Chapter 7- Friendship

Chapter 7- Friendship

Barbara spent the night in a small room in an unobtrusive part of the palace, a room Tavius had chosen for her for it's distance from the Imperial Suite. It was a comfortable room with all that she needed, but although Barbara was exhausted after a day of dealing with Nero, she was unable to sleep. Her thoughts whirled constantly, stopping her from sleeping even when she did make herself lie down. All she could think about was Ian. Where was he? Was he all right?

As she had lead Nero on a chase through the palace she had searched for any clues, but without success. Every time she came to a door that led out of the main part of the palace she was turned back by a guard. She was trapped.

Now she paced in helpless frustration. She didn't know where he was or how badly he was hurt, or if he was being treated well or not. She wanted to go to him, to beg his forgiveness for getting him flogged, to give him comfort and let him know that he was not alone.

She picked a pillow off the bed, plumped it a couple of times, placed it carefully on the floor, raised the hem of her skirt and kicked it across the room. It hit the wall beside the door just as Tavius opened it.

Tavius raised an eye brow as he picked up the pillow.

"Tavius, I'm so sorry," Barbara said, blushing as she took back the pillow and replaced it on the bed. "Have you any news?"

He nodded, "There is quite a storm building up in the palace," he said. "The city is in flames and palace is in chaos."

Barbara had witnessed the chaos throughout the day as she had ducked and dived around Nero. All the ministers and senators were running around madly all with conflicting ideas on what they should be doing. However she wasn't interested in the politics of the fire, she was interested only in Ian.

"What news of Ian?" she asked.

"Anthea, the Greek healer, is looking after him," Tavius said, "She told me to tell you that Ian said that he was all right and not to blame yourself."

Barbara sat down abruptly and started to cry. All the pent up emotion of the last few days pouring out of her. Tavius stood in silence, blending with the decor of the room and becoming almost invisible as he waited for Barbara to calm again.

Finally Barbara regained her control and smiled at him as she wiped her eyes. "Thankyou, Tavius, I can't tell you how much your friendship means to me. When may I see him?"

"Not until tomorrow morning," Tavius said.

The sun was just starting to rise on the new day. Barbara sighed. Another full day and night before she could see him. "Any what must I do today?"

"Continue to serve Nero as you have been, keep him occupied and let those who can deal with the current crisis do their work."

"I will do my best," Barbara promised.