartment. He stared up at the entranceway – it was built in the new style with curved walls, as if he were headed down a gigantic rabbit warren. The doors were designed to look like wood, with a metal knocker in their centre. 

Sucking his teeth, a habit when he was nervous that caused his face to scowl, he knocked on the door. He only had to wait half a minute before the door swung open to a momentary scene of confusion as the door man was ushered aside and a stranger rushed forward.

"Your highness!" The youth greeted Agrippa enthusiastically. Agrippa was momentarily taken aback. The man in front of him looked only a couple of years older than himself, and was dressed very daringly. He was in a onesie, fashionably slashed around the abdomen and knees to show off his tattoos. His hair was long, spilling over one eye and tied to the side with silver feathers protruding from the dark curls. The stranger grinned, flashing silver caps amongst his discoloured teeth and bowed with a careless grace.

"Tann," Elligah scolded, coming to his doorman's rescue. "Don't treat this place as yours." T

ann didn't seem at all affected by his hosts criticism. Seeing Agrippa, Elligah blushed and inclined his head. "Apologies sir."

"Who is this man?" Agrippa asked, offering neither of them greeting.

"This is Tann, one of the Imperator's freedmen." Elligah turned to the doorman. "Please take the Prince's luggage for him." The doorman obeyed. "Tann-"

But before Elligah could say another word to his friend, Tann was already walking away.

"I fancy a strong drink from your cabinet. You still got the good stuff in there from Yen's graduation?" Tann spoke loudly as he swaggered off.

Elligah sighed.

"Apologies," he murmured- leading Agrippa inside. "Welcome to your new home."

"That man is a freedman, you say?" Agrippa questioned, taking off his jacket and chucking it at Elligah. Elligah nodded.

"Tann was born into the Imperator's household. The imperator freed him," Elligah hesitated, thinking, "eleven moon cycles past."

Agrippa didn't have much interaction with slaves, except those working the public transport and latrines. But there was another tier of slaves, known to work for the Imperator in government. It was meant to prevent corruption, since these men and women did not receive a salary. The truth, was not quite so simple. But the idea of a freedman interested Agrippa especially. Freedmen were former slaves, freed from bondage. In society they were a stirring spoon in the pot of contention. Many didn't think slaves should ever be freed and hated to see a freedman succeed better then themselves in the world.

They entered the living room and Tann re-joined them, baring alcohol.

"Here, your highness," Tann purred silkily, "it's called 'the moons eighth shade' – everyone's drinking it in New Rome this season."

Agrippa examined the drink. It was purple in colour and fizzing, producing glittering sparkles on the surface. "It's Danyka's, drink of choice." Tann's tone suggested that this was a big deal.

Agrippa took a sip and coughed, it was strong stuff.

"Perhaps my choice does not suit younger tastes." Tann remarked, seeing that Elligah hadn't even attempted any.