Agrippina Meridius was standing in the shadow of one of the large arch ways that led into the emtpy market square; it still smelled of chickens. Of course it was empty, any sensible Roman was in-doors at this time of night. She pulled her cloak closed tighter around her, feeling a chill, depsite the warm night air. Well maybe not completely empty, there was the odd hooded figure shuffling along in the shadows across the square, making just as much effort to not notice anyone else as they did at not being noticed themselves.
She was waiting for the senator Titus, who had been the one that had arranged all this. He had told her to come alone and tell no one, not even her most trusted slaves, that she was coming here to meet him. It didn't sit well with her, but after all he had done for her and her family, if she couldn't trust him, then she might as well give up now.
She noticed the cloaked figure out of the corner of her eye and pressed herself up against the wall even flatter.
"Agrippina, is that you?" she heard the figure whisper in the familiar voice.
"Titus," she said in a whisper, exhaling. She hadn't realised she had been holding her breath.
With one hand he pulled his hood back and extended the other hand to her. "Of course it is, no other woman could make the shadows look as beautiful," he said. She could hear the smile in his voice.
She took is out-stretched hand and couldn't stop herself from smiling. "You always know what to say to bring a smile, Titus."
"Years of buttering up all the other senators, my dear," Titus said, leading her out of the shadow of the arch and headed down the street.
"I'm not so sure about this idea of yours, Titus. Are you sure this is the best way to protect the family's wealth?" Agrippina asked quietly. The smooth stone of the road felt rough on her bare feet.
"Well, there is no one else to give an heir to the Meridius wealth. And your husband is unlikely to aid you in that regard, as sick as he is," Titus said, giving her a sidelong glance as he looked about the street, still leading her further down the road. "I'm afraid you will have to secure an heir by other... means."
Agrippina suddenly realised where they were headed. The arena. She had attended the games today with Titus, and had watched gladiators from various houses compete in the games. No wonder Titus had pressed her with questions about which ones were the most handsome; it all made sense now.
"Having a son will help ensure that the other families wont be able to get a hold of your family's fortunes so easily," he said as they continued down the street.
It's a good thing that it was dark out in the street, she was spared the embarassment of Titus seeing the grin on her face or the color in her cheeks at the thought of one of those gladiators... "Why don't we just wait for Gius to get better and then I can give him an heir?" she asked, squashing her previous thoughts and quickening her pace behind Titus to keep up with him.
"My dear, I fear that if you have not gotten with child in the few years you have been married, then he might not be able to fulfil the task." He didn't need to tell her that he thought that her husband might never recover, but she knew that without him saying it. "On the other hand, I'm sure with your beauty and wealth, that you will find it hard to keep other men away from both of those, with no heir after he is gone."
They came to a corner, and he turned to face her briefly, raising a finger to his lips. She was starting to feel the butterflies in her stomach.
They both remained silent as they slipped down the street, towards the gate to the arena at the other end of the street. There were two torches burning on either side of the gate, illuminating an otherwise dark street. Two legionnaires stood either side of the entrance; spear in one hand, shield in the other.
The two soldiers tensed slightly, and then relaxed as Titus stepped into the light of the torches. Titus gave the soldiers a quiet nod and they both nodded back, letting them both pass.
Agrippina clutched the cloak around herself more tightly, staying as close behind Titus as she could. "Can't we just double the guard on the villa to keep the others away?" she asked in a quiet whisper.
"Guardsmen will certainly protect you from your enemies, but in this city, my dear, the wont protect you from your friends," he whispered back, just as quietly.
She frowned at the thoughts that entered her head with that. It was a tricky situation, protecting oneself from friends in this city.
The halls that Titus lead her down were built underneath the arena to hold gladiators and other spectacles before they were let loose in the arena. The air was warmer down here, and damper. The sand was soft beneath her feet, making their footsteps almost silent.
Titus slowed down and leaned closer to her. "Remember to climax, my dear," he told her in a matter of fact way.
That made her blush. This old man talking of her pleasure like it was a wine he was recommending. "I assure you that hasn't slipped my mind, Titus," she said.
"Well, you have the best chance of getting with child if you do," Titus said, while giving her a grandfatherly smile, but still leading her down the corridor.
He took a left turn at the first junction. In front of them was a legionnaire with no spear or shield, just wearing a gladius at his side and his armor.
"I trust the Gual is oild and ready, Markus?"
"Yes senator," the soldier said respectfully, his hand going to the bundle of keys at his waist. He selected a key and unlocked the door, pushing it open. "Just as you requested." This didn't seem to be anything much out of the ordinary to him.
"Climax," Titus whispered in her ear again as he pulled her toward the door, ushering her inside. She could feel the butterflies turning summersalts in her stomach now. The door closed loudly behind her in the quiet dungeon, making her jumping slightly. She swallowed hard. She couldn't see anything yet, the light coming in from the small windows high up cast the rest of the dungeon into darkness.
Agrippina's heart was racing now, and she was breathing quicker. She couldn't tell if it was from excitement or anxiety. The cell smelled of blood and sand. And sweaty men. Not an unpleasant smell she thought.
