“There,” I say, pointing to a set of shelves.Sorrel nods, then ducks behind them, just as a pair of guards comes in.
“Senator, what are you doing in here?”one of the guards asks, in an unfriendly tone.
"I'm auditing the records of the games," I say."As I'm entitled to do as a senator on the committees connected to the Colosseum."
“Yes, of course,” the guard says.“But we weren’t told you were coming.”
“An inspection like this wouldn’t be much use if I told you I was on my way,” I say, trying to project as much authority into my tone as possible, trying to mimic Alaric’s old arrogance.“Tell me, is there a reason you don’t want me here?Is there something you’re trying to hide?”
The guard looks taken aback by that, hesitating for a second or two.My guess is that he’s taken money from at least one noble or senator, probably Domitian.The guards seem to do what he says far too readily.
“No, of course not,” the guard says.“There isn’t anyone here with you, Senator, is there?”
“You can see there isn’t,” I reply, with a pointed gesture at the rest of the room.“Are you suggesting that I’m doing something I shouldn’t here?”
Again, I put authority into my voice.It’s enough to make the guard take a step back.
"We… didn't mean to disturb you, Senator.Please investigate as much as you wish.When you're ready to leave, we'll escort you back to Aetheria."
The guards turn and leave, and I breathe a sigh of relief.Sorrel steps out from his hiding place, looking nervous, as if expecting the guards to come back at any moment.
“That was close,” Sorrel says.“If they found me here, where I’m not meant to be, it might cost me a beating, or worse, see me thrown out of the games.”
“You really love being a gladiator?”I say.
Sorrel considers the question.“What else am I meant to do?Fighting is all I know, and I’d rather not fight for some gang.”He sights.“I should go.But look, if you’re really trying to find out about corruption in the games, head to theGilded Swan.”
“What’s there?”I ask.
“It’s a gambling den some of the nobles like,” Sorrel says.He’s already heading for the door.“I can’t say more.Just go there.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
I wait until night before I go to the Gilded Swan, standing outside the large columned building in the entertainment district, trying to work out a way inside.
I know this is not a moment when wrapping myself in a cloak will be sufficient to disguise myself.This is a place in the entertainment district that looks exclusive and expensive.Worse, it has guards on the doors, and they seem to be checking anyone who comes in.
If there's something illicit or corrupt happening here, then they won't simply allow me to walk in.I move around the building instead, looking for an opportunity to infiltrate the building.
There's an open window on an upper floor, and I consider the statuary around the outside of the building.It would be hard for most people to climb, but I spot a cluster of stray cats in the street and reach out with my power, borrowing from them.I climb swiftly and silently, relying on the darkness to shield me from sight at least long enough to get inside.
I slip into the building silently and realize that I'm in the anti-chamber to a bedroom.Clothes lie abandoned on the floor, and judging by the sounds coming from the next room, I can guess the occupants won't be using them for a while.I steal what appears to be the clothing of a servant, hoping the disguise will be enough to let me pass without being noticed.
I moved from the room and hide my own clothing where it won't be seen.There are other rooms on this upper floor and I see people stumbling towards them, some drunk, others just caught up in one another.
“You there!”a man's voice snaps and my heart instantly hammers in my chest.Has my disguise been seen through that easily?
I try to keep my head down even as I glance over the man who's called out, trying to push down my fear as I work out whether I need to run or fight, or do something else.There's a young nobleman there, a drink in one hand while his other arm is wrapped around a red-haired serving woman in a similar outfit to mine.
“Why don't you join us?”he calls out.
“Forgive me, my lord, but I have duties elsewhere,” I say.
“And what if I say you don't?”he replies, taking a step towards me.
Fear fills me.Will I have to fight this man off?Will I have to cast off my disguise and take him down, making it obvious who I am?
The woman with him pulls on his arm.“If she's already spoken for elsewhere, I'll find a way to make it up to you.Trust me, we'll have more than enough fun with just the two of us.”
