To ward off bad luck, and attorneys, I choose at this time to remind everyone that Kim Possible and related characters are the property of Walt Disney Studios. Hannibal Barca and Publius Scipio however, are their own persons, and well worth reading about.

As the armies file out of their camps and line up, I wish to thank an exceptional group of reviewers, who have provided encouragement and not a few of the better ideas of this little opus. Brother Bludgeon, CajunBear73, Classic Cowboy, daywalker82, King in Yellow, MrDrP and Pharaoh Rutin Tutin have all been great. And thanks to all the rest, I love those reviews and notes. Yea, verily.

13. The Betrothal Ball

Villa Possibilla

It had not been the Veneris that Senator Caius has planned on. For one thing the silence in the villa was unnerving. Olivia had not been talkative since getting back from Temple yesterday, and had taken the good news regarding Young Scipio rather strangely. He had not felt so cold since his brief stint with the Alpine Guard. And what was up with Olivia and Mother? They passed each other with the care of two she lions.

Kimora was only a little better. While as deferential as ever, she seemed a little put out. Of course, it was unfortunate that he had to spring his triumph on her at the last moment, but Ronicus was her friend, he would understand. Friendship was one thing; a first rate match was quite another.

A servant came into the room. "Young Scipio has arrived, sir."

"Excellent, I'll go get Kimora."

SPQR

Kim sat at her dresser. Megacles was not available tonight, but he had given her complete instructions the last time. She wore a new green chiton, not as expensive or elaborate as the peplos of their first date, you do not show up the betrothed. On the bright side, she was able to get a new pair of sandals with the extra money from Father. Tonight the necklace was pearl and amber, the bracelets matching gold torques. She looked beautiful, and felt miserable.

She had not even paid attention to her surroundings that morning, and was immediately caught in one of the dweebini traps. They found her just sitting in the suspended net, so disconsolate that they took her down without a hint of satisfaction.

Ronicus had not come over for breakfast, and had avoided her at school. During cadet class, the discussion had been Hannibal's Italian Confederation, and he had looked at her whenever the word 'traitor' was used. Ruffio eyed her the entire time.

"I'm sorry." She whispered to him.

"Huh? Ita!"

Even Monique seemed a little less friendly, and she knew the whole story. Maybe she was just distracted. It was the biggest event of the school's social calendar, and she was not going. Why had no one asked her?

"Kimmicubus, your Patrician is here."

He was supposed to be an equestrian. "Coming, Father."

She opened the door. The expression on her Father's face was different from any she had ever seen. He doesn't see a little girl now.

"You look beautiful."

He held out his arm. She took it and walked with him. Young Scipio was in tunic and toga, but this time he wore a crown of oak leaves. It gave Kim pause. His Civic Crown, half of it stands for Father's life.

"I hope you don't mind. They will expect me to wear this tonight."

"Of course. Shall we go? Goodnight, Father." She gave him a kiss. Mother had already retired, claiming a headache.

"I'm glad you contacted me. It's an unexpected pleasure to see you again so soon. I also look forward to seeing my relation Brickus."

SPQR

Kim had never been to the Temple of Venus. The pink marble was everywhere, along with nude statues of the goddess Nana had referred to once as 'a born veteran.' They took their place in the presentation line. Young Scipio presented their papers to a servant. He stepped up to the Master of Ceremonies at the entry way of the ballroom.

"Of the Patrician Order, Kimora Possibillis and her escort, also of the Patrician Order, Young Publius Scipio."

They found Tara and Joshua; soon Young Scipio was surrounded by admirers. It was a relief for Kim to just watch. Bonillia and Brickus should arrive soon. The Master of Ceremonies came forward again.

"Of the Ptolemaic Dynasty, Monique, and her escort, of the Equestrian Order, Ronicus Stoppabullus."

Monique was stunning in a dress of gold cloth, accented with gold and enamel jewelry. Ronicus wore a white tunic with the twin narrow equestrian stripes. They entered the room with grace. Monique smiled at Kim. Ronicus seemed not to notice her.

"Monique, you look stunning."

"Right back at you, girl. I had planned to sit this party out, but Ronicus was all set to dance the night away." Kim looked at Ronicus, and he gave a shy half smile.

"Well, I had all those lessons, a new outfit, and the deposit on the chariot was non-refundable."

"Of the Patrician Order, Bonillia Rockwallerus, and her escort, also of the Patrician Order, Brickus Flaggio."

Bonillia's peplos was a deep red, perfect for her tanned skin. She glittered with gold. Brickus had never looked better either. Everyone bowed to them as they stepped into the room.

The music started. The first dance belonged to the betrothed couple. After that everyone took to the floor.

Out of the corner of her eye Kim watched Ronicus and Monique. Monique moved with ease and grace, by far the best dancer among the women. What amazed Kim was that Ronicus was almost a match. Then she remembered how happy he had been those days when he was to take her, and how well he learned when in that state. She almost lost track of the music herself.

"Do you wish to sit the next one out?"

"What? Yes, I think so. I hope that's all right."

They took a table. Soon, much to her delight, Monique and Ronicus came over. "Young Scipio, would you mind if I had the next dance with Kimora?"

"Not at all, if I may dance with Monique."

"Sounds fair to me." The Egyptian laughed. "Let's hit the floor."

The singer stood up. He had chosen a very old song. Etruscan. Ronicus took Kim's right hand, placed his left lightly upon her hip.

If a picture paints a thousand words

Then why can't I paint you?

The words would never show

The you I've come to know

If a face could launch a thousand ships

Then where am I to go?

There's no one home but you

You're all that's left me to

And when my love for life is running dry

You come and pour yourself on me

"I'm sorry about tonight."

"It wasn't your fault. I should have been more understanding."

The song continued: they drew closer.

If a man could be two places at one time

I'd be with you

Tomorrow and today

Beside you all the way

If the sun should stop revolving

Spinning slowly down to die

I'd spend the end with you

And, when the world was through

Then, one by one, the stars would all go out

Then you and I would simply fly away

Monique had grown up in court. She knew how to look in one direction while watching something else. There was no mistaking the look on Ronicus's face. Kim's was a little less certain, but not much.

"They seem very close." Young Scipio observed.

"The best of friends. Let's give them another dance."

"Agreed, provided we continue."

"Sure. And Scip, Rome is already at war with Carthage and Macedonia. Unless you think you're ready for a third front—watch your hand."

Ronicus was indeed a good dancer. His eyes glowed as he looked at her. No one had ever looked at her like that, not even Young Scipio, and he was courting her. Can I even remember not being with him? Could I see myself without him? Those eyes drew her in, warmed her. She wanted him to draw her closer.

Kim had never been more alluring. Her eyes sparkled, her lips were slightly parted. He had never noticed the delicate perfume she wore. It was intoxicating. Lightly, he pulled her nearer. She yielded. They were so close now.

"Your pardon, but the music has ended."

Young Scipio stood beside them now. Monique was behind him, with a slightly miffed expression. She hid it quickly.

They both started, as if pulled out of a dream. "Sorry, we were talking of old times.

"Why don't we go congratulate the betrothed?" Young Scipio suggested.

"Yes." Kim said, trying to hide her reluctance to leave where she was. "We should."

SPQR

The curfew had been lifted some weeks earlier, so the dance went late into the night. There was no chance to dance with Ronicus again. His card was full, but whenever she looked, she could see his eyes on her. At last it was time to leave. She and Young Scipio rode in his chariot.

"Kim."

"Yes, Scip?"

"Is there something between the two of you?"

"Myself and Ronicus? Of course not. We've simply know each other forever."

"I've spent the past few years in the legions. I know how to talk without moving my lips, and to see things without looking at them directly. His was not the look of a friend."

"What are you accusing me of?"

"Nothing. And I am not accusing him of anything sinful either. To be drawn to you is only natural. If he was not after having known you all these years, then he would be either a beast or a god."

They were at her home now. He helped her out, took a deep breath.

"I am not being jealous or possessive. I simply wish to know where we stand."

Kim would never know why she did what she did next. She stood on tip toe and kissed Young Scipio on the cheek. "Consider that. Goodnight, Scip."

Scipio watched her go inside. His hand was on his cheek. He placed it over his heart.

"Wow! Ramming speed."

Kim made her way to her room. She had no idea why she had just done that. Nor did she understand why she had wanted to stay with Ronicus. Perhaps a good night's sleep would help her figure things out. Mother was good at interpreting dreams, and she was certain she would have one this night.

The door opened at her touch. Before she could reach her lamp, a hand far colder than ice touched her bare arm. She could not move.

Rough hands bound her. A gag went into her mouth. An old face came up to hers. To her horror, it changed, became young, pale. The white hair turned sable.

"I'd introduce myself, but I believe we've already met."

Notes

Ita—really

If—by Bread of course, altered slightly for a geocentric world view. Of course I do not own it.