“But what if it is Wulf?” Cailin fretted.
Casia’s face grew serious. “Why then, my friend, you are going to have to decide just what it is you want—a beautiful but savage Saxon who is obviously penniless, and willing to risk his life in the ring; or the cultured and wealthy First Patrician of the empire. If it were me, Cailin Drusus, I would order this litter to turn back, and I would return to Villa Mare this instant. If a man like Flavius Aspar loved me, I would thank God each morning when I awoke for the rest of my days. I think you are mad to tempt the Fates so. Let me tell Peter to turn back. I will come home with you and keep you company this night. The Saxon cannot be Wulf Ironfist.”
“I must know, Casia. Seeing him, even from a distance, has filled my mind with doubts. If I do not resolve these doubts, how can I ever pledge my faith to Aspar? What if the Saxon is not Wulf, but someday in the future Wulf does appear upon my doorstep? What if I still love him?”
“The gods forbid it, you foolish creature!” Casia exclaimed.
The litter made its way down the Mese and then through a series of side streets. The two women had grown quiet. Casia twisted the rich fabric of her gown with her slender fingers. She was already regretting her impulsiveness. It was not Cailin alone who was opening Pandora’s box. She drew a deep breath. Nothing was going to come of this. Cailin, having a fit of bridal nerves, was seeing ghosts. The Saxon would turn out to be no one she had ever known. Still, Casia started nervously as the litter was set down and her head bearer, Peter, drew back the curtains to reveal that they were in the courtyard of Villa Maxima. Cailin reached out, touching Casia’s arm encouragingly.
Casia nodded. “I will find Jovian. Remain here, and whatever you do, do not open the curtains. Let them think the litter is empty.” She stepped from her elegant vehicle. “Peter, let no one be aware that I have a companion with me. I will not be long.”
“Yes, lady,” he replied.
Casia hurried into the magnificent atrium of the villa. A servant came forward and his eyes widened as he recognized the visitor. “Good afternoon, Michael,” Casia said. “Will you fetch Master Jovian to me, please? I will await him here. Were you at the games today?” she inquired brightly. “Was the Saxon not wonderful!”
Michael allowed himself a small grin. Casia had a fine eye for the gentlemen, and it was apparent she had not lost it. He bowed politely. “At once, lady. Shall I have refreshments sent to you while you wait? It is hot for autumn. Some iced wine, perhaps?”
“Thank you, no,” Casia returned. “I can stay but long enough to speak with Master Jovian.” She sat down upon a marble bench, watching as the servant went off, and wondering how long it would be before Jovian put in an appearance. The gods! Why had she ever suggested coming here?
Jovian came into the atrium, but to her intense distress, he was not alone. She silently cursed herself for a fool.
“Casia, my pet!” Jovian kissed her upon both cheeks. “What brings you here this day? I am quite surprised to see you.”
“Indeed, Casia,” Justin Gabras purred. “I, too, am surprised. I wonder if Prince Basilicus would be also?”
“No, he would not,” Casia replied sweetly, regaining her composure. “I grant the prince certain favors, my lord, but he does not own me. Nor would he presume to interfere with my friendships, many of which are of a long-standing nature.” She turned to Jovian. “May we speak alone?”
Before Jovian might answer, however, Gabras said, “Secrets, my pet? I am fascinated. What possible secrets could a whore have? I believed that everything about you was already common knowledge.”
Casia felt her temper rising. “I wonder how long it will be, my lord, before you are poisoned with your own venom,” she snapped. “Jovian! Where may we speak?”
“No! No!” Gabras persisted, chortling. “I would know your secrets, lady. I really will not leave you to Master Jovian until I do.”
Jovian looked helplessly at Casia, and she shrugged. “Ohh, very well! If you must know, my lord, I came to gain a closer look at the gladiators. There! Are you satisfied now?”
Justin Gabras burst out laughing. “You women are all alike,” he said. “A look, you say? Is that all, Casia? Perhaps what you really wanted was to sample their passions. Which is it who takes your fancy? The Saxon? The Hun? Were you still a resident of this house, you would have had your pick of them tonight, would you not?”
“Big, sweaty men with big cocks and childish minds do not make particularly good lovers,” Casia replied coolly. “Their bodies, however, are beautiful, and I am a lover of beauty, my lord. I could see little from our box in the Hippodrome, which is why I came to Villa Maxima. Perhaps I have chosen a bad time. I can come back in the morning.”
Jovian, who was astounded by Casia’s speech, finally found his voice. “Yes, my darling, that would really be better,” he agreed. “Their day has been long, and they are about to enjoy a fine meal and the kind of entertainment that only Villa Maxima can provide. Come back in the morning and I will introduce you to them all. You may even see them in the baths.” What was Casia about? This behavior of hers was quite out of character. “I will escort you to your litter.”
“Thank you, dear Jovian,” Casia said with a smile.
“And I will come, too,” Justin Gabras told them.
“It is not necessary, my lord,” Casia said quickly.
“But I insist,” Justin Gabras said, smiling toothily at her.
When they had reached the litter, Casia said loudly, “I will come back in the morning, Jovian, and see those beautiful bodies then.”
Before she could stop him, Justin Gabras leaned down and pulled the litter’s curtains aside. His eyes widened, and reaching in, he pulled a resistant Cailin forth. “Well! Well! Well! And what have we here? Flavius Aspar’s bride-to-be come home for a little visit? Did you come to see the gladiators, too, my pet? Or was the purpose of your visit to relive old times?”
Cailin shook his hand off her arm and glared icily at him.
“It’s all my fault,” Casia burst out. “Aspar was called to the palace after the games today. I said I would take Cailin back to Villa Mare, but I did so want to get a close look at those marvelous men. I detoured my litter here. Cailin did not want to come, and as you see, she has remained in the litter, practically hiding. If Aspar finds out, he will not let us remain friends!”
“If Aspar finds out, the wedding will most likely be off,” Justin Gabras said drolly.
“I think not, my lord,” Cailin said. “I have done nothing wrong, and my lord Aspar knows I am not a liar. If I but tell him the truth of this matter, he will believe me.”
“Probably he will,” Justin Gabras admitted, “but will the imperial court? Or the patriarch? They will be all too eager to believe the worst of you, Cailin Drusus.” He laughed. “Just today I told my wife that you were now inviolate. It seems that I was wrong.”
“Who is to say that we were here today?” Casia demanded. “Given who your wife is, my lord, do you think you will be believed if you tell tales?” She pushed past him, taking Cailin’s hand in hers. “Come, I must get you back to Villa Mare before it grows dark and the road cannot be seen. I will stay the night with you.”