Blood & Vengeance by Richard Foreman

Author:Richard Foreman [Foreman, Richard]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sharpe Books
Published: 2018-12-03T16:00:00+00:00

A blend of sweat and perfume filled the chamber, like threads woven into a tapestry. The whites of eyes, teeth and glistening flesh could be glimpsed in the darkness.

The couple finally began to catch their breath. Lucilla still held his hand, as she had done so throughout their lovemaking. Licinius brushed his shin against her leg. Her entire body still tingled.

Lucilla finished off her cup of water, resting on the bedside table. Beside the cup and jug was an ivory figurine, of Pomona. A present from Varro, when they were first married. She thirsted for more but was too exhausted to get up. The woman felt her legs might give way, should she stand. Her body was singing, elated, but part of her heart was still mired in thinking about him. Rufus. The name was tantamount to a sigh. He was part of her life, like grain running through timber. But she was with Licinius now. And she wanted to be honest with him.

“Rufus came to see me today. Principally because he has been asked to investigate Herennius’ murder,” Lucilla casually remarked, as if she had been visited by an elderly uncle. Not only did she need to be careful with Varro, in regard to any feeling of jealousy - but she needed to take Licinius’ feelings into consideration. Men. The word could be tantamount to a sigh too. A more exasperated sigh.

“What did you tell him, if you do not mind me asking?” Licinius replied, as he involuntarily squeezed her hand.

“The truth. I said that I had no idea who killed Herennius. I also finally told Rufus about us, although he already knew.”

“How did he react? I hope he wasn’t too unhappy,” the agent said, hoping that he was.

“Unfortunately, I imagine that Rufus will remain unhappy, no matter what my situation,” Lucilla suggested, her voice tinged with sorrow or, at best, wistfulness. She pictured his face. Her eyes softened. She may have even raised one corner of her mouth. She moved her leg, so it no longer brushed against his.

“Maecenas has invited us to a party tomorrow evening. I should warn you that Rufus may be attending too. I know it will not be a problem for you, but I pray he will not cause a scene,” Licinius said, praying that he would. “If he causes you any distress, you must tell me Lucilla. He will then answer to me. You are no longer responsible for his happiness.”

He is your former husband. But I will be your future one.

“I know I am no longer responsible for him,” Lucilla answered, feeling that she was, partly, lying to the man next to her. And herself. “Rufus will be fine seeing us together, because he will have to be.”

“How was the rest of your day, after he left?”

“It was fine. I caught up on some correspondence.”

“Did you write back to Livia?” the agent asked. He had been able to search Lucilla’s room earlier in the evening but, frustratingly, could find no trace of the letter from Caesar’s wife.

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