I, Claudia by Charity Bishop

Author:Charity Bishop
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: jesus christ, ancient rome, pontius pilate, ancient israel, claudia procula
Publisher: Charity Bishop

Chapter Fifteen

Blood stains the courtyard. I try not to look on my way past, Herodias’ arm through mine as she walks me to my litter. Her voice scrapes at my ears. “I’m sorry you must go so soon, as I have much planned for the rest of the week!”

Our much-appreciated messenger from Caesarea stands beside Pilate’s horse and avoids my gaze. Contempt enters my voice. “You know the Jews, we leave for a few days and there are riots.”

She indicates the bloodstain. “We entertained you, though!”

Disgusted, I open my mouth. Pilate steps between us and takes her hand. “Thank you for your hospitality, Herodias. We won’t soon forget our visit, will we, my love?” He glares at me.

I put on a fake smile. “No, we will never forget it.”

She returns to her husband on the stairs. Pilate mounts his horse and I settle in my litter. The servants hoist me into the air as our guard fall in around us. Herod cheerfully waves and takes Herodias inside. Riding beside me, Pilate says, “He’s as glad to see us go as we are, but his lack of anger over me returning his architects worries me. I’ve made arrangements for us to spend some time in Jerusalem.”

The people largely ignore our arrival in the ancient city. There is some anger over the death of the prophet, but no riots.

“Either they’ve learned their lesson, or it isn’t worth the trip to Herod’s palace,” Pilate remarks.

Our arrival coincides with a Feast of the Tabernacles, which is not an oversight on Pilate’s part. Travelers enter Jerusalem and the city overflows. Other than watching the sacrificial fires from my balcony, I pay little attention until Libi comes to me, breathless. “Claudia, he’s in Jerusalem!”

I look up from my needlework. “Who?”

“Jesus! He teaches in the temple!” She falls to her knees and grips my hand. “I heard him speak this morning. He read from the scriptures and taught, even to correct the priests!”

Putting aside my work, I ask, “And Caiaphas?”

“He’s furious, my brother too! I thought they’d try to throw him out but they didn’t.”

Curiosity stirs in me toward this man, who heals and teaches. “Do you know where he stays?”

“Bethany. Tomorrow is the last day of the feast. He may return one last time to speak.” Footsteps pass in the hall and she glances over her shoulder. Her voice lowers. “You should see him.”

I laugh. “I can’t enter the temple, you know that.”

“You can enter the gentile’s court!” Her face reddens and her eyes are hesitant in seeking mine. “I want you to come with me, to speak with him if you can.” Her face is in earnest.

I ask, “Why does it matter?”

“If he’s the messiah, he can heal you.” Shock courses through me. Libi ducks her head, her cheeks burning.

“I’ll consider it.” Once she is gone, my hand drifts to my womb. I stir when Pilate returns from his aqueducts but say nothing.

Libi comes for me early the next morning. I wait in my room and draw on a veil as she peers inside.

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