Up ahead Lela was speaking to a Roman noblewoman in a litter, her identity hidden as she handed something out of the enclosed carrier. Lela’s bodyguards stood farther away, arms crossed, with their backs to the women, watching the surroundings and the few people marching up and down the street. They were close enough I could catch their words.
“But I know how that must chafe. My girl makes the best ointments and salves to keep the skin soft. Surely, Consul Valerius would appreciate you keeping your skin as soft as possible.”
It was Fausta Ovidius. I recognized her voice. Twice widowed andallegedly looking for a third, she was of the Media Nocte house and socialized in the highest circles of Rome.
Lela took the small glass bottle and looked down at it. Then she unwrapped something—parchment—attached to the bottle and slipped it quickly into her stola, glancing over her shoulder at her bodyguards.
“Thank you, domina,” she said with a bow and turned back up the road.
“You’ll thank me. And so will Valerius,” Fausta cooed haughtily then let the silky curtain of her litter fall.
Her litter-bearers then carried her on down the hill to wherever she was going. But my gaze was on Lela making her way back to her own home. My gut tightened.
“Koska.”
“Yes, Tribune.”
“Do you know anyone in the household of Fausta Ovidius?”
He paused. “One of her slaves frequents the tavern below my apartment.”
“That’s fortunate. Can you becomemorefriendly with her? Then find out if there’s anything out of the ordinary in Fausta’s household?”
“Of course, Tribune.”
I turned to look at him. “As soon as possible.”
Koska was of middle years but was handsome and well-built for a human. Though he wasn’t a Roman citizen, he was a freed man—having been freed by his master on his death under the emperor before Igniculus. He’d attached himself to our army to make good pay working the camps on our battlefields.
There was always danger for those humans who worked the camps of Roman armies. There was danger from the enemy, but also from dragons in half-skin. Undisciplined soldiers lost their tempers, letting the beast take hold. Humans could easily be maimed or killed by dragons in half-skin when their blood was up from battle.
Koska had proven himself capable, smart, and above all else—loyal. I’d never divulged in words what my allies and I planned to do. But when I’d approached him about working for me, he’d replied, “I would be happy to work for any man loyal to Legatus Julianus Dakkia.”
It was daring and foolish to say something like that to me, not knowing where my allegiance lay. I could’ve arrested or even killed him for speaking an obvious betrayal to the emperor. Yet, he’d held my gaze, his heart pounding in his chest, waiting to discover if he’d made the right decision.
I’d merely nodded and smiled, and that was that.
“Do you understand?” I asked him, gravity in my voice.
“Yes, Tribune. I will discover whatever there is to know.” Then he left swiftly in the other direction toward the Aventine.
I remained still, watching Lela walk away, unable to move until she’d disappeared from sight.
VTRAJAN
“Welcome, Trajan.” The deep, booming voice of my grandfather’s first cousin echoed across the entrance hall of his home.
Nobles in fine silks and robes milled and chatted in this room and beyond in the triclinium, where I could hear fluted music. These soirees where nobles and politicians mingled and indulged in fine food and wine occurred at least once a week at one house or another. Not all were well attended, and not all were invited. But my grandfatherand I were of the oldest, most respected family of the Sapphirus house. Every door was open to us. And I used every opportunity that I could to gather information. Besides, Appius was family.
“Salve, Appius.”
I greeted him with a familial kiss to the cheek. He gripped my shoulders and whispered, “Your grandfather is already here and asking about you.”
Appius was the first ally we welcomed into our conclave with Grandfather and Julian. Igniculus had executed Appius’s brother on false grounds of thievery in the treasury. Appius eagerly joined us the second we hinted at our plans.
“Good.”
“Is there news to share?” he asked.
