The Lighthouse by Karin Ciholas

Author:Karin Ciholas [Ciholas, Karin]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Atmosphere Press
Published: 2022-11-14T16:00:00+00:00

ACCUSED OF TREASON

The good news of Rachel’s safety reached Rome later that spring. Aurelia would have to write to Valerius to rejoice with him that Rachel was alive and then try to soften the sting of her marriage. At the end of the letter, she read Simon’s gallant congratulations on her upcoming marriage and stifled a scream of frustration. Missing was his usual affectionate assurance of love. Was Simon going to give her up that easily without a fight? Her mother was watching her, so she ran to her room before she could ask her what was wrong. She threw herself on her bed and pummeled her pillow with a vehemence that sent feathers flying. When she looked up, her mother was standing in the doorway.

Julia clasped her daughter to her bosom. “Aurelia, filia mea carissima. Rachel has been found and is married, and we are all concerned for Valerius. What else did Simon say that has you so upset?”

“It’s what he didn’t say.”

“He’s not coming to Rome to fight for you?”

“He wishes me happiness with Marcellus Cornelius! I won’t marry him. I won’t!”

“How can you be so certain?”

“I know.”

“You met him only once. What’s wrong with Marcellus?”

“Nothing. Except he’s not Simon.”

“He’s quite the young Apollo and his family has wealth.”

“I don’t care about that.”

“Maybe you should.”

Aurelia bounded to her feet. “How absurd for all to be arranged without regard for my feelings. I’m the one condemned to live with him. I’m the one who must bear his children. And I don’t get to choose?”

“You can follow your father’s wishes, or you can defy him. Are you still hoping your Simon will have the courage to come and claim you?”

Aurelia turned away.

Julia’s voice was soft and soothing. “My poor children! Valerius pines for Rachel and you pine for Simon. The Toubias family has cast a magic spell upon you both.”

“You think he’s afraid to confront Father?”

“Put yourself in his place. You are the daughter of a Roman senator. That’s intimidating enough without all the rest of it.”

“The rest of it?”

“Do you have any idea what your life with Simon would be like? His religion has strong and exclusive rituals. Do not expect him to give them up.”

“I’ve studied the Jewish religion and find it solemn and meaningful. You met Ruth, the rabbi’s daughter. She explained much to me.”

Julia looked at her daughter in surprise. “And you find comfort in their strange beliefs?”

“They are no less strange than ours. You spend hours praying to Juno and Vesta. Do you really believe they can help you?”

“I pray for my children’s happiness and for our safety. I have no reason not to believe.” Julia searched for the right words. “You should know what you are choosing. Life in the Cornelius family will be luxurious and refined.”

“So, you don’t like Simon?”

“What a question.”

“What do you think of him?”

“He’s strong and stubborn and fascinating—”

“And?”

“Intense. A bit frightening. He’s from a different world. Weigh the consequences for yourself, as well as the hurt you would cause your father.

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