Aquila Et Noctua by P J Mann

Author:P J Mann [Mann, P J]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9789526915999
Publisher: P. J. Mann
Published: 2019-09-01T04:00:00+00:00

Thoughts of time away with Saul lightened his mood. “Well, he will have the opportunity next month. I am going on a business trip, and he is coming with me.”

“Then I will need to arrange your funeral.” Bitterness and sarcasm marred her voice.

“Not so fast, my beloved wife. I will be back home, safe and sound.” He hugged her, then nuzzled her neck. “If you were less negative, we could have a peaceful life. Think about it.”

He left the house to go to the Forum, where he attended to his working duties, while Claudia remained leaned on the couch at the breakfast table, thinking about what he said.

Claudia still felt sour about Flavius’ behavior and decided to spend some time at the Thermae, and maybe visit Flaminia.

Standing, she called a slave to accompany her, then left the house.

Not paying attention to where she was walking, she startled when a male voice called, “Claudia.”

She turned in its direction and recognized Caius, Flavius’ old friend. “Caius, this is a surprise.”

“Enjoying the nice weather?” he asked casually.

“I am not enjoying anything recently,” she replied melancholically.

“A beautiful woman like you should never frown. What is it that makes you so sad?”

She blushed at the compliment and scrutinized him from beneath lowered eyelids. He was a handsome man. If she wasn’t in love with Flavius and Caius wasn’t already married, she would have considered flirting with him.

She shook her head. “Thank you, Caius, you are always very kind. I wish Flavius were as kind as you.”

He smiled sorely. “I am sorry to know that he cannot see your beauty. I would have never set aside a woman like you.”

“You are flattering me. Aren’t you happy with your wife?”

“She died one year ago…” His voice trembled, recalling the illness that took her away from him.

Claudia lowered her gaze. She almost felt ashamed for having reminded him about her death. “I didn’t know. I am so sorry,” she whispered.

“Never mind, I am slowly going through it. We didn’t get married because of political or economic advantage. Our engagement wasn’t set up by our families, and I really loved her.”

“Why don’t you visit us one of these days? Flavius would be pleased to have you as a guest.”

“What about you?”

“What do you mean?” she asked, unsure of what he meant.

He took her hand. “Would you be pleased if I visited you?”

She retracted her hand and shifted her gaze away from him. It was the first time a man showed interest in her since her marriage.

“I… I would,” she blushed, then turned around and rushed her steps away, followed by the slave who accompanied her.

“I don’t feel like I want to go to the Thermae anymore; we’re going home.”

She walked faster toward her house, her heart thumping, and she could not shake the memory of his hand holding hers. What am I thinking? I should not allow this to happen; I am already married, and I love Flavius. Although, if only Flavius…No, I cannot think about Caius.

Upon reaching home, she went to her bedroom, asking to be disturbed only in case of an emergency.

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