19 December 173
The morning air was chilly as Maximus gazed through the open window. From his vantage point he could see Palidorus loading the last of their rations onto the horses. The time to leave was approaching sooner than anticipated.
He made his way over to the bed, a place he was growing increasingly fond of, especially when a certain redhead was lying in it. He sat next to her on the bed and ran a finger down the side of her face.
"Lucilla?" he whispered. She mumbled something and buried into his side. He smiled and tried again. "Lucilla, it's time for me to leave."
That received her attention. She looked up at him and pleaded to him with her eyes not to leave.
"You know I have to leave, Lucilla," he reminded her. "I also have to leave this room by sunrise."
Lucilla said nothing and sat up to kiss him. She let her lips slowly move over his.
"This isn't persuading me," he muttered in between breaths.
"It's not supposed to. I'm simply telling you goodbye," she explained. "You'll write?"
"Everyday if you want."
"No," she smiled. "Just enough so I'll know that you're all right."
He kissed her this time; he had to memorize everything about her.
"I shall see you in no less than five months time then. It will be warm by then."
"Will you return to Alexandria after coming to Rome?" Lucilla hesitantly asked.
"I'm not sure," he told her honestly. "I suppose it depends on the circumstances. I have to return eventually."
"I realize that, Maximus. I was only wondering." She got up from the bed and slipped her robe on. She stepped over to her dresser and rifled through the contents of her jewelry box. It took her a minute to find what she was looking for and she was relieved when she found it at all.
By this time, he had stepped over to her. She turned around to face him, the object clutched tightly in her hand.
"I want you to have this, for good luck during your battle," she told. She tied the necklace around his neck. "My father gave it to me when I was young. It's from the time of Julius Caesar, one of the only coins left. It's always brought me luck."
His hand went down to the coin, fingering the engravings on it. He was surprised she would give him something with that much meaning.
"Thank you. I'll be sure to keep it safe for you."
They stood in an awkward silence, neither one knowing exactly what to say. What was the proper way to go about saying goodbye to your lover? There had to be etiquette involved.
"I'll look for you first when I return," Maximus told her.
Lucilla smiled. "You know where to find me."
He held her eyes for a moment before kissing her thoroughly. He never imagined it would be so hard saying goodbye.
23 Januarius 174
"Domitius, come tell the boys of your heroic deed today," Maximus said loudly. Domitius shrugged his shoulders. He joined the men around the campfire, his dinner plate held firmly in his hand.
"It was nothing," Domitius reminded. "Anyone would have done it."
Maximus clapped him on the shoulder and retreated. He could hear the clamor of the men asking Domitius to tell his story. Maximus smiled and shook his head.
The night air was bitterly cold away from the fire, but Maximus couldn't feel it. Eventually he became one with the wind and rain and snow. It didn't cause him trouble.
Off the way, he could see a few men new to his army shaking side by side. They were all huddled in blankets, trying to get warm by a small fire. He could remember when he was young and new to the army and foreign places. He'd had it rough, but he survived. He prayed the young men would as well.
"My lord," he heard from behind him. "My lord, the mail delivery has come."
He turned around to face Palidorus. "Is there word from Caesar?"
"Yes, my lord. He has sent two letters." Palidorus handed them to him. "And there is one from my lady."
Maximus accepted that letter as well, a familiar feeling constricting at his heart.
"Thank you, Palidorus. I don't think I'll need you again until morning." Palidorus bowed and left. Maximus tried not to appear anxious but he couldn't help all but running to his tent. He set aside the letters from Caesar; they could be read later. He admired the seal on the back of Lucilla's letter. She never wrote anything on the front but she forgot people cold tell who wrote it by the seal.
He opened the seal and read:
My Dearest Maximus,
Your time away from me has been long, longer than I am accustomed to lately. I pray you are doing well and that your troops are successful on the battlefield. So as not to distract you any further from your objective, I shall end this little note. Remember your promise to me.
-- Your Luci
He smiled. He could tell she was dying to write more. She never placed herself first but she didn't have to. She knew she was first in his heart.
He sat down to write back.
3 Martius 174
Melania walked side by side with her daughter and youngest son. Melania had noticed the quiet mood of her daughter lately and wanted to cheer her up. Lucilla, however, had other ideas. She preferred to be alone during the time Maximus was away. If she wanted company at all she would go to her father.
"How is everything with your studies, Camidus?" Lucilla asked her brother.
"I'm learning about history now but I think it's hard."
Lucilla smiled at her younger brother's confession. "It'll get easier with time, I promise."
"I don't want to learn anymore, Lucilla," Camidus complained, crossing his arms and slowing his pace.
She patted his head. "You have to. You have to learn so you can become wise, like father. And you want to be emperor one day, don't you?"
"I'm going to be the best emperor!" he yelled with enthusiasm. His youth made Lucilla smile broadly.
"Then you need to learn or you can't be emperor," she explained, stretching the truth a little.
The young boy's eyes went wide. "I'd better go learn then."
He turned on his heel and raced down the corridor, his attendant close behind.
"He's so gullible," Lucilla laughed.
"He is pertaining matters of the throne," Melania corrected. She stopped walking to examine her daughter. At the moment, she seemed happier than she had in a while. She was smiling and laughing. Either she was a very good actress or she had cheered up some.
"You seem happy, Lucilla."
In an instant, her smile vanished. "It is Camidus. He's so eager and innocent."
Melania touched her daughter's hair. "It'll be all right, mia tesoro. Waiting is part of our job, waiting for our men to come home safe. He will come back, tesoro. He adores you."
But Lucilla showed a blank expression.
"I don't know what you're talking about," she denied before she walked away.
She tried not to think about Maximus being away but with her mother always looking at her in a sympathetic way, it was rather difficult not to.
At night she had difficulties sleeping. So she would read past letters from Maximus. It took her mind off of worrying, for the time being anyway.
The moment she stepped in her room later that day, she felt a disturbance. She looked around, trying to find the object out of place.
Her box of keepsakes was open on her dresser.
Excitedly, she looked over at her bed and smiled. There was a letter from Maximus.
Her only male attendant delivered it, aware of the relationship like Palidorus was.
She sat down on her bed and caressed the cover of the note before reading.
My Luci,
You are never a distraction. It does my mind good to escape thoughts of killing and focus on a beautiful image instead. Yes, I still remember my promise to you; I can never forget. I am doing well but I fear I am growing homesick. Until you next letter, I will think of none other but you.
-- Your Soldier
She smiled and got up to write him back.
"Tell me what is wrong, Lucilla," her father begged of her that evening after supper. They were walking around the courtyard, enjoying the somewhat warmer air.
Lucilla smirked. "Nothing is wrong, father. I'm simply tired lately. I find it difficult to sleep."
Aurelius thought on that for a moment. He wasn't a blind man, or as clueless of personal matters as everyone thought him to be. He knew something was going on between his daughter and Maximus. It was a good match in his opinion but he didn't know how the Senate would feel about it. If Lucilla ever married the general, her husband would be in line for the throne. He didn't doubt the ability of Maximus to rule. In fact, he would choose him now as his successor! But he knew the general's distaste for politics. That's why Maximus would make Rome's best emperor, especially with Lucilla at his side. Lucilla could deal with the Senate's bickering ways and conniving tricks. She knew how to put on an act for them.
He stopped and turned to face her. "You would make a fine emperor."
The delight of her father's words showed on her face. "I know."
This time, it was he who smiled. "And you know I only wish for your happiness."
"I know this, father. Why are you telling me this right now?"
"I just wanted you to know for certain."
The lines in her forehead creased. "Are you sure? You're not ill, are you? Please, tell me if you are."
He embraced her to allay her fears. "I am fine. I only want to let you know that I will always take care of your wishes, first and foremost."
She still looked confused. "What are you talking about?"
"You know I'll have to pick a successor should anything happen to me. With Camidus being only twelve, it won't be him. If you were a man, it would be you. In my old age, anything can happen at any time."
Lucilla hated when he spoke morbidly. "Father," she said, wanting him to stop.
"I have to say this, Lucilla. I haven't definitively chosen anyone yet, but I think you'll be pleased with my choice," he finished. "I want my family to be taken care of and he will certainly do just that."
"Who is it?" Her curiosity had gotten the better of her.
Her father laughed. "I can't tell you before I tell him. It wouldn't be fair. You'll both know in due time."
30 Martius 174
My Merciful Soldier,
Or should I call you my general? Which home do you feel homesick for, Alexandria or Rome? You'll always be welcome in Rome, Maximus. My father grows bored with no one to tell war stories to. I enjoy hearing them but not all the time. Sophronia grows impatient as well waiting for your return. She often follows me around but I think she does it only to bother me. Please return home soon.
-- Your Luci
Maximus set the letter down, a ghost of a smile on his face. He missed her more than words could describe. That was why he wasn't anticipating the look on her face when he told her that he'd be returning to Alexandria after a quick stop in Rome.
15 Aprilis 174
She saw the letter immediately when she stepped into her room.
My Luci,
I expect to move the troops forward in a matter of days. The sooner that happens, the sooner I can return home. Yes, home. Home to you in Rome. You plague my thoughts at night, Luci. You're all I see when I close my eyes. I see your sweet smile, incredulous at something I've just said. I see your beautiful blue eyes shining up at me. Sometimes it feels as though I can hear your laugh as if you were sitting right next to me. The men are beginning to think me strange. I tell them I am merely homesick.
-- Your Soldier
"Who is he?"
Lucilla jumped, the note falling to the floor. She turned to see who was in her private chambers.
"Sophronia, what the hell are you doing here? Did you go through my things?"
The young girl shrugged her shoulders. "I was bored."
"So you decided to invade my space?" Lucilla's words kept increasing in volume.
Sophronia appeared to be thinking it over. "Yes, I suppose I did. So, who is he?"
Lucilla's mouth hung open in shock. Sometimes she couldn't believe she was related to this… girl.
"It's none of your business who it is."
"Is it Domitius?" Sophronia guessed.
"No, it is not Domitius."
"What about… Decidius?"
"No, it is not."
Sophronia smiled. "Then it must be Maximus."
Lucilla faltered but it didn't show. "No, it is not Maximus."
Sophronia seemed shocked. She stood close to Lucilla, examining her eyes.
"Are you sure?"
Lucilla met the girl's green eyes and smiled.
"I'm positive."
The slender girl narrowed her eyes and turned on her heel.
"I'm watching you, Lucilla. Always watching you."
The princess only rolled her eyes and released a relieved sigh.
16 Aprilis 174
"Princess! Princess!"
Lucilla turned to the sound of the familiar voice.
"Your Highness!" Mardian spoke in a rushed manner. He hastily moved to her side, almost colliding with her. He pressed something into her hand. "Another letter has come."
Her eyes went wide. "So soon? I just received one yesterday."
"The man said it was an urgent delivery. I suggest you read the letter."
She nodded and looked at it. "I will. Thank you, Mardian. You're a tremendous friend."
He bowed and said, "It is my job, Princess."
She smiled at him before entering her room. Another letter so soon? She could only hope it was good news.
My Luci,
It has been only days since I wrote my last letter; you should receive them at the same time, actually. We are coming home at last. My men and I are anxious to return home so expect us soon. We've come to an agreement to spend the majority of the time traveling, leaving little time for rest. I am anxious to see you again, Luci. I look forward to the day I can touch your soft skin again, to caress your hair, to kiss you again, to make love to you. I pray for a quick journey.
-- Your Soldier
Lucilla let a happy sob escape before collapsing on her bed. He was finally returning home! After five and a half long months, he was returning. She knew it would still take them a while to travel back home, but the thought of him being a step closer everyday made her heart soar to the moon.
She was so lost in her own world, she didn't hear her door open.
"You look happy."
Lucilla's head shot up off the bed. Her day kept getting better.
"Sephora! What are you doing here? When did you get here?"
The older woman smiled. "I needed a break so I thought I would come visit you. I arrived only a little while ago. What has you so happy?"
"Happy? Oh, nothing." She shoved the note under her pillow and stood to greet her best friend. "I can't believe you're here. What made you decide to visit?"
Sephora shrugged. "I was bored."
Lucilla laughed, trying to appear offended at the same time. "Thank you so much."
"You know what I mean. Everything was so predictable at home and I knew that here it wouldn't be. Besides, I also heard Maximus was visiting."
"He was visiting. He's on campaign now."
"But he's now returning to Rome."
Lucilla's eyes narrowed. "How do you know that?"
"I can see it in your eyes," Sephora laughed. "That's why you're so happy right now."
Lucilla opened her mouth to deny it but decided against it. "I hate how you know me so well."
"Tell me, do you still flirt with Maximus? Or has your relationship progressed past that stage?" Sephora asked, taking a good long look at her friend. When Lucilla's cheeks turned pink, Sephora's mouth hung open in shock. "What happened?"
Lucilla shook her head and took a couple of steps back. "What didn't happen?" she corrected.
Sephora was just bursting with excitement. "You must tell me everything. What happened?"
Blue eyes met brown ones and a voice said, "Love."