So I stepped out of his arms and turned for the bedchamber. “Time to get ready. The sun is setting.”
He said nothing as I walked away, keeping his eyes toward the sky until it was time to go.
Dressed in an ocean-blue stola, a gossamer veil covering my face, I crept toward the awaiting litter within Trajan’s courtyard. There was a stern-looking woman watching us from the back veranda near the kitchens where I’d never been.
Trajan had walked to her and said a few words I couldn’t hear. That must be Alba. I heard her respectful, “Yes, dominus. Do not fear me.” Trajan watched her a moment then turned and stalked toward me. His expression was grim and sharp. He vibrated with dragon energy tonight, from the moment we stepped through the olive grove and back gate to his courtyard.
Two very tall, beefy men with similar dark hair and eyes at the front of the litter nodded to me as I stepped closer. These must be Horatius’s sons—Jovian and Lupus. The other litter-bearers were trusted servants of Horatius’s house.
Without hesitating, I stepped into the litter, not surprised to find an older, regal man waiting inside. However, I was surprised at his rather broad-chested, muscular physique. Even in the semidarkness of the litter, I could see that he was a physically powerful dragon, no matter his age.
I took the bench opposite him. His brow pinched in confusion. Before he could say a word, Trajan said something to Horatius’s sons then climbed inside, taking the seat next to me.
“Grandfather, this is Lela. Lela, this is my grandfather, Gaius Sapphirus Tiberius.”
The regal man’s frown disappeared, replaced by shock. “Lela. The slave woman who killed Valerius and is the most-wanted fugitive in all of Rome.”
“Greetings, sir. I am that very one.”
The litter-bearers lifted us and moved out of the courtyard, while Trajan’s grandfather took stock of me. Finally, he glanced at his grandson then chuckled and extended both hands to me.
“It is a great pleasure to meet you, my dear.”
I gave him my hands, suddenly overwhelmed by his kind greeting.
“And you,” I told him, then we both leaned back against the bench.
“So this was the secret you were keeping from me, my boy.”
Trajan smiled at his grandfather. “If you didn’t know I was hiding her, then you had genuine deniability if asked.”
“I understand.” His brow pinched again as he pulled the curtain aside just enough to peer out. “We are heading up the hill, not down.”
“Everyone is heading to the celebration for Drussus,” Trajan told him.
Even as he said it, the sound of other litter-bearers’ marching feet and the murmuring voices of patricians filled the street.
“We need to appear as if we’re doing the same,” said Gaius with understanding. “You plan to take the alley beside Kato’s home.”
Trajan nodded and turned to me. “There is a small alleyway for Kato’s convenience. As a consul and an elder, there is a small stone path that leads directly down into the city without taking the longer route down the hill. We will break off and take that road.”
“Then what?” asked Gaius, who apparently knew less than I did.
“Koska has come through yet again. I owe that man my life. He’s arranged passage on an olive oil and wine trading ship due to leave for Greece tonight.”
“You have been busy, my son,” said the older man, smiling with pride at Trajan.
“Yes, Grandfather. I am doing all I can.”
My heart pricked at the tenderness between them, a longing wrapping me in desperate arms. It reminded me of my sisters and the familial love we once had. It was the first time I’d thought of them without soul-crushing despair. Instead, it was a sweet sting that filled me.
The litter slowed and Trajan peered through the open slit. “Son of Dis.”
“What is it?” I asked.
“Centurions.”
“What?” Gaius seemed shocked as well, leaning forward to peer through the drapes.
