He wiggled his eyebrows, and Marius blushed slightly.
Tertullia gestured for him to lie down. “Come, Marius, don’t listen to this brute. He has no manners.”
“What have I said wrong?”
Tertullia just waved him off, Simeon handing a large cup of wine to Marius, curiously eyeing him. “Simeon, be a dear pet, go and help Kyle bring up the food.” He left quickly, and she turned to Marius, apologetic. “Simeon has no proper manners; he is a Greek peasant boy. He will stare at you, utterly unashamed.”
Clavius laughed. “He’s only good at looking good and frolicking in the sheets.” Marius’ eyes grew wide and Clavius scoffed. “Not with me, dimwit, with my excellent wife here.”
Tertullia blushed slightly, but her eyes shone. “Well, there’s no harm in having a bit of fun, especially when you’re away and I’m all lonely.”
“Cheers, my dear.”
They toasted and Marius shifted, not wanting to comment.
Fortunately, Kyle and Simeon brought the food and they busied themselves serving them, Kyle piling a huge amount on Marius’ plate. He watched him do it, a small smile on his lips, and Clavius eagerly rubbed his hands.
“Let’s dig in... my good Tabia has worked wonders again.”
The food was indeed divine, and they ate heartily, all the while making small talk, Marius telling them about the baby, how she was growing and lighting up their days.
Tertullia carefully wiped her mouth whilst the slaves cleared the table and brought up dessert. “And your wife?”
Marius’ face went grim. “She is better now with her... I think she got over it, that she didn’t have a boy.” He quieted, not wanting to tell them anything about the nightmare he was living with her, not with Kyle kneeling behind them.
Her eyes flew to Clavius, but she didn’t comment, knowing how fragile Marius was. At least, he has eaten... that’s a start.
They nibbled some fruits and Clavius turned to him. “I heard rumors of barbarian rebels giving some grief to our troops up north?”
Marius nodded. “Yes, I’ve heard it too... random attacks on patrols, but they don’t come close to the forts for now.”
“What does your imperial uncle say?”
Marius shrugged. “He’s fuming, but for now, he wants the generals there to deal with the situation.”
“For now?”
“Yes...”
Their eyes locked, and Tertullia blanched. “You’re not going to be sent there... are you?”
Marius didn’t comment, knowing what she meant, that Clavius was close to retirement. Going to supervise roadworks on peaceful territory was not the same as going to try and tame rebel barbarians.
Clavius sighed. “Just our fucking luck...”
Marius tried to sound light. “Hey... he hasn’t said anything yet. He might also send somebody else...”
Clavius pursed his lips, downing his wine. “Thanks, but I’m not buying your bullshit. You know it as much as I do that you’re his favorite.”
There was nothing much left to say, and Marius rose reluctantly. “I have to go. Thank you for this lovely dinner.” His eyes shone, and he kissed Tertullia’s hand, their eyes locking.
She patted his hand. “I’m glad you enjoyed it. Come back soon? Kyle, be a dear and escort our good guest out.”
He rose and Marius followed him to the entrance, his heart already in pieces, when Kyle turned around and pulled him into a deep kiss, pouring all his love and grief into it. They hugged then and Kyle steeled himself to let him go, holding the door open. They couldn’t speak and he watched him leave, leaning against the door to close it, his chest heaving.
They didn’t have to wait too long for the emperor’s missive and Clavius was packing, fuming. “I knew it... bastard!”
Tertullia watched him, her heart in her throat, but she was trying to sound reassuring. “Come, come... it will be over fast. You’re not going alone.”
