Cassia roamed the villa, exploring every chamber and hall. She started at the front door, but that was covered by two guards. Every other door that led out was similarly guarded. She continued to the windows. The floor length ones were situated within sight of the doors. That was no good. She would be seen. On the second floor, there were windows in more remote areas like corners, but they were smaller. She could fit, but she wasn't sure how she could worm through and drop to the ground without attracting the attention of everyone in Rome.
Evening came. Cassia was seriously considering hiding in a laundry basket when a slave came up to her.
"Lady Cassia, you're wanted in your chamber." She said. She followed as Cassia walked.
Cassia heard boisterous laughter as she ascended the stairs. When she reached her chamber door she saw Corvus with two other soldiers. Alcohol wafted off of them.
"Ah, Cassia!" Corvus said when he saw her. "I was out enjoying myself with my men when I realized the most pleasure was to be found here." He turned to the other men. "If you'll excuse me…"
"By all means, Corvus." One said as he leered at Cassia. "I see you have pressing business."
"We wouldn't want to keep you." The other said. He reached toward Cassia's skirt.
Corvus batted his hand away.
"Steady there." He said amiably. "This is my betrothed." He wrapped an arm around Cassia protectively.
When the men were gone, Corvus pulled Cassia into her bedroom. She dug in her heels and strained back, but he seemed not to notice. He pressed her against a wall, leaning against one arm over her shoulder.
"I thought you said you could wait." Cassia said calmly.
"I can wait to know you." Corvus said. "But there are many more pleasures you hold."
He leaned closer, until she could feel his entire body against hers. His other hand cupped her chin, drawing her head up and exposing her neck. He kissed the corner of her jaw and worked toward her lips. His supporting hand slid down and his fingers stroked her collarbone.
He reached her lips. He surged against her, pressing her head back against the wall. His hand left her collarbone and wrapped around the back of her throat. He leaned back slightly, pulling her closer to him. She could hardly move. She felt like a gazelle with its throat clamped in the crushing grip of a lion.
Corvus drew back, his gaze brushing the lips he'd claimed. His eyes lowered, following the curve of her neck and shoulders. He smiled softly as he gripped her sleeve, tugging it downward.
Cassia pressed her arm against the wall, pinning it in place.
"Such modesty." Corvus intoned. His fingers brushed down her shoulder and paused teasingly at her neckline. Her breath hitched.
"Why such trepidation? I should think you would be happy to please your betrothed. Perhaps you prefer a different position." Corvus said.
He swept her up easily and laid her on her bed. She curled up and crossed her arms over her chest as he sat beside her. He wrapped his hand around her calf and worked it upwards slowly.
When he reached her thigh she spoke up.
"Do you have so little discipline you can't wait a week?" She said.
He paused. She could hear his labored breath.
"Think how much sweeter it will be when we're wed. Think how much more you can value your wife knowing she was pure."
His hand slid back down her leg. She pulled her dress over it. He gave her ankle a last squeeze and stood up stiffly. His hands curled into fists and he stalked out of the room.
Cassia watched him go and tried to curl herself tighter.
One week. She thought. One week. One week. One week until I cease to be Cassia and become the wife of Corvus. One week before nothing, not even my body, is my own.
Then she fully realized that she had absolutely nothing to lose. She crossed her legs and fiercely pulled her sleeve back up.
One week to escape.