Page 72 of Enslaved
“To exist here and prosper, we Romans need the support of the Britons,” Marcus agreed.
“Yes, and Paullinus fosters hatred wherever he goes. His determination to eradicate whole tribes of Iceni and Trinovantes incites more rebellion. We need a man of diplomacy. Only a statesmanlike attitude can restore the full support of the Britons.”
“You will have to return to Rome to present your ideas to the emperor and the senate. Messages are easily intercepted, lost, or ignored.”
“We are of like minds. I want you to come to Rome with me, Marcus. Two voices carry more weight than one. You are the best advocate for this country that I have. I will personally see Nero, but I would like you to speak before the senate.”
Marcus’ emotions warred within him. He would love to visit Rome, to see his father again and the villa and lands to which he was heir, but he no longer thought of it as home. This was his home, this was where his heart was, and the thought of leaving Diana behind was unimaginable. Still, he was a man who had always put duty before personal considerations. He was incapable of sacrificing his honor for gain, for gratification, or for any other temptation. “Julius, you have presented me with a dilemma.”
“Weigh it carefully, my friend. I don’t need your decision for a couple of days. I intend to sail next week, though. There won’t be much time until the gales make the sea crossing hazardous.”
“Come to dinner tonight. There’s something I’ve been hesitant to ask you about, and the questions will come easier on a full stomach.”
“If your lady, Diana, will be there, it will be my pleasure to dine with you,” Julius accepted with twinkling eyes.
“If you are to be my guest, Julius, I am certain she will accept my invitation,” Marcus said graciously.
Before they dined, Marcus and Julius relaxed in the bath suite for the daily ritual that was so socially significant. They had been oiled, cleansed, and massaged and finally Marcus’ tongue was loosened enough to bring up the subject that had been foremost in his mind. Before they took the cold plunge, Marcus said, “I am a career soldier, you know. I signed up for twenty-six years and have served sixteen of them.” His glance met that of Julius. “It is taken for granted that a life soldier will not marry.”
Julius knew immediately what Marcus had in mind. “That rule has been relaxed in the last couple of years. You will need permission, but if I recommend it, it will be given almost automatically.” Julius could smell victory. “If you come to Rome with me, it will expedite matters considerably.”
“Well, that is certainly an incentive,” Marcus admitted.
“So, your relationship with the lady Diana is serious, I take it?”
“Yes. I would like a son and I grow no younger. Until now I was content to have my brother be my heir, but at thirty I have suddenly decided I want a wife and a legitimate heir of my own.”
“Good for you, Marcus. It is a big step but a wise one, I think. With maturity comes the realization that none of us is immortal, and when we see a chance for happiness staring us in the face, we should grab it with both hands and never let go.” He winked at Marcus. “I’m ready for the cold plunge when you are.”
Some hours later, Kell escorted Diana to the triclinium, where both men welcomed her with a chaste kiss of greeting. She wore a pale lavender stola with a deep purple palla draped and fastened over one shoulder. Her golden curls were piled on top of her head to show off the amethyst torque she wore about her elegant neck.
The conversation was politely impersonal while the serving slaves moved about the couches and table quietly and efficiently, but the moment they withdrew, Julius spoke of his journey to Rome. Without warning he turned to Diana and said, “I must convince the emperor and the senate that Britannia’s army should be turned into a peacetime force whose main function is to police her territory and defend her frontiers.”
“Your mission is most noble, Julius. I hope with all my heart that you succeed.”
“If Marcus adds his eloquence to mine, I am sure we shall convince them. But the decision is his.”
Damn you, Julius, why couldn’t you let me tell her?Marcus thought.
Panic spread its wings inside Diana’s chest and fluttered wildly. The procurator’s words told her that Marcus was needed in Rome, but that he had not agreed to go. By telling her that the choice was his, Julius was hoping she would influence that choice. Diana did not want to be separated from Marcus, did not want to be left alone. Marcus was her world, her life, her reason for being. The food in her mouth turned to ashes. She did not dare to look at Marcus for fear of what she would see in his eyes.
Julius dipped his fingers into the perfumed water and dried them on a linen napkin. “Perhaps Diana would like to see Rome.”
Marcus’ spirits soared. He could clearly see that Julius was making it impossible for him to refuse. He issued Diana an invitation because he guessed Marcus would not go without her. Of course Julius had no idea Diana was a slave who had no free choice, but would come or stay as Marcus commanded. And he did not want Julius even to suspect she was his slave. Romans did not marry slaves!
Diana no longer followed the conversation. Dimly she heard them speaking of Marcus’ father and the lands he would inherit from him. Her pale countenance was remote and calm as a moon goddess, as if she were completely detached from the subject of the conversation floating about her. But inside she was in turmoil, her thoughts filled with Rome, the Eternal City. The suggestion that she might visit ancient Rome was so startling, she was thrown completely off balance.
The thought of Rome was terrifying, though it wasn’t the magnificent city that filled her with dread. It was the people of Rome. It was Romans!
Of all the emperors who had ruled, Nero was the cruelest and most degenerate.Nero is a madman,Diana thought, with a shudder of revulsion. Julius would take Marcus right into Nero’s court, which was nothing more than a seething den of depravity. Her history books had taught her well what Nero did to Christians, so a visit for Diana was out of the question. Yet in her heart she knew that Marcus would consider it his duty to go. And if he went, would he ever return?
No! No!her heart cried.Make this day start over without Julius’ visit!
From beneath her lashes she observed Marcus. Her eyes secretly caressed his noble profile, his heavily muscled torso, his powerful hands gesticulating as he talked with Julius. It dawned on her that the procurator spoke openly before her because he suspected she had total influence over Marcus Magnus. She prayed that it was so. She would use that influence to stop him from going to Rome. She would keep him beside her if it was humanly possible to do so. Had she not set out to enslave him? She would use her powers of persuasion to influence his decision, and if they did not work, she would use her body. Playing harlot to Marcus was a small price to pay to protect what they had found together, here in Aquae Sulis!
Chapter 22
Diana retired to the sleeping chamber, leaving Marcus to bid the procurator goodnight. She removed the brooch that held her palla in place over her shoulder, but she neither undressed nor took down her hair. She would leave these intimate enticements for Marcus.
