Regnum Durat

[Aurelia Callistus Andronicus]

The flicker of the lamps within the caverns of the Tablinum offered ample enough light in the dimness of the coming evening. The sun waned along the horizon to meet its enviable end with the living. Aurelia was drawn from her focused study of the ancient scrolls and looked on to the coming evening through the open doors leading to the gardens of the estate.

She breathed a sigh so pleasant and sweet as if it were her first in ages. Her occupance of the library was set for the entire day and due to this, the youth felt a heavy sense of antiquity befall her form. She would not have been bewildered to find dust upon her shoulders for how long she spent in the exact same spot. There was always something about reading the words of those long dead that bolstered her as a reliquary. Setting down the stylus betwixt her fingers, Aurelia moved her cramped hand around and lengthened her back bones as straight as an arrow.

Turning her neck from side to side, she glanced about the library as if newly awakened. She looked around her home. It was familiar and comfortable despite the fact that, to many, it seemed ostentatious. It was a two story estate in the best part of the Esquiline Hill. It was well fortified and kept much of its beautiful secrets within. She liked that about it the most. The hideousness of the world without never seemed to darken their door.

Looking around the Tablinum, she took stock of her surroundings. Not all had changed in her silent meditations. Nailah, her Egyptian welp sat as before, knelt and cowering as only the Egyptians knew how. There, she fanned her ever displeased mistress with feathers of the ostrich--an animal to which Nailah was equally frightened of.

The scrolls in their cubbies, the curtains hastily drawn only to be blown carelessly by the Roman winds, the frankincense simmering pleasant odors fumigating the entire space. All was familiar save for one thing. This thing should have been most apparant and not to have escaped her knowledge. It sat upon her table haply put by some unknown agent. And with its presence now known, Aurelia was drawn to stare and configure an answer to this-- it was a letter with her named scrawled upon its fold.

Finally, she took it up within her writing-tortured hand and inspected it through closer senses. Wherefore had this letter hidden itself to her? She thought before her hasty fingers fumbled to the seal to break it.

"DAUGHTER!"

The envelope slipped from her suddenly clumsy grasp and into her lap. Turning luminescent eyes toward the entry, she heard her mother's voice as clear as a bell. She quickly hid the letter within the folds of her linens, she turned and stood.

"I am here, Madam."

She spoke amazed at her own voice. How strange the tone of ones own words after a period of long composed silence. Aurelia lured herself from her private solace into the open areas of the home.

Hands against jovial columns grazed as they have since childhood as she walked past in a rather unexpected carefree manner. Her fingers caressing the columns as they had done since childhood marked her growth into a woman, and her lips curled into a private smile at this nostalgic familiarity in her own home.

Satisfied in her moment, she crossed her arms behind her back, her face displaying a bit of mild irritation at being awakened from her academic world so rudely.

She met her mother in the atrium with a distracted expression of muted concern. Her mother, poor soul, looked a fright of uncertainty.

"Why have you not dressed?" She said verging frantic.

Aurelia's brows creased and then after a moment relaxed in realization. Bonna Dia! She though to herself. How could she have forgotten. She squeezed her eyes shut in embarrassment. There was a banquet...here..tonight.

"You have lost track of night and day through your study, daughter." Augusta said exasperated. "How are you to marry when you keep your fascinations only on those ancient scrolls?"

Aurelia, dismissing her mother's agenda'd words, shook her head and drew her mother close, kissing her cheeks tenderly and cooing to her to relieve her mother's neurotic condition.

"Be well, mother. I will go and change directly."

She kissed her again before turning away to go up the mini-stairs toward her chambers. As she ascended, her mother's broken voice rung out untempered.

"The Drusillans are attending!" Her tone was a creak that killed Aurelia's mood cold. Turning to meet Augusta's eyes in a moment of absolute earnest searching, Aurelia's mouth immediately stiffened.

From there, she sprung into aggressive action. Barreling through the halls, Aurelia squared her shoulders. Bless her mother's soul for her simplicity. Aurelia was the woman, the Domina, of this house despite all of Augusta's good intentions. It was clear that these ancient scrolls were the source of Aurelia's power however much her mother would chide her for it. Her brother was a simpleton as well, though her love was abundant for him. Lucius had no tact and he would be the first to say so.

"NAILAH" Aurelia bellowed for her impish little slave. If the noble lady did not have her father to help, she did not know what she would do with herself. Lucia, Augusta's number one slave, appeared behind her as she marched to her chambers.

"Madam, your mother must decide..shellfish or beef."

Aurelia nearly stopped in her tracks. Growling a bit, she began to loosen her linens herself.

"Neither!" Aurelia commanded, her tense anger making her stronger. "Inform cook to make steamed lamb and pear souffle. And find my father." With that Lucia immediately retreated.

She reached her room with a start as Nailah emerged.

"Nailah, dress me quickly. The one I told you about." Nailah stared blankly at her.

"Quickly, Quickly, you welp!" That sent her running as Aurelia went to her mirror. Things would be pulled together by father. They simply must. Guests would be arriving shortly by the hour. Heaving a sigh, she fixed herself. Fumbling in the folds of her stola, she felt something delicate yet hard. Retrieving it, she found the letter again. No time for intrigue. I shall have to save it for later. She stowed it in her dressing drawers and continued at a hurried pace.

[Gaius Cassius Callistus]

Gaius had a bristling humour befall him today, one in which the fates had cursed him to condition indefinitely until tomorrow. All day long, he strove to push aside the reminder that he was to dine at the Cordelian estate tonight. He took to beating his slaves and taking many women to satiate the anxiety over having to affect joy in the presence of swine. Yet nothing could suffice. The night would come and he, as Imperator, would be looked down upon if he did not recognize a simple gesture of hospitality even of those too low to deserve attention.

His heavily lined face was wracked with worry and disgrace over the injurious consequences Fortune had left him with. A dead wife and a dandy little son. Looking to his hand now as he sat adjacent to the war table in his home, he saw the lines and their inevitable ends on the sides of his hands. Though his hands were weathered, they could still snuff the life from those who opposed him. But for how long?

"Send for Longinus." His voice was filled with the gruff sand of a thousand battles on a thousand beaches. It held a caliber of weariness and frustration along with its match in determination and strength. He spoke to the slaves he knew were behind him and the inevitable sounds of receding footsteps was enough that he didn't have to say it twice. These hands, these callous and blood soaked hands. It was a mixture of pride and caustic verility that passed through him now.

He recollected at that moment how he had come to power to begin with. By taking it. He was the savior of Rome from a man who knew too little about life as a part of the ruling class. He was a common grunt soldier who rose to power. From his elite post, Gaius had watched the meddling worm serpentinely make his way to the top. And as he passed Gaius in favor, so too did his blood boil and yearn for revenge. He would have his revenge. The nights on the frontiers were dark and long. Even the nights in Rome could betray and delude.

Gaius had waited like a stalking beast. Patiently biding his time in the corners of the room. Patiently becoming a confidant and friend. Stalking. And as the night closed in on the white washed walls of the Roman city center, and all of the men had turned over their loyalities to Gaius. After months of coming to the realization that this man would doom us all, Gaius lunged forth and bit the tyrant Emperor. His jaw was taut and would not relinquish until all of the venom was transferred.

Gaius saw the dead man on the marble floor as clear as the night he had killed him. He marvelled at the man's shock and fear for those were his mistakes. None could be frightened of death, they must face it every day. Only then can one truly cheat death--constant eye contact.

"Father?"

Gaius clenched his hand and his set quickly on Longinus. The pleasant faint hue of a smile was replaced by a scowl. His gelding son.

"Longinus. Come here." To which his dandy little girl went to him and looked down upon the war table with Gaius. The table was a painting of the territories of Rome with crafted little war ships bannked on marble blue shores. Little figurines representing half a legion each were stationed and riddled all along the map, overstretched, with too much space between them. Gaius pointed to the legions in the Eastern Empire near Persia. Longinus looked with slight interest if only to appease his father.

"The King of Persia wants to accord a meeting between he and myself. I cannot leave Rome in such a debilitated state and the King cannot pass truly in safety throughout our lands. What can be done, boy?"

"Why, send a proxy with your ensign."

"Good. Your brain is not completely wasted on your lovers. Now tell me, boy, whom shall I send?"

Longinus' eyes grew wide in fear as if he had just signed his life away. He swallowed hard and took a few steps backward in astonishment. Gaius' wearied and sardonic smile lifted only one side of his face as if in a wince but much more intimidating.

"Get ready to leave. We are going to the Cordelians for dinner. I do not expect you to be tardy to one of your last social events before departing."

---

Longinus had been weeping when he had appeared next to Gaius on the way to the Cordelian home to which Gaius gave several reprimands for and threatened execution if he did not stop his girlish actions. They arrived at the estate not quite tardy but not quite early-- a tactical move on his part. Gaius could only hope that Vitella would show upon his request. She was schooled expertly in the ways of speaking in social circles while Gaius, the military man that he was, could not truly fathom the feelings of others. They stood in the atrium awaiting to be greeted. Longinus wore the robes of a young man, though too extravagant in color for any man of taste. The color was a deep green that seemed to accentuate his womanly features in a way that made Gaius want to purge his stomach. Gaius on the other hand attired himself in the white common linens of a normal aristocratic man--unassuming and light.

[Octavia Cana Claudius]

Octavia Cana Claudius, young and under the ruling of her Senator father, was required to attend the gathering at the Cordelian estate. She knew she must have been lucky for her mother to deem her capable of attending such an affair. Her father probably hoped to parade her about and broker some deal for her marriage. It mattered little why she was going, at least not to her. Octavia wanted to care, but finding herself a pawn was less than appealing and she didn't want to partake in it. Of course, she would obey her father and she would be a perfect daughter. Octavia would never do anything to suggest otherwise, despite rumours.

Her horrible sister in law, married to her treasured brother, had spawned the rumour that was the source of her mother's scorn for her and her father's banishment of her brother, Marcus from her company. She was jealous, jealous that Marcus preferred the company of his sister, the last-born sister, than to that of his own wife's company. Octavia hated Appia Murena the day she met her when she was five years old and nothing would ever change that fact. She even suspected that Appia hated her as well, perhaps even Marcus, her husband. Her brother deserved so much more than his snake of a wife. Perhaps his son, her nephew, would be the golden light in her brother's life. She often prayed it was so.

She walked quickly through her family’s home, gliding along the corridors to her own room to change. Her mother would call for her soon and she could not tarry. Her mother would lecture her the entire way to the Cordelian estate if she did and her father would refuse to look at her. Octavia wanted to please her father. Her maids were awaiting her, holding up what her mother had mostly likely selected for her to wear. Octavia wrinkled her nose at the color. It was too dark, too bright for her, though she knew why her mother chose it; it would highlight their wealth. Octavia sighed. “No, no. Not that one. Find my white one and my gold trimmed veil. That should satisfy my mother. Pull my hair up. Those gold leaves make them look like the wind put them in my hair. That pin, my right shoulder, hold my veil up with it.” She instructed the girls and took a small bit of kohl and lined her blue eyes.

A knock at her door made her look up, then smile as her older brother slinked into the room. He took a moment to appraise her then shook his blonde hair. “Octavia Cana, you cannot wear that veil.”

“What? Why not, Marcus? You shouldn’t be here.” Octavia whispered, though she didn’t see the need to. Her maids were loyal to her, not her mother.

“Wear this,” he produced a very sheer, very delicate white veil. He handed it to one of the girls, who set about and placed it on Octavia’s head and shoulders. “A golden virgin.” He teased.

“Don’t say things like that.”

“It is true, isn’t it?” His face turned serious.

Octavia sighed. “Of course it is, but it is vulgar. Now, go. I must meet mother and father.” She stood from her small table and walked over to him, planting a kiss on his cheek. He smiled at her, and then slipped away from her rooms. Appia Murena didn’t deserve her brother.
++
Octavia arrived with her parents. Her blonde hair littered with small, golden leaves; her blue eyes lined in kohl, and dressed in white linen and her new, sheer veil. Her mother hadn’t asked where it had come from, though she’d spent considerable amount of time glaring at her change of color. Her father had smiled, kissed the top of her head and handed her a necklace to wear. Octavia couldn’t refuse her father.

They waited to be welcomed into the estate with two others, who her parents seemed very pleased to see. Octavia sighed and took the opportunity to glide away from them. She fingered the end of her veil as she admired the room. Her sandaled feet made only the slightly shuffling noises and she reached out and ran her fingers along one wall distractedly. A party was a party and it would ruin another of her white gowns. Men, they were all the same, all over zealous.

[Vitella Callistus Andronicus]

She walked with the grace afforded her by her class and station. Her entourage were filled with respectable middle aged ladies of Rome. She knew each and every one, and despised each and every one of them. They meant nothing more to her than bodies filling up a space. They were representations of her reputation, and because of this she needed them only slightly.

They were escorted by the husbands of these noble ladies into the atrium of the home. Vitella's cunning eyes softly surveyed the home of the enemy with a discriminating mind. She loathed the quaint, mediocre home and its increasingly loud occupants. Yet there was no sign of the humble host or his fat pig of a wife. A huge breach in the polite society's rules. No matter, this would only improve the Drusillan reputation as good hosts.

Now satisfied with her position of power in the Lion's Den, Vitella lifted her chin coyly and proceeded to speak to the others.

"Why Olivia, how beautiful you look tonight. I'm so happy to see you out and about how is your son?" She said with mock interest. The reply would allow her ample chance to look upon the men and women in the company. Among the throng, she saw Gaius. The two looked at one another with a knowing stare before looking away to others. Olivia had stopped speaking.

"That is good to know, my dear. And your daughters?"

Olivia's voice was like listening to a screeching harpy. There was no elegance or timbre. Yet she would suffice for now.

There was a woman in the throng that she did not recognize. A youthful girl, Vitella's eyes could no longer feign casual perusal and concentrated on this child. Could it be Aurelia? That bitch of a girl with a misguided vendetta. Vitella abhorred the Cordelians, but above all, she could not tolerate their little girl. Aurelia never took Vitella's words for anything but spite. Though, they would not speak of this in public, the two had a hidden distaste because propriety found no niche in their conversations.

But this could not be Aurelia. Had it been so long that she had come to this home that she could not recognize the occupants? This would not do. She tried to recall the last time she had darkened this family's door. It must have been at least a year. It was in that moment of silent contemplation that she had realized Olivia had stopped speaking again.

"Oh yes..yes. Well may the Gods bless your children."

Vitella had no room for the Gods. In these times, it was best to portray diligence to religion, but aristocrats were the true Gods in Rome. They could condemn and punish at their will. Looking back to this lady, she saw the Claudians surrounding her. Ah, she was a Claudian. No doubt, she was Octavia--a woman with a scarred reputation. It was fit that she would be here in the company of those the Claudians looked to for support. Little did they know, they looked to the wrong side of the Callistans for social assistance. A smile of superiority could not be stifled.

[Aurelia Callistus Andronicus]

Aurelia had just finished getting ready when the guests began to arrive. Marcus and her brother appeared at the atrium to greet the aristocrats as she walked in. A proud smile was sent to her father and brother as Lucia came close behind her.

"The dinner is close to being finished. Augusta is working in the kitchen."

Aurelia tensely looked to Lucia for a moment. "Inform her that her guests are arriving and that she must make appearances."

When Lucia left, Aurelia worked on deciding who she would address first after her father had finished his introductions. There were many prominent aristocrats in the party, but among them she could not help but pick out the Drusillans. An affected smile appeared upon her lips. Gaius and Vitella. Her heart raised its tempo as she swallowed hard and went bravely into the Lion's Den.

"Great cousin Gaius!" She said with a spark of youth excitement. She went to him and embraced Gaius. She let out a small laugh as if she were truly happy to see him.

"You look so well! Your imperial station agrees with you. How proud I am to have you in our most humble home." Pulling away she bowed to him chastely.

"You and Vitella are most, most welcome!" Aurelia waited for a response and then turned to Vitella.

"And my beautiful cousin Vitella, you look so...healthy." Aurelia said as she embraced Vitella with a bit more inadvertant restraint than she had exhibited to Gaius. Aurelia tried to hide the anxious effect that Vitella had on her. She did not like this woman. Vitella was a snake in the grass who would laud praise in public, yet incite gossip about Aurelia and Augusta in private. Aurelia could handle Gaius because he was a military man. His intentions were not so easily shrouded. This, she was convinced, was why he needed Vitella.

She moved throughout the growing throng of people both introducing and welcoming the men and women. Somewhere along the line, Augusta had shown in the atrium and was emulating her daughter in speech and mood. Lucius followed suit to her father. Aurelia was much concerned as to the result of this night. She was unsure if they could prosper from the party. Some cog, she feared, would be congested and stop the flow. But it was finding this specific cog that was the most difficult work.

Aurelia found herself amidst the Claudians now and she looked between the parents in the conversation before concentrating on Octavia. She was a girl of the same age as Aurelia, though they had never truly taken part in each other's company.

"This must be your beautiful daughter, Octavia." She extended her hands to Octavia. "Ah, they spoke of her exquisite disposition, yet I cannot fathom how they could have left out her sophisticated air. You must sit next to me at dinner."

She smiled warmly taking the girl in. Of course, everyone had heard of the scandal that surrounded this youth, but most scandal were only half-truths and Aurelia was of the mind to make her own opinions as much as she could without a breach to her own reputations.

"Everyone, my home is yours tonight. Let us celebrate a good year and hope for more blessings in this uncertain time. Join us!"

Aurelia heard her father over the din and nodded in agreement as they worked their way to the triclinium. Aurelia went to her father and then reclined upon one of the couches awaiting the meal to come.

[Octavia Cana Claudius]

As the room began to fill, Octavia became increasingly aware of herself. Her blue eyes watched the way the others looked at her. She hated their scutiny, the way they judged her without knowing her. They simply went on the rumours Appia Murena had spread. Octavia knew that those rumours were the cause of their looks and she narrowed her eyes a bit in response. They did not bother to try and assertain the truth themselves, they simply believed unpleasant gossip. They wanted someone to scorn and Octavia had been thrown into the lion's den as bait. It was the way their society worked. Reputation was almost everything and hers was tainted. Appia Murena had done her job well, and now Octavia had to find a way to rise above it. Octavia had to fnd a way to save herself and find a way to make sure Appia Murena paid for her damage. It wasn't just Octavia's reputation, but her brother's as well.

She made her way back to her parents as they put on their smiles and airs and spoke civilly with those who they always tried to impress. Octavia played her part well, keeping silent unless spoken to and smiling politely. She was just another ornament about her parents. Her white attire only contrasted with theirs and she looked angelic, a contrast to her tainted name.

A girl near her age came over, Aurelia if she remembered correctly. She had seen the face about before and knew her to be from a powerful family. Octavia was a bit surprised when she took her hands in such a friendly matter. "Well, I'd certainly be honored for such a seat." She smiled, glanced at her parents and allowed herself to be led in by the other girl. Perhaps she needn't worry so deeply about her reputation; perhaps it would mend itself. Octavia wasn't about to hope to fiercely however. Anything could happen at a dinner.