Prologue

"Emperor Titus is certainly popular," Ariadne commented as she walked around the perimeter of the large marble room with her mistress. The floor was decorated with an intricate mosaic showing the proud eagle of Rome, Cassia's bright hazel eyes flecked with tints of green stared at the eagle, her lips almost curled in disdain but she managed to keep her face passive. She followed Ariadne's gaze over to the emperor who was being offered a selection of meat, fruits and wine by people begging his attention. She quickly looked away as her eyes accidentally met the gaze of a Roman Senator and she pointed the mosaic out to Ariadne in an attempt to get her to move along.

"The pattern is quite intricate," she said moving to the head of the eagle and conveniently towards the balcony of the emperor's villa. Ariadne looked confused as she found herself tugged away from the crush of people and out into the cool night air.

"Are you alright?" She asked Cassia in concern, "you have gone awfully pale…"

"I am fine; I need a bit of fresh air that is all."

"I will go get you something to drink," Ariadne moved to shuffle back inside but Cassia reached out and latched onto her friend's arm with a tighter grip than she intended. Ariadne looked at Cassia in surprise but the woman had no chance to explain for the doorway was filled up by the person she had been trying to avoid.

"Lady Cassia what a pleasant surprise." Her right hand detached itself from Ariadne's slender arm, only to be clasped by Senator Corvus's hand. His cheeks were flushed from drink but his eyes were alert as he raised Cassia's slender hand to his lips. "You," he waved at Ariadne, "fetch your mistress a drink."

"I am afraid we were just leaving Senator." Cassia apologised as she carefully extracted her hand from his grasp. "I am feeling a bit faint, Rome has certainly overwhelmed me."

"Then perhaps we shall meet again soon, I am having a gathering at my villa soon. Please accept my invitation, I should be glad to know you better." Cassia smiled and was relieved that she was saved from answering by a passing shout. Clasping Ariadne's arm she hurried from the villa.

"We should return to Pompeii," she said as they ducked through a line of slaves, "I am tired of the city and I miss my parents." And the further I am from Corvus the better. She thought to herself, she looked over her shoulder to see the Senator's eyes fixated on her. He raised his goblet in a silent toast, a strange smile playing upon his lips.