Roman Flames

Chapter Nineteen: Might of the Roman Empire

Chapter Nineteen: Might of the Roman Empire

Vespera

My sister had gotten married about three weeks ago. I still hadn’t gotten accustomed to having a room to myself, but I didn’t mind anymore. I didn’t have to listen to Terentia’s snoring, of which I always reminded her.

Ignatius teased me to no end, however. Every time—and I mean every time—that we passed by an eligible patrician, he would elbow my side and whisper, “You’re next.” I did the same to him each time we passed a crone.

No one except for Faust had noticed a change with me. I was still upset about what happened with Sanctius, but now a bit less; I still hadn’t felt fully content again. He and Rogatus were very supportive of me, and when I felt alone, I went to them. I never overstayed, though, and I made our visits infrequent. I knew they were very much in love and I didn’t want to interrupt that.

But my life was normal again. I had no exciting strangers to meet, no lovers, nothing to do except my studies. I spent spare time with Ignatius taking walks through the Forum. I met some of his friends, many of whom liked to flirt with me, but Ignatius was watching. I didn’t mind the attention, but I reminded myself that the men willing to flirt did not define my worth. Besides, when it came to marriage, it was up to my parents and my husband-to-be. Not me.

I looked up at the sky today while my brother and I walked through the arches of the Basilica Julia. It definitely warmed up the cool day. Emperor Nero had been giving a speech earlier; we had just missed it, but…I didn’t care. I remembered the reading that I had done and how he dealt with Christians, and also what Sanctius had said. I felt a little disillusioned, but I suppose in my quest for open-mindedness and knowledge, that was a good thing. I questioned his corruptibility often in my head; how long would it take him until he went mad? Would he go mad?

Ignatius and I returned home late in the afternoon. Father had returned from a debate looking like he was in a good mood. Mother also looked content; I could only guess what it was that was making them so happy.

“Have we missed something?” Ignatius asked as our parents exchanged glances. Father held up a small scroll, his smile increasing.

“Invitation,” he said. I grew excited.

“To what?”

“It’s a surprise. I assume it must be for a play. Rumor has it that Nero has gathered funds to put Livius Andronicus’s plays back in the amphitheaters.”

“And this is an invite from Nero himself, isn’t it, Vincentius?” Mother prodded. Father smiled.

“Yes! Nero himself has invited us!”

Despite my feelings towards Nero, I knew how much of an honor this was. “A play?” I asked. I could discuss theatre with Faust for ages. He loved it and had a ton of insight.

“It must be. And an Andronicus! I’ve always wanted to see one,” Mother said.

“Andronicus was the first playwright of Rome,” Ignatius stated. “Do you think it’ll be Odusia?”

“Gods, I hope so!” I grinned. Odusia was a translation of Ulysses, based on Homer’s Odyssey.

“His Greek influences are splendid,” Ignatius continued. “Greek theatre is the best thing that’s happened to Rome.”

I laughed when he said that, and I agreed. The Greeks influenced much of our culture. We simply…perfected it.

“We can’t jump to conclusions,” Father warned. “But yes, I have a feeling that the rumors may be true. Nero himself didn’t give specifics, which is why I am curious, but I do not doubt the splendor.”