New Rome

24. Little Chess Pieces

The Einstein Academy was roused from its stuffy post-exam period stupor by the arrival of the Imperator's private chariot. This chariot was a masterpiece of modern craftmanship - able to ride the under-rails at more than twice the speed of the shuttles whilst boasting a luxury travel experience. The Academy's governors were flustered, their defences raised, with any necessary excuses on the tips of their false tongues.

From the chariot emerged not the Imperator, which was a relief, but his wife – Livia. The First Lady alighted the carriage and her white heels crunched on the gravel driveway, the sound of every step seeming to scrape against the Headmistress' tender nerves. Livia raised her head proudly, refraining from looking admiringly around her. Never before had she set foot in the academy, her parents had been too poor to send her as a child, but she didn't want to remind anyone of this. She walked as if she owned the place, striding determinedly down the scholarly halls. 

Livia was ushered into the Headmaster's apartments, where she dined with the teachers and board of governors. Livia smiled charmingly, remembering every name, and complimented the efforts of those around her.

"Any news from the capital? We are so cut off in this backwater - it feels like we are worlds apart. Even fashions are, I dare say, different between the two suburbs." The Head commented, striving to dominate Livia's attention, and win her friendship.

"Fashions change street by street – I have often observed that the capital is a patchwork quilt, its neighbourhoods are so diverse and colourful." Livia replied. Her words were met with sycophantic praise.

"You and the Imperator have Agrippa with you now, how is the Prince? Parting with him premature of term was a sudden blow to the school." The Head pressed. Livia didn't miss the looks some of the others exchanged. Agrippa was not missed by his teachers.

Livia shrugged.

"Agrippa lives in an old apartment of my grandson's." She waved a dismissive hand, "we see very little of him. The Imperator did hope private tutoring might do good, on one so young and... tempestuous. But sadly, well..." She pretended to hesitate uncertainly.

"You look appears regretful? Does Agrippa not thrive?"

Livia shook her head.

"I confess to you, what I can express little to others. You have taught the prince and know his worth too well for me to dissemble. My husband hoped, by adopting him, to encourage young Agrippa but the exercise is bearing little fruit."

Everyone was on the edge of their seats. What did this mean, was Agrippa not in favour? Was he not the heir then? 

"Your own son has recently been adopted by the Imperator also..." Professor Rookshine prompted delicately. Livia smiled.

"My husband has always been good to my son, calling him 'his own' from the day of our marriage. This adoption cements the healing between them and the end of the General's exile. I am much contented by it." She beamed around at them all. "But I should direct arrow to target and make no further fog around the purpose of my visit."

The room was silent, her audience hanging on every word. Livia fixed them with a bright smile before continuing. "How fares Arly? The princess is quite the favourite of the Imperator's." She lied smoothly, hearing the intake of breath this statement caused.  "We would have had her live with us, had she not desired more time to study." Livia sipped delicately from her drink, pleased to see how her words were being digested.