‘Of course, of course. Let’s, ah, talk after the games. Have a seat, won’t you?’
Loren sat, breathless, simmering. Last night, he promised Felix he wasn’t distractible, but here he’d wasted his chance to ask the questions bursting on his tongue – things like what Umbrius made of the helmet’s disappearance, whether he took it as an omen or message, what his worries were. What his plans were. But he could ask none. Not with others so near, who might cast a suspicious eye for curiosity above his station and not trusting the plan of the gods. He fought to play cool, not to let his impulses snare him in deeper trouble.
‘Well,’ said Julia, lips quirked. ‘Lovely that we’re all acquainted.’
‘Refreshing to see a young man take such an intimate interest in local politics,’ a voice drawled from the other side of Umbrius. ‘What did you say your family name was, boy?’
Julia stiffened, whole body turning to stone. ‘Servius. I hadn’t noticed you.’
Servius smiled, a slow, relaxed thing, and leaned forward. For a hot autumn day, he wore odd clothes, all tall boots and tight gloves. His toga was crisp as they came, draped over a deep red tunic and pinned with a hawk crest. Something about him tickled Loren’s memory, as though he’d seen Servius in passing.
Umbrius latched on to the topic change. ‘Julia, did you know our dear senator is sponsoring today’s games? From his own pocket, mind you.’
‘Is he.’ Julia’s smile didn’t waver. ‘How generous.’
Servius waved dismissively. ‘Umbrius exaggerates. It was nothing. Between the quakes and theft, the city needs its spirits lifted.’
‘Spared no expense.’ Wine splattered from Umbrius’s goblet, narrowly missing Julia’s dress. ‘Now, Julia, about that donation we discussed. One must wonder if the Forum had been in better shape, the guards might be more motivated to, ah, guard.’
‘Discussing temple repairs on a festival day? Leave the woman alone. The games are about to start.’ Servius gestured for more drink, and the cupbearer acquiesced, which proved an adequate distraction. ‘Alcohol, always the great mediator. Advice for your new ward.’ His eyes gleamed as he tipped his cup to Loren.
‘Loren is a clever boy, Senator.’ Nails dug into the meat of Loren’s arm, half-moon pinches of pain, and he barely suppressed a wince. ‘He hardly needs to dole out wine to get what he wants.’
Servius’s jaw clenched, a tiny motion. ‘The games are about to start.’
Julia faced the arena. ‘Indeed they are.’
Loren wondered what, exactly, he had missed.
‘Weak stomach?’ Julia asked after the last match. They were taking a turn around the garden outside the amphitheatre, waiting for Priest Umbrius to sober up.
Camilia used to drag Loren here on festival days, once they were released from temple duties. By the time they’d arrive, even the worst seats would be picked over, leaving them to sit on the highest wall, feet dangling. The distance made it harder to see the gore.
‘Perhaps gladiator events aren’t to my taste,’ Loren admitted in a small voice.
‘You’ve turned green.’
‘He licked blood off his sword.’
Laughing, Julia clutched his elbow. ‘Games are among the most crucial aspects of your political career. How do you win over the masses? Pay for entertainment.’
‘Like Senator Servius did.’ When Julia didn’t respond, Loren rushed to add, ‘I’ve seen him before, I think, with the council. I didn’t realise he was part of it.’
‘He isn’t,’ Julia said carefully. ‘Servius advises the council. Influences policies. But he belongs – belonged – to Rome.’
‘You don’t like him much.’
‘Was I that obvious? Servius and I go back.’ She sighed. Under a sprawling fig tree, a bench offered privacy from other early leavers, and she beckoned Loren to sit. ‘Do you know how I can tell you’re a clever boy, Loren?’
He blinked, his ears heating. ‘I’m not, really. My father thought me dim.’
Julia snorted, an inelegant sound. ‘Lend yourself more credit. You notice feelings. You perceive what others pass over.’
‘There are terms for that. Oversensitive. Thin-skinned.’
‘Don’t discount the power of reading others’ emotions. But you must be wary, doll. Politics is a game where your opponent will do anything to gain the upper hand. Exploit any weakness. You mustn’t let this be one of yours.’
Loren frowned and shifted on the bench. ‘How does this relate to Servius?’
