New Rome

23. The Abandoned Son

Wylo and Ellie had been summoned for a family meal at the Castle of Red. Wylo fidgeted in her dress, feeling uncomfortable. She wasn't used to showing her legs and was conscious about how pale and short they looked. Ellie patted her on the head, smiling good-naturedly.

"Fret not," he reassured her. "Try to appear confident and relaxed." 

Wylo nodded, wishing it were as easy for her to 'play the part'.

Ellie seemed entirely at ease, as they disembarked from the shuttle-chariot that Livia had sent for them. The attendants bowed their heads as they passed and Ellie was greeted by several courtiers, exchanging quick pleasantries and promises to talk more in the future. Ellie didn't stumble over anyone's names and he smiled at everyone as if he was particularly happy to see them. He makes people feel special, Wylo realised. 

"Elligah!" Enthused a female voice from behind them. The couple turned to see a remarkably pretty girl rushing in their direction.

"Greetings, Daphnea." Ellie replied. Daphnea went in for a hug and Wylo watched them embrace, her gaze sharpening.

"It seems an age since last you visited my father." Daphnea complained, batting his arm lightly. 

Wylo's nostrils flared. The girl liked him, it was obvious in way she was beaming up at him – and flicking her hair over her shoulder.

"Pray send my compliments to the Quaestor. Is he in good health?" Ellie asked politely.

"Yes, the gods are kind."

"May their benevolence long continue." Ellie caught sight of Wylo's scowl. "Ah, Daphnea it is my pleasure to introduce you to my wife – Wylo."

"Greetings," Wylo offered - her tone lacking any warmth. But Daphnea barely spared her a glance, her attention solely focused on Ellie - whose arm she kept touching. Wylo wanted to slap the girls hand away. Daphnea at last secured a promise from Ellie, that he would visit her fathers apartment in the next couple of days. 

"How can I refuse an invitation I most desired to receive?" Ellie assured her, bowing his head. Daphnea sighed contentedly as she walked away from them, her long plait swinging as she moved. 

Wylo and Ellie trotted down the halls in silence, Wylo's brow furrowed. They were almost upon the small dining room, when she finally made a comment.

"Daphnea seems... nice." 

"She is a gentle creature," Ellie agreed. Wylo's stomach coiled like a snake.

"A little too sweet, maybe. How long have you two known one another?"

"I met her through her father. He's a brilliant man and a quaestor. I owe him a great deal, he allowed me to shadow his work for many weeks and gave me lots of advice for admission interview." Ellie explained. 

Wylo knew that it was Ellie's dream to be a quaestor one day. 

"When was this?"

"Six moon cycles past, I think."

Wylo contemplated this as they walked. He'd known Daphne then, before they'd married. Did he like Daphnea? Had they dated? Surely if he'd been in love with someone else then he would have told her. Wylo had almost determined this when a nagging thought cropped up. What if Ellie did love Daphnea, but he'd sacrificed his feelings for her sake – to save her from marrying Agrippa.