GAIUS

"This undertaking will solidify the infrastructure...and help every citizen in this city to...," Lucius's stutters echoed in the senate's grand hall, falling on deaf ears. Many members had dozed off or eagerly anticipated deserting the gathering, which had been inexplicably shoehorned in at the end of the hearings. After several hours in the heat, itching anxiety loomed like the accumulating sweat droplets on Lucius's forehead. "So please, dear brothers..." 

"I wouldn't even let my dog call you his brother," someone clamoured, followed by a few laughs.

"Please... This is an urgent matter and requires the utmost respect. I think... Young Gaius... If you would be so kind... You could stress the importance of this matter," Lucius stammered. 

All eyes fell on Gaius, who wished for anything else but attention."Lucius, I am unfamiliar with the execution of your revolutionary plan. I believe a specialist like yourself is more than capable of illustrating your vision. There's no need for my involvement. If you deem this project important, you surely don't need my humble status supporting your thesis." The last sentence was hurled at Lucius with fake enthusiasm. 

The uncanny voice of Aurelius Cornelius rang from one of the furthest benches, "Considering Young Gaius's experience with strategy execution, we may as well conclude this meeting." 

Gaius knew this was nothing but a jab at his more than unsatisfactory military achievements three years ago. 

"Nobody cares about your bootless endeavor, Pedarii (walkers, in this context slang for a senator who never has the chance to speak). We've been imprisoned for far too long today, and I wager Sempronius," Aurelius patted a chubby man napping next to him on the shoulder, who promptly woke up, "has a better idea on how to disburse public funds to our fellow people." Aurelius laughed.

Good-for-nothing Aurelius's attitude had vexed Gaius ever since they were little boys. This was a good opportunity to put him in his place.

"But how could dignified Sempronius disburse the already scarce funds equally if he only spends money on whores?" Gaius retorted. "Was it not your task, Aurelius, to find the missing treasure?"

The cocky expression on Aurelius's face disintegrated, "There is no need to worry... for I... you know... I have been in search," tensed, he attempted to appease the mass awoken by the possible resolution of the treasure's disappearance. "The identity of the culprit will be revealed soon!"

Shouting questions and comments came from left and right.

"Where is the money?"

 "Who did it?" 

"Bring the culprit to punishment!"

Aurelius wasn't appreciating the approbation from the senate, "The culprit is here... in our midst... yet, I cannot proclaim his name until we have apprehended him and located the money."

The crowd quieted down, observing each other, scared they might sit next to the thief.

Feeling overlooked, Lucius reclaimed his time at the pulpit, repeating his arguments to approve funding, but it seemed as if there was an unspoken understanding to ignore him and finally end the session. Those who weren't still snoring had gathered their things or started a conversation about the whereabouts of the money.

Defeated, Lucius collected his manuscript and headed out but was intercepted by Gaius in an alcove.

"How could you reel me in, in front of everyone?" Gaius badgered Lucius. "Do I have to explain the parameters of our arrangement?"

The sweating hadn't stopped; additionally, Lucius's eyes remained fixated on his scrolls. "It seems my wife can't be involved with the disappearance of the money, now that Cornelius uncovered the real perpetrator."

"You believe Aurelius's quick tongue? The arse couldn't even locate the money if he stole it himself. Regardless of what happened, you require backing to win over the Senate." Gaius pushed on.

As if he had found the courage, Lucius scrutinized Gaius, "You only need me to support your father's failing campaign for the consulship. If it wasn't for my more than adequate clientele and supporters, you wouldn't even look my way."

"No surprise finding Lucius Curiatius Fistus fondling Gaius's dick, "Aurelius disrupted their dispute. Nonchalantly, he placed his arm around Lucius's shoulder and pulled him closer. "I bet you two are discussing how Curiatius can lick testicles without kissing the asshole, too."

Just what I needed! Gaius thought. His fist ached to rearrange Aurelius's teeth and deplete any entitlement that came with his family's name. As an Aedile (an elected office), superior in rank and Gaius's senior, Gaius couldn't risk debasing his reputation and fomenting an éclat in this consecrated hall. His time would come.

Lucius wiggled out from Aurelius's grip, "Cornelius, I want to reason with you all about how important my project is..."

Annoyed, Aurelius pushed him away, "There is no pleasure in ridiculing you, Curiatius. Fuck off! I need to talk to your pander."

"Please, think about my proposal?" Lucius pressed on.

"Didn't I just tell you to vanish from my sight?"

Lucius didn't need to hear this again. He bowed, eyed Gaius for a second, wondering if he would vouch for him, and disappeared.

"What do you want, Aurelius?" Gaius challenged him.

Aurelius lowered his voice. "Don't interfere with my duty, Gaius!" He had stepped uncomfortably close to Gaius, pointing his fingers at him.

"Or what?" Gaius confronted him.

"Or- Uncle!"

Out of nowhere, a man towered behind Aurelius. A head taller than him, they looked alike. Aurelius's uncle - Maximus Cornelius Scipio. The same chestnut brown hair and symmetrical face men of the Cornelii family possessed. Whereas Aurelius lacked any infatuating aura with his meagre face, Maximus, with his broad shoulders and captivating smile, seemed to be encompassed with charisma wherever he went. He tugged his nephew to his side before the tension escalated.

"I hope my nephew is not overextending himself," Maximus's fingers dug deep into Aurelius's shoulders, which made him wince. "Young men have the urge to show their capabilities, as you certainly know as one of our new Quaestors (elected office)."

"It's an honour to serve as such for the Roman Empire, Cornelius," Gaius declared. "Though, I wonder if certain individuals deserve the right to serve, based on their lack of intelligence and self-control."

"It's ironic of you to mention control, Young Gaius," Maximus strode in front of his nephew, now looming over Gaius, "when I know for a fact that your dear father made sure to control the appointment of positions."

Gaius gloated.

"And then there is the wedding with the house of Granii that he so desperately wants to consolidate. I wonder what he has arranged for the dimwit of a son-in-law."

Gaius froze. How did Maximus know about his father's meddling? The engagement wasn't arranged, not yet.

He gave Aurelius a knowing look. "Or am I wrong to assume this is not the case? Sabinus seems eager to advance his political career, but how could he benefit from a simple farmer when he has such a brilliant son?"

"You are mistaken," Gaius replied.

"That is unfortunate to hear, for a wedding is a cause for celebration your family so desperately needs. I fear Sabinus's wedding with your late mother was the last time I have seen your father truly joyous."

Gaius hadn't thought about his mother in a long while. Her memory was buried deep, far too deep for him to acknowledge.

"I have been cordial, but don't ever disrespect my mother's memory!" Gaius had a hard time controlling his outrage.

"How could I? She was my family just as yours," Maximus's crow's feet twitched. "Your father knows that too well."

"What do you mean?" Aurelius asked, dumbfounded.

Maximus seized his nephew by the shoulders as before, "Gaius, let's not bicker, for your mother's sake. A Quaestor of surprising sagacity considering your youth would be an ideal addition to Aurelius's inquiry. I think it is best to side with the right party. Imagine being grouped with conspirators." The essence of more than a request hung in the air.

"An uncle of your fortitude at his side can only steer him in the right direction," Gaius deflected the call.

"Well, sleep on it. It was refreshing conversing with you. Please send your father my warmest regards." Maximus walked away.

Gaius and Aurelius were the only ones left in the grand hall.

"Don't interfere!" Aurelius hissed before he followed his uncle.

Knowing the reach of Maximus's influence and his unscrupulousness, going against the Cornelii family alone was futile. Would Aurelius accuse Gaius of misappropriating the money even without any proof?

Gaius could be punished with death. On top of that, he lost his leverage on Lucius to secure voters for his father. If Gaius didn't find a solution to his father's endeavor, he was forced to go through with the marriage.

***

LUCRETIA

Finally, the night of meeting Cal's husband-to-be had arrived. Lucretia didn't know who was more nervous – she, Cal, or her mother. After returning from the bathhouse, Calpurnia instructed everyone to dedicate their attention to Cal in any possible way. The whole house had been astir with servants catering to her every need. Not only had they spent hours depilating Cal from head to toe, but after altering Cal's hairstyle several times, Calpurnia persisted in having them fetch wigs in the latest fashion. Additionally, they had carried in leagues of fabrics, covering Cal's room in different colors, textures, and designs.

Several changes later and much to Cal's dislike, her mother selected a purple stola (garment for women, dress) highlighting her décolleté and a red wig with elaborate curls. With Cal draped in jewels, her mother was satisfied.

Lucretia remained in the background, shushed by her mother for hindering the procedure or speaking out of turn. On several attempts, she advocated for her sister's wishes because she looked like a sacrificial lamb, bejeweled with too many offerings. However, Cal abided by her mother's decisions as the obedient daughter.

As the evening neared, the family, guarded by lictors, made their way to the groom's villa. Tonight, the engagement would be finalized, and after tomorrow, it would be officially announced. An anxious feeling crept in as they approached the house. Lucretia remembered the extraordinary facade of the villa – the roofed pillars as well as the sculptures. She had been to this residence on Lupercalia (Roman festival).

At the portal, a slave welcomed them and escorted them to the atrium.

"Will he even be able to see her under this masquerade?" her brother tugged at one of Cal's braids.

"Flaccus, stop it! Mother, isn't it blasphemous to dress me in the color of the royal family?" Cal fidgeted with her necklace.

"Don't make such a fuss! This is a private engagement. Nobody will know. After you are wed to Sabinus' family, you will be part of the nobility." Her mother slapped Flaccus's hand away and rearranged the curls in Cal's wig.

Their conversation halted as the dominus (master) of the house descended the staircase to the left. Lucretia remembered him. The stoic face her father had introduced her to on Lupercalia gleamed with delight.

"Publius," the patriarchs shook hands.

"Sabinus, I'm glad we could finally unite our families. This is my wife, Calpurnia," her father gestured towards them, "and my daughter, Calpurnia, and you already had the pleasure of meeting Flaccus and Lucretia."

Sabinus' gaze drifted from person to person until it rested on Lucretia.

He stepped towards Lucretia, "I'm glad to meet my future daughter-in-law." His arms spread to capture her, but Calpurnia nudged Lucretia to the side and pushed her sister in front of Sabinus.

Her mother was hiding her contrite countenance. How could he confuse the dressed-up offering with a Vestal Virgin?

"We are glad for this union. Calpurnia," Cal curtsied acquiescently, "is looking forward to meeting her husband-to-be, but as I notice he is not present."

"My son will be here shortly," Sabinus glanced at the stairs he had descended. Was he agitated because of her mother's forwardness or the absence of his son?

Too focused on her family's inadequacy, Lucretia didn't notice a shadow appearing across from the staircase. He leaned against a pillar and observed the charade with amusement. It wasn't until her brother huffed next to her.

Titus waved at them. 

Why was he here? Was he a friend of this family?He shoved himself off the wall and walked behind Sabinus.He can't be a guest if he imposed himself on the affair, Lucretia thought. 

Titus whispered into Sabinus' ear. 

With a quick nod, he instructed Titus."Why don't Publius and I continue in my tablinum (office) while Titus accompanies the rest to the triclinium (dining room)?" 

Was Titus his son? Lucretia questioned. They shared no resemblance if only the blond hair and Greek nose. 

The two men exited as the rest followed Titus down the passage. Lucretia tried to get Cal's attention, but her older sister, still playing the docile daughter, was engaged in a conversation with Titus. 

If Titus was Sabinus' son, and Titus was also Gaius's brother, did this mean her tormentor was the man Cal was forced to marry? Certainly, this was all a big misunderstanding.

Lucretia seized her mother by the arm, "We should excuse ourselves and return home!" 

"Lucretia," they were falling behind, "what has gotten into you? Earlier you couldn't keep quiet about what Cal should wear. And now, you want to desert the liaison. Surely, you are regretting joining that cult that has you whining like a sad spinster. Witnessing her in all these fine dresses, your jealousy couldn't be controlled any longer. You want to be married, am I right? And the brother doesn't look too bad either," she snickered. 

"What? Mother, no!" She made her mother stop. "For once, I need you to listen to me. Marrying into this family will come with a regrettable toll. My gut has never failed me." 

"How do you know? I can't fathom where you would get an idea so ludicrous. His family has welcomed us with open arms even though we are but simple people. Your father and I have worked hard to achieve this alliance for us...I mean your sister. You should be ashamed to ruin her day." 

"If you worked so hard, you wouldn't mind finding someone else for her to wed. Trust me," she cautioned her mother. 

"Lucretia, I have behaved like the amiable mother that I am this whole day even though you were acting like a brat, but I had enough," her mother had raised her voice. 

What would deter her from proceeding with the union? Her parents hadn't divulged their financial situation, but Lucretia knew her family's survival depended on a favorable match that would elevate their social status. Would her mother recoil from her ambitious plans if she knew what had happened to Lucretia? Would she intervene if her favorite daughter had to suffer a cruel husband? 

"Is anything upsetting you?" Titus interrupted them. 

Startled, Lucretia turned around. "My family and I must lea-" 

"Shut your mouth!" Calpurnia hissed at her. Without letting on, Calpurnia hooked her arms under Titus'. "I can't wait to taste all the mouthwatering dishes you have prepared for us." 

As Calpurnia marched off with him, Titus peeked back at Lucretia, puzzled at her frustrated state.They entered the dining hall.

A great table burst with dishes such as stuffed snails, seasoned mussels, boiled eggs in pine nut sauce, pullus fusilis (chicken with liquid filling), vitellina fricta (fried veal), patina de piris (pear soufflé), libum (sweet cheesecake), and further savory platters. Canapes flanked the table on each side, and secluded in a corner, a servant was plucking the strings of a lyre, adding to the celebratory ambiance. Her mother, Flaccus, and Titus were making themselves comfortable on the lounges while a slave poured wine into their goblets. 

But Lucretia blocked Cal from seating. "I don't have a good feeling about this." 

"Please don't quarrel with Mother tonight," Cal chastised Lucretia. "All will be done by tonight and you don't have to parade me around. Your pious life won't be affected by my indecent behavior any further."

Cal had been the one avoiding her in the last two days. One would assume she was ashamed, but Lucretia knew her sister anticipated atonement for wrongdoings. 

"Holding a grudge consumes too much of my time. This has little to do with our fight." 

"Let's sit then. Awkwardly dwelling at the threshold will only reap stares." 

Despite ample free chairs, the sisters shared a lounge. 

"You cannot marry into this family," Lucretia whispered to Cal. 

"Why not?" A slave offered wine which Cal gladly accepted. 

"Titus, over there, is the brother of the man...I confided in you." Lucretia mumbled. 

"Is this his brother?" Whereas Cal's demeanor had been docile and subdued for the whole day, a fierce energy grabbed her. She looked over to Titus, who toasted to them. 

"It is a great honor to welcome you all on behalf of the Sabinus family," Titus held out his cup. "Athelstan, start serving our guest," he ordered the slave. 

Two more servants joined Athelstan in serving the food. 

"I am beseeching the Gods Titus isn't related to Sabinus," Lucretia continued her conversation with her sister. 

Cal pulled closer to Lucretia. "Surely-" 

"What are the two of you whispering? Let us be privy to your jest," Flaccus said out loud for everyone to hear. Being left to his own devices the whole evening, he yearned to be included even if this meant unintentionally embarrassing his sisters. 

"Please do," her mother joined in. "Titus, you must know, Lucretia has a vivid imagination. You never know if she is simply exaggerating an event or even fabricating a tale," Calpurnia's cheerful tone did not reveal the discontent Lucretia was accustomed to. "Don't you, Lucretia?" 

"Are you certain?" Lucretia retorted. "I always assumed you were the greatest storyteller of the family, Mother." 

"Isn't she hilarious?" Her challenging laugh scrutinized Lucretia. 

"Your family does know how to amuse, dear Grania," Titus took a bite of the Lucanian Sausages. 

"Oh, don't call me Grania, Calpurnia suffices just fine, for we will join our houses in a fortnight." 

Lucretia hoped to continue their private conversation, nudging closer to Cal, but one of the servants offered her grapes. She reached for them and recognized the slave. His marks around his neck were a shade darker than her own. Her appetite vanished. As a silhouette appeared in the doorway. 

"He has arrived," Titus proclaimed. He guided the newcomer into their midst. "Let me introduce everyone to you, brother." 

He surveyed the party, his gaze anchoring on Lucretia. And without introduction, she knew her sister's fiancé was vile Gaius.