Dean's World

Chapter 35

Arretium, circa 128 BCE

Rufus’s suicide and the open gloating of his wife and cousin had been bitter to endure. The next morning Vipsania had taunted me before the household, daring me to act, to prove I was divine and undo the acts she had set in motion. And I had been powerless, knowing in my black and burning heart that the Romans themselves had stolen my divinity from me—tearing me from my lands and the comfortable dominion I had enjoyed, burying me in the stinking swamp of their worthless and corrupt myths and beliefs. What place was this for the Huntress, amongst the brick, stone and poison of a city?

My ultimate humiliation had come after the death of my doomed love, after she showed me the cold and lifeless body of the old Greek Marieko who had despised me yet had won my affection and respect. She told me Marieko cursed my name before he died.

“You should die as well,” she told me, “Though Livius says I should deny Rufus the final honor of his dying wish, I believe I will keep your pretty throat intact.”

“You would do well to heed the words of your husband-to-be,” I snapped at her, seeking to goad her into action, “lest he suspect you might have designs upon yet another man.”

She laughed at me then, the sound made ever more cutting by the clear beauty of her voice. “Oh, no, little one, Livius has no such concerns regarding me. He shall be Senator and I shall have what I desire—a path to power for my sons. Our match is too perfect for either of us to risk it. No, I am free to do with you as I please. And I am mindful of my debt to you, for I am certain my late husband would never have been moved to such a bold plan had you not filled his head with silly notions of Destiny and Prophecy. And, of course, I know the perfect solution… the perfect place for the likes of you.”

===============
READ MORE
===============

Commenting on Dean's World is a privilege, not a right. Dean is your host, you are his guest, and you should behave in that fashion. Dean is not your babysitter, nor is he your punching bag. Please remember this. In general, you are free to disagree with anyone on any subject you wish, but abusive behavior will not be tolerated.

Of course we all lose our tempers now and then. Dean freely admits to being imperfect in this regard, which is why regulars to this establishment will generally be cut more slack than people who we don't know very well.

Still: behave like an adult, or go find somewhere else to play. Thanks.