Dragon's Child by M. K. Hume Page B

trouble to come. Julanna was a dutiful girl and she was carrying the first Poppinidii child since Caius had been born over twenty years before. Try as she might to justify her son’s actions, Livinia knew that Julanna didn’t deserve the cruel treatment inflicted by Caius. Uncharacteristically, now that she had faced the facts, she hesitated about what course of action to take.
    Caius was male and therefore had more status than his mother in a Roman household. His wife had even less standing. Livinia had spoken to her son, and he had sulked for several days, refusing to speak to her because she had chosen to taken his wife’s part. However, after an epic fit of debauchery with his friends, he had returned to his mother’s side, unshaven, contrite and smelling of stale wine to beg her pardon.
    ‘My little wife is too meek, Mother, and so little like you.’ Caius had laughed softly. ‘I beg your forgiveness - and I promise to be more patient with her in future. There. Now, will you smile for me again?’
    Livinia had allowed herself to be wheedled and placated, but she worried constantly when Caius was at home and at loose ends. She knew her son’s mercurial, restless nature and she wondered if she should have discussed this intensely family problem with Ector.
    She loved her husband, although few acquaintances would ever realize how passionately she adored him. Even Ector’s cronies in Aquae Sulis would have laughed to imagine that the bluff, rather credulous Celt was the only man that Livinia had ever wanted. In her youth, her wealth ensured that she could have her pick of many eligible young men, and her handsome looks ensured that she would also be desired for herself. But Livinia had chosen Ector, a man with scarcely any coin in his purse and no useful land to call his own. He had a mane of plentiful red hair, a smile that was slow and brilliant, and a pair of wide blue eyes that had spoken volumes about his honesty and sincerity. Livinia was lost as soon as he smiled at her.
    Now her dear Ector was arthritic in winter and his hair was thin and grey, but she loved him even more, now that the fires of youth had banked and cooled. Ector still clung to a frail hope that his son would be a credit to him, and Livinia was determined that her sweet old man shouldn’t suffer further disappointment. No, she would handle her beloved, wayward son herself and shield her husband from his excesses for as long as she was able.
    Her decision made, for right or wrong, Livinia squared her narrow shoulders and lifted her indomitable chin. As was her custom, she would do what was needful to protect her family and her home.
    Later that afternoon, as the soft breezes of spring sweetened every room of the villa, she led Artorex into a quiet corner of the atrium. Around her, drying herbs scented the air and dappled shade softened the inflexibility of her jaw.
    ‘I’ve spoken to my son, Artorex, concerning that troublesome matter with his wife. I believe the situation is now rectified.’
    Artorex bowed his head. In truth, a load of guilt lifted from his broad shoulders.
    ‘As always, mistress, your actions are noble and good. Mistress Julanna is a sweet and gentle girl.’
    Livinia stroked Artorex’s face with the tenderness of a mother and he felt his eyes moisten at her touch. Her fingers were cool and dry, and Artorex was surprised at the affection that enlivened her quiet face. The expression was fleeting, leaving the young steward unsure that it had ever existed.
    ‘We shall let my son’s failings be our secret, Artorex,’ she murmured. ‘My husband would be very concerned if he realized that Caius can be so intemperate. I trust you in this matter, Artorex, because I know you have the well-being of the villa at heart.’
    ‘Of course, mistress. I’ll carry out your wishes.’
    At dinner, on her first evening, Gallia was uncharacteristically subdued, thus earning the approval of both Ector and Caius. Had the men known that