“I’ll let you know.”
We converse for a few more minutes after that amidst the harsh slur of discontent and anxiety that floats up to our position from across the crowded Forum. Felix does most of the talking, low-voiced and grim as he fills us in on the information he’s been privy to with Quintus Fulvius, who’s in charge of infrastructure maintenance—and thus, has to stay apprised on potential Anguis activity. The escapees from the naumachia, led by Vulferam, have apparently been recruiting in Melior’s name to the north. There’s a suspicion there too, now, that Military have been dragging their heels in rounding them up. Making sure they’re a big enough threat to be noticeable before acting. But no proof of it, of course.
We all listen intently to the details. As betrayed as the others all feel by their leaders’ involvement in the Iudicium, none of us have forgotten the Anguis’s role.
“Gods. It will be such a relief when Military are under control again, and actually do their jobs,” mutters Aequa, shaking her head as Felix finishes.
“Not that the rest of the Senate has exactly been ‘under control.’” Emissa frowns. “They’re not the only ones causing these problems.”
“You know what she means. The Anguis are Military’s responsibility,” rumbles Eidhin.
“I know exactly what she means. I wish she would just say it out—”
A low growl from Diago, who has been silent up until now, cuts her off.The others flinch and look at the alupi uneasily, as if only just reminded of his presence. I put my hand on his head reassuringly. Saved from having to intervene. There have been a few of these irritable, sniping clashes already. Nothing serious, but there’s no escaping the fact that as much as we all want the same thing, the influences of the past few months are starting to bleed through.
I’m about to redirect the conversation when I’m stopped by a voice from behind. “I think it’s time you walk me home, Vis.” It’s Relucia, climbing the stairs toward our group. Smiling blithely, with a perfect undercurrent of girlish, vulnerable worry.
Vek. My heart lurches. Amidst all of this, I’d almost forgotten why I’m really here tonight. “Alright.”
“Already?” Felix sounds disappointed. I think he’s enjoyed the notoriety of being in this group.
“You should all leave, too. We’ve talked. None of us need to be here now.” I try to emphasise it to them as much as I can without sounding like I know something they don’t.
There’s a reluctance, but eventually Eidhin nods his agreement, and the others soon follow. We embrace one by one, murmuring nothing but polite farewells under Relucia’s gaze. Still, there’s something to the goodbyes. They linger just a little more than they normally would, even for friends not seen in a while.
It might just be me. But it feels like it could be for the last time.
Relucia and I are not quite down the stairs and into the main section of the Forum, Diago’s stalking presence clearing an easy path, when my name rings out again through the growl of the unsettled gathering. I turn, heart sinking as I recognise the voice. Sure enough, Livia’s slim form is weaving her way toward us, gaze fixed firmly on me.
“It’s the Tertius’s daughter. She’s been trying to see me for weeks. She’ll follow us if I don’t get rid of her.”
Relucia mutters something under her breath. “One minute. He’s waiting.” She hurries off ahead, just out of earshot, as Livia hurries up.
“You’re leaving?” She looks dismayed.
“I said I’d walk my mother home.”
“You have to stay. People are watching to see what you do.”
“Then hopefully they’ll leave too.” I meet her gaze. Relucia’s impatient shuffling in the corner of my eye. “Does your father know you’re here?”
“What does that matter?” Her defiance wilts a little beneath my unrelenting stare. “No. I haven’t seen him yet.”
“He won’t want you to be. Believe me.”
“And?”
“And he is a smart man, Livia.” I think quickly. “Aequa is just up the stairs there; she’s about to leave as well. She’s only a few streets from your house. I’m sure she’d be happy to walk you home.”
It’s a miscalculation, I immediately see. She scowls. “So you’re just ordering me around, now?” A slight flush. Stupid of me. Clumsy. Her pride was wounded on Solivagus, and I’ve barely seen her since. Taking charge so abruptly now will only put her back up.
“I want you to get out of here.” I put my honesty into the words, this time. Gentler, caring rather than commanding. “If something happens tonight, your father and the other senators can look after themselves. People like you and I will either be crushed or used against them.”
Diago, who has been padding behind me silently, pushes forward. Gently butts his head against her arm. She flinches, but she had several hours to grow accustomed to Diago on the Transvect ride back from Solivagus. She strokes his head cautiously. Looks around. Something in her gaze shifting, almost imperceptibly. I see the faintest trace of the fear she must be feeling. That we’re all feeling. “You think it will come to that?”
“I think it could.”
Behind her, a particularly raucous round of abrupt, forced laughter makes us both twitch. “Gods’ graves.” She mutters it, then makes a vaguely embarrassed gesture. Still young enough to be told off for cursing. “Will Aequa mind?”
