He came precisely when Fabricius said. It was fortunate I awoke early that evening, for it meant I was truly ready for his arrival. Bathed, scented, and dressed in a deep red stola that showed only the tops of my breasts, this time.

Signore Agapios walked through the door followed by a pair of mortals, one of whom looked a little pale. They were both male, and looked more like than traders, but then, he was Greek. The odd part was that the pale one had red hair; it appeared Signore Agapios liked exotic slaves. The man himself, however, was unremarkable. Short, somewhat plump, with tan skin and dark hair, Signore Agapios looked unremarkable. That worried me.

Procurius explained the Signuri Umbrae had been staying at the inn when both he and his fell ill. The illness had barely manifested before Umbrae left for whatever his business was, and when he had returned days later both Procurius and his wife had been near their deathbeds. Their mouths full of sores, they had been unable to eat and barely able to drink. Their bodies had begun to consume themselves for want of other food.

I did not emerge from the shadow state until we were back in my rooms. Valerius would have men in the city, and though they would be able to track a man I doubted they could track a shadow.

Antonius collapsed to the floor gasping and gagging when I released him from the shadow. I simply walked from the room and called for a slave to assist me; it had been a long journey back. Once I had fed, I returned to see Antonius’ progress. The shadow state was meant only for one, there was no air to breathe and no way to move; Antonius had been trapped.

Part 1

The next two nights were filled with similar conversations and many sightings of Romans. Antonius had come to blows with one the first day, while I slept; when I had awoken I found half a bag of silver denarii beside my head.

The taverna was dark and damp, the lights a scattering of flickering lamps, the wooden walls and tables slick with mold. I wondered why anyone would eat here. The outside had been no better, gulls sat and shat across the building; whether it had been painted white when it was built, it was surely white now. We had left Nikolaos with the cart, awake and alert at my bidding. He would not need to yell for my attention.

Antonius looked around for any servotta but there were none to be found, only men deep in their cups and corners talking away in whispers. Then one approached us.

The box was cramped and unyielding, when I awoke to the sound of Antonius’ growling. I could smell fresh blood, and it didn’t smell like Antonius.

I smashed the lid of my box. There was a yelp as it rose then, free of the driver’s weight, it swung open. Starlight and night air washed over me as I sprang from the cage. My head swung toward the noise and the scent of blood.

When I arose the next evening, Antonius was lounging against my bedpost while Nikolaos stood by, glancing surreptiously about the room. In the shadows near the door I made out another form, Kyrios.

“Evening,” Antonius grunted the moment my head began to rise. “I hear there’s no rest for the wicked.” He grinned.

I raised a brow and held Antonius’ gaze until he shrugged. “Nothing this time, Dio. Well,” he grinned, “nothing I wasn’t asked to do.”

Part 1

The pigeon arrived at the villa before Antonius. Cloelie had done as I asked; she had sent word the moment Antonia contacted a Roman. It did not appear that the Roman in question had actually made contact, but he would soon enough. In fact, as it was evening when I received the bird’s message, it was likely he was making contact just then.

I tried not to focus on the method of contact, but found myself wondering if that pulsing insistency existed in all Immortal pairings. And whether this Roman even was Immortal.

The look on Diamantina’s face was worth more denarii than she would see in a lifetime. “D...d..don..bu...but how?” Her hands flailed about her head as words failed her, not at all a ladylike sight.

I smiled. It was not a question I was going to answer, either they would figure it out or they would not; I would offer no assistance. I did not think it likely Cloelie would either, and I would make certain Calictus did not. But that was for later.