10. Veneris Night
Villa Possibilla
"And a little more, right there."
Megacles pulled back and nodded. Cataline broke into a huge grin.
"Perfect! Another masterpiece, Mega-man."
"You're being dramatic, Cat. How can you go wrong with her to work with? All right, honey, let's show you." He raised Kim from her seat at her dresser, and turned her to face a full length mirror he had brought with him. Father would never consider buying something so vain.
She was in her new peplos. It was light blue, with silver threads running vertically. They were subtle, catching the light as she moved. Gold pins caught the dress at her shoulders. The belt was gold cloth, tied at her waist. The dress was perfect; it accentuated what she liked about her body, and concealed the rest. Thank Minerva for vambraces, who'd want bruises when your arms are bare?
Megacles had her hair up with gold braid. Tresses framed her face. She looked in wonder in the mirror. "My face is glowing! How did you do that?"
"Crush a pearl, help a girl."
Cataline had spent a great deal of time fussing over the family jewelry. She wore a necklace of sapphires and diamonds. On her left arm a silver bracelet wound its way up to the elbow in the form of a grape vine. The right arm sported a gold bracelet set with three colored stones and one empty socket. A pearl ring was on her left hand, a garnet on the right.
There was a knock at the door. Nana Possibillis came in. She nodded approvingly.
"I have something for the bracelet, dear."
She held out an Athenian drachma. On one side was the profile of Minerva, her owl was on the other side. Nana placed it in the empty socket, owl side up.
"To remind you to keep your wits about you tonight. They're the best weapon a girl has. Already Young Scipio has a reputation for maneuver. Watch your flanks."
"Nana!"
"Always good advice." Cataline and Megacles chimed in. Nana laughed with them.
"Now, sister," Cataline opened the door, "let us meet the enemy and make him yours."
They walked down the hallway. I had expected to feel like a sacrificial victim. But this must be how Father felt before leading his troops into battle. She could hear Father and Mother talking with a young man. She ordered herself to walk calmly.
"Yes, you're right, Young Scipio. A generous policy toward Capua when it falls should help break up Hannibal's Italian Confederation, but those who stay with him after this must…Kimmicubus!"
Kim had not seen Young Scipio in many years. He was wearing tunic and toga, lined with red, golden eagles woven into the color. His build was strong, the muscles from the field, not in a gym like Brickus. The face was pleasant, jaw square but not lantern, the nose straight but not a hatchet. Smoky brown eyes widened as he saw her coming in. His hair was black and had the slightest hint of curl. A signet ring was his only jewelry.
"Young Publius Cornelius Scipio, I don't know if you remember my daughter. This is Kimora."
"A pleasure to see you again." He bowed to her. "It has been a long time. You were a little girl then. I see that has changed."
She held out her hand, he took it and kissed it. "It's good to see you again, Young Scipio. I have been looking forward to this."
"We don't want to keep you two here." Father laughed. "Can't waste time with the curfew being enforced like it is right now. Have fun."
"Don't worry. I'll have her back in time, sir." Young Scipio placed Kim's wrap around her shoulders. Kim kissed Father, he beamed. Then she kissed Mother, who gave her a smile.
"Isn't he handsome?" Kim whispered.
"He seems very nice." Olivia said softly.
The two went out the door. Olivia sighed. She picked up a small plate she had been looking at earlier, before Young Scipio came. It was from Kim's old school; from her Silly Sibyl Dance the spring of Cannae.
Bonillia had drawn the lot to be Kim's Silly Sibyl. She had warned Kim of a 'marriage most dire.' It was meant to be an insult, of course, but Kim and her young man looked quite happy as they posed as a noble married couple. Kim's eyes were crossed, and how had Ronicus managed to get his to look out the opposite corners like that?
Olivia had studied the mysteries of Minerva for most of her life. If there was one thing she did not automatically discount, it was a sibyl. Even a silly one.
SPQR
A red chariot waited at the foot of the steps. "We have reservations at Calypso's Cove. Have you ever been there?"
"No. It isn't a family place, and my budget is more along the lines of Bene Kebob."
"Bene Kebob. I ate there this week, the lamb in something called a 'Ronicus Pocketus.'"
Kim smiled. "It's named after my friend Ronicus. He invented it."
"Stoppabullus, right? Blond, freckles, ah—prominent ears. I remember him! I met him a long time ago. We were here; the Fathers were commemorating the victory at Telamon. You had asked me something. After you were done, he came over." Young Scipio's face turned comical. "Wisten, Pwoobweeus, Kimowah is mine! I wuv her, and I'm going to marwy her." They both laughed at the memory.
"We're still friends. Best friends."
"Nothing more? I half expected to see him standing in the doorway ready to duel, or crouching on the roof with a sling."
"Well, he did have a warning. 'If you displease me, you'll have more than my Father to answer to.'"
"Then he is a good friend."
They made their way through the streets. She noticed people staring, and heard one woman remark. "Such a handsome couple."
SPQR
Leaving the chariot with the valet, they entered Calypso's Cove. A fountain in the form of a waterfall was in the center of the room. Exotic song birds trilled from golden cages. A waiter led them to their table, they reclined on their couches.
"Wine and appetizers, sir?"
"Yes, we'll try the hummus. Have you ever had it, Kimora?"
"No."
"You'll like it, if you like garlic. But then we're all Romans here, of course we do."
The waiter asked Young Scipio something in Greek. Kim tried to follow. She knew Greek, but seldom used it. It always made Father frown.
"He was asking about water, wasn't he? I had trouble understanding."
"Yes. He asked how much we needed for the wine. I believe your Father said you take two parts water with one wine. Where did you learn Greek?"
"At Temple, from Mother and Grandmother."
"You learned Ionic, like most of us. He was speaking in the Dorian dialect, the speech of Sparta. They're a little different. Now, your Mother and Grandmother are both priestesses of Minerva?"
"Yes. I practically grew up in the Temple. I still spend a lot of time there."
"Among other things, Father is a priest of Mars. I'm sure the ceremonies of Minerva are a little more dignified, not as much pumping fists into the air and shouting Hoo-rah! And don't be upset with your Greek. You know about your Father's first attempt."
An eyebrow went up. "No. Do tell."
"It was not long after your Father had graduated from Cadet School. He was assigned to my Father's unit. They had trapped a squad of Greek cavalry in a grotto. My Father asked if anyone there could call for their surrender. Your Father said he could do it. He rode up, took a deep breath and boomed out, 'If you surrender, cows, we'll scare your wives.'"
Kim laughed, Scipio joined in as he continued. "The Greeks were so incensed that they charged out and routed Father's entire unit! It was quite embarrassing. Fortunately, the legionary commander laughed so hard that he was unable to press charges. After that, your Father studied that phrase a little more closely."
"Your appetizer, sir."
"You just tear off a piece of bread, and dip." Scipio showed her as the waiter poured the wine. Kim was uncertain at what looked like a very thick porridge. She tried it.
"This is good."
"I'm glad you like it. You wouldn't believe how many Romans won't try anything new."
"And what would madam want?"
"I think I'll take the Sardinian Sampler."
"Excellent choice. And you, sir?"
"The Calamari Campania."
"The Lion's Dish again? Very good sir. And do you want a Corinthian Wine?"
"Yes, please. Thank you."
Kim was curious. "Lion's Dish?"
According to our spies, it's Hannibal's favorite dish at his Capuan restaurant. I've made him my object of study these past few years. Strategy, tactics, logistics, everything about him that I can find out. I can't help but feel that in the end it will come down to him and me." He shook his head. "But I'm getting too wrapped up in me, what about yourself? What mystery is there about you?"
"Flowers for the lady, sir?"
Lodi winked at Kim as he held up a basket. "This set will go especially well with her dress and hair." She saw the paper wrapped around the stems.
Young Scipio bought the flowers. Kim smiled at Lodi. "Flowers tonight, not figs?"
"Figs on date night? You go with the market, Kimora." She looked on the outside of the paper. The initials were clear Read when you get home.
"Don't you ever go home?"
"Home? Why would I want to stay there?" And Lodi was off.
"Look who's here."
A young man with curly blond hair came up. Monique was at his side.
"Laelius! Kimora, this is my friend and comrade-in-arms. Laelius, this is Kimora Possibillis. I believe you girls already know each other. Would you two care to join us?"
"We already have reservations. You just don't crowd a first date. We'll be around. See you, Scip." Monique gave Kim a big smile as they left.
"Scip?"
"A nickname and maybe the least offensive one. With a name like Publius Cornelius Scipio, you have to admit there's a lot to work with."
"Let's see," Kim leaned forward, "there's Corny, and…"
Just then a handsome middle-aged woman stepped in front of the fountain. "Welcome to Calypso's Cove, I'm Calypso. I see we have a wonderful crowd here tonight: war heroes, Senator's daughters, and even genuine royalty. The gossips will be busy tonight! Let me introduce tonight's entertainment. He's young, just starting out, but I can tell when someone will be going places. Please welcome Joshua Mankabee."
Kim joined in the applause as Joshua came out carry a small harp. He looked over into a corner, and Kim's eyes followed to see Tara at a table. She waved at Kim. Kim smiled back.
Joshua bowed. "Thank you. I would like to begin with a piece in honor of one of your own. Someone dear to someone dear to me, Tara's brother Drusus. He closed his eyes, strummed his harp and sang.
I look to the South
And my heart does yearn.
But he'll never return,
He'll never return.
I put oil in the lamp
It always will burn.
But he'll never return,
He'll never return.
The song went on. Childhood memories mingled with the movements of armies and blighted dreams of the future. Kim's eyes watered. She thought of her own brothers, and dreaded the day when they would be eligible to be called up. I've threatened to get Hannibalic on them, yet they may actually face him someday. When to song ended, there was applause, and not a little weeping. Kim rose.
"Excuse me, Young Scipio."
Kim went to the bath room. She took a towel from a servant, and dabbed at her eyes. A hand rested on her shoulder. It was Tara.
"Are you all right, Kimora?"
"I'm fine." Kim sniffed. "How can you listen to that?"
"I hope you never understand, but it helps." Tara smiled. "Josh began composing the day we got the news. He came over the next morning to talk. He asked me to share my memories of my brother. Josh wanted it to be a lament for a real person, not some faceless Roman hero. He says the middle of the song is all me." Then her face grew serious.
"I love him, Kimora. He has asked me to go to the east with him, and I have said 'yes'."
Kim was shocked. "Tara! What will your family say?"
"A better question is what will they care?" The bitterness took Kim aback. "Be thankful you're an only daughter! Father sees me as nothing more than an expensive nuisance. Mother wants me to take the Vestal veil; it's cheaper than even a third-rate dowry. And whenever I begin to feel too sorry for myself, I think of Bonillia. She has two elder sisters. Had both not been deathly ill when she was born, her family would have adopted her out right then. She says hardly a day passes when someone doesn't remind her of that."
That explains so much of Bonillia. Kim hugged her friend. "I am happy for the two of you. All my blessings."
"Thank you. Josh's family is wealthy and influential. After this year we will go to Alexandria, maybe even Athens, as he continues to study the arts. I'll see the world! But let's get to you, how's it going with Young Scipio?"
"Yes, spill it, girl." Monique had joined them. "I saw the two of you come in, and I knew what the topic would be eventually. What do you think?"
"He's not what I expected. I was afraid of a young Barcus, a blow-hard. Instead he's smart, funny…"
"And completely hot!" Monique cut in. They all laughed. "We better get back, before the boys think we fell in."
Kim returned, and they were served soon after. Joshua was still happier songs now.
"The fish is wonderful, Young Scipio."
"They have an excellent chef here. I'm even beginning to like calamari."
SPQR
All too soon, Kim and Young Scipio were back in the chariot headed home.
"I meant to thank you, Young Scipio, for not showing up in armor tonight."
"And I thank you for not wanting me dressing all heroic. You have no idea how many girls have half expected me to swing in through a window. I was beginning to fear that I was too boring. Oh well, here's your villa."
He stepped out of the chariot, and helped her down.
"I had a wonderful time tonight, Young Scipio."
"So did I, Kimora. Unfortunately, I have to return to my unit tomorrow. I would very much like to see you again. The next time I know I'm coming to Rome, may I have my people contact yours to arrange a date?"
"Yes. And please, call me Kim."
He kissed her hand. "You may call me 'Scip' anything but Crony."
"Goodnight, Scip."
Kim watched him as she went through the door. A servant closed it behind her. Since she was home before curfew, her parents were in their room. She knew they would still be up. She practically floated down the hall. It was time to take off the make-up, put on her bed clothes, and become a girl again. The thought saddened her.
She undressed. The flowers went into a vase. For a moment she considered the note, then put it in the hidden space of her dresser.
Later, as she lay down, a memory returned to her. A small blond boy, arms crossed, facing a much larger boy who had had the nerve to answer the question of a red haired girl.
Kimowah is mine! I wuv her, and I'm going to marwy her.
Kim smiled as she fell asleep.
"Oh, Ron, we were so silly."