“It’s a pleasure to meet you as well,” said Julian, sitting at the head of the table next to Malina.
Stefanos sat next to me and Kara sat at the opposite end of Julian. It was odd, but also comforting, that his servants all sat at the same table with us. But then, Trajan had told me these people were his family. I realized then how harshly I’d judged all Romans after being subjected to life in Valerius’s household. It was all that I saw and all that I knew, but now I knew better. It gave me hope for this new Rome Trajan and Julian and their allies wanted to create.
“I must say it was a shock to see my wife’s sister, who she’d thought was dead, arrive with Trajan so unexpectedly.” Julian dipped his spoon into the bowl of stew. “But I can’t imagine a more welcome sight.”
He stared at my sister, his love and affection apparent in his gaze. A memory hit me suddenly.
“Oh,” I said suddenly. “You’re the centurion. The one who came to our camp years ago. To see our dance.”
Julian swallowed a bite and smiled. “I was.”
“You were a dancer?” asked Trajan.
“Yes. We earned money for the winter with a traveling troupe. My sisters and I danced as the final performance.”
Trajan arched a brow. “I would love to see one of these performances.”
Rolling my eyes, I took my first bite, humming at the savory flavor. “This is delicious, Kara.”
The austere woman blushed. “I am glad you approve.”
And though her tone was hard, there was sincerity in her expression.
We ate quickly and rather quietly. Afterward, we helped Kara with the dishes, then she excused herself to lie down. Stefanos went out to the barn to tend to the sheep, Amica at his heels.
Julian and Trajan pulled four chairs around the hearth where we all sat together. Now that the shock had worn off, I was simply content to sit with my sister, basking in her nearness, while Julian and Trajan caught up with each other about what was going on in Rome, knowing he’d be returning soon.
My belly sickened again, thinking of Trajan leaving me. While back in Rome, I’d been happy to know he’d planned to carry me to safety then leave me to find my way in the world on my own. But now, I didn’t want him to leave my sight. I especially loathed the idea of him returning to that cesspool of danger and corruption.
“Alaric of the Visigoths,” Julian said dreamily. “And you’re sure he’ll follow through and join us with his army if we free him?”
“Yes,” said Trajan. “Of course, he could betray us. But I doubt it. His goal is the same as ours. At least in killing Caesar and all of his followers.”
“We?” interjected Malina. “Ifwefree him? What is this about?”
Julian clenched his jaw before turning to her. “Do you remember when the barbarian leader injured me in Moesia?”
“Remember?” she scoffed, continuing angrily, “Yes, you almost died from his poisoned blade. And that’s who you’re freeing?”
“Trajan and Lela spoke to him in prison in Rome. He’s agreed to ally with us against Caesar.”
She looked at me. “This is true?”
“Yes. And for what it’s worth, I believe he was sincere.”
“He’s a dragon,” added Julian, taking Malina’s hand in his, smiling. “Just like we suspected. He has an army of dragons, bastard-born, who were sold to gladiator pits or smuggled out of the city. Who hate my uncle.” He laughed. “It’s like the gods truly are on our side.”
“They are,” said Malina with confidence. “But that doesn’t mean you have to be the one to free him.”
“I can’t let Trajan risk it on his own. He’ll need my help.”
“Actually, she’s right.” Trajan rubbed the back of his neck. “It would be foolish for us both to return. If I’m captured, then you must continue with our cause.”
“Yes, listen to Trajan,” urged Malina. “He’s always been the smarter of you two.”
Julian didn’t seem ruffled at all by my sister’s jab. Nor did he smile. His pensive expression was fixed on Trajan. Meanwhile, my mind was spinning at the thought of Trajan being captured. At what Caesar would do to him.
“I don’t like it.” Julian’s expression was dark and pensive. “We’d be stronger together.”
