As the sun set, casting a warm glow over the cobblestone streets of Rome, Livia Drusilla Aquila took a deep breath, her grip firm on the dagger at her side. The eagle-shaped hilt felt familiar and reassuring in her hand as she navigated the narrow alleys, her dark cloak blending with the encroaching night.
While the city around her buzzed with laughter and music, her thoughts were troubled by her father's cautious words: "Trust no one, Livia. Not even those who wear the toga of honor."
Arriving at the bustling Forum, she surveyed the scene with sharp eyes. Senators, draped in their pristine white robes, mingled with merchants and slaves, each face a blend of feigned politeness and hidden agendas.
It was then she spotted Marcus Valerius, his commanding presence and charismatic demeanor drawing the crowd's attention. He was the man she needed to confront—responsible for the accusations against her father.
Livia's heart raced as she stepped into the throng, her boots silent on the stone. Although she was well-acquainted with danger, tonight's atmosphere felt particularly charged, as if the very gods were watching her every move.
Just as she reached the heart of the gathering, Marcus turned, his piercing gaze meeting hers, and for a fleeting instant, the world around them faded.
"Livia Aquila," he said smoothly, a slight smirk gracing his lips. "What brings you to the Forum at this hour? Surely, a lady of your standing has better pursuits than wandering the streets like a common thief."
Staying composed, Livia responded with a tight smile, "I could ask you the same, Senator. Though it seems the night is when the rats come out to play."
He laughed, though his expression hardened slightly. "Be cautious, girl. Words can cut deeper than any blade."
Before Livia could retort, a sudden uproar broke out nearby, causing the crowd to part as a battalion of Praetorian Guards marched into the square.
At their center stood a man in chains—her father, Cassius Aquila. Despite the bruises marring his face and the defiance flickering in his eyes, Livia's heart sank at the sight, and she instinctively took a step forward.
However, Marcus's hand shot out, gripping her arm. "Don't," he urged. "It will only make the situation worse."
She pulled away, her dagger glinting in the torchlight. "Let go of me."
Leaning closer, Marcus whispered urgently, "If you wish to save him, bravery alone won't suffice. You'll need allies. Meet me at the Temple of Vesta at midnight—but come alone."
Before Livia could respond, he melted into the crowd, leaving her amidst the rising chaos. Her father's gaze met hers for a fleeting moment, filled with an unspoken plea: Run.
Yet, Livia was not one to flee. With determination, she returned the dagger to its sheath and moved swiftly into the shadows. Midnight was only a few hours away, and uncertainty lay ahead, but one thing resonated clearly in her mind: she would stop at nothing to save her father, even if that meant forging unlikely alliances.
As the sun set, casting a warm glow over the cobblestone streets of Rome, Livia Drusilla Aquila took a deep breath, her grip firm on the dagger at her side.
The eagle-shaped hilt felt familiar and reassuring in her hand as she navigated the narrow alleys, her dark cloak blending with the encroaching night.
While the city around her buzzed with laughter and music, her thoughts were troubled by her father's cautious words: "Trust no one, Livia. Not even those who wear the toga of honor."
Arriving at the bustling Forum, she surveyed the scene with sharp eyes. Senators, draped in their pristine white robes, mingled with merchants and slaves, each face a blend of feigned politeness and hidden agendas.
It was then she spotted Marcus Valerius, his commanding presence and charismatic demeanor drawing the crowd's attention. He was the man she needed to confront—responsible for the accusations against her father.
Livia's heart raced as she stepped into the throng, her boots silent on the stone. Although she was well-acquainted with danger, tonight's atmosphere felt particularly charged, as if the very gods were watching her every move. Just as she reached the heart of the gathering, Marcus turned, his piercing gaze meeting hers, and for a fleeting instant, the world around them faded.
"Livia Aquila," he said smoothly, a slight smirk gracing his lips. "What brings you to the Forum at this hour? Surely, a lady of your standing has better pursuits than wandering the streets like a common thief."
Staying composed, Livia responded with a tight smile, "I could ask you the same, Senator. Though it seems the night is when the rats come out to play."
He laughed, though his expression hardened slightly. "Be cautious, girl. Words can cut deeper than any blade."
Before Livia could retort, a sudden uproar broke out nearby, causing the crowd to part as a battalion of Praetorian Guards marched into the square. At their center stood a man in chains—her father, Cassius Aquila. Despite the bruises marring his face and the defiance flickering in his eyes, Livia's heart sank at the sight, and she instinctively took a step forward.
However, Marcus's hand shot out, gripping her arm. "Don't," he urged. "It will only make the situation worse."
She pulled away, her dagger glinting in the torchlight. "Let go of me."
Leaning closer, Marcus whispered urgently, "If you wish to save him, bravery alone won't suffice. You'll need allies. Meet me at the Temple of Vesta at midnight—but come alone."
Before Livia could respond, he melted into the crowd, leaving her amidst the rising chaos. Her father's gaze met hers for a fleeting moment, filled with an unspoken plea: Run.
Yet, Livia was not one to flee. With determination, she returned the dagger to its sheath and moved swiftly into the shadows. Midnight was only a few hours away, and uncertainty lay ahead, but one thing resonated clearly in her mind: she would stop at nothing to save her father, even if that meant forging unlikely alliances.
As Marcus turned to leave, Livia's voice stopped him in his tracks. "Wait."
He paused, glancing over his shoulder. "Yes?"
"How do I know this isn't a trap?" she demanded, her eyes narrowing. "For all I know, you're setting me up to take the fall for whatever's in that scroll."
Marcus smirked, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "You don't. But if you want to save your father, you'll have to take the risk. That's the game we play, Livia. Trust is a luxury none of us can afford."
Livia clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms. She hated how he always seemed to have the upper hand, how his words twisted around her like a snake coiling its prey. But she couldn't deny the truth in what he said. She was out of options.
"Fine," she said through gritted teeth. "But if anything happens to my father"
"You'll kill me?" Marcus interrupted, his tone light, almost teasing. "I'd expect nothing less from the daughter of Cassius Aquila. Very well. Meet me here tomorrow night, and I'll give you the details. Oh, and Livia?" He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Come alone. Or the deal is off."
Before she could respond, he disappeared into the shadows, leaving her standing alone in the flickering light of the sacred flame. Livia exhaled sharply, her mind racing. She hated Marcus, hated the way he manipulated everyone around him. But she couldn't shake the feeling that he was telling the truth—at least, part of it.
A soft rustling sound broke her thoughts, and she turned to see Aelia emerging from the shadows. Her friend's expression was grim, her hand resting on the hilt of her gladius. "I don't like this," Aelia said quietly. "Marcus is playing you, Livia. You know that, right?"
"I know," Livia replied, her voice heavy with frustration. "But what choice do I have? If there's even a chance he can help me save my father…"
Aelia sighed and crossed her arms. "Alright. But if you're going through with this, I'm coming with you. Marcus said to come alone, but he doesn't have to know I'm there."
Livia hesitated, then nodded. "Alright. But stay out of sight. If he sees you, this whole thing could fall apart."
Aelia grinned, her usual confidence returning. "Don't worry. I'll be like a ghost. He won't even know I'm there."
The Aquila Estate
The walk back to the Aquila estate was tense and silent. The streets of Rome were eerily quiet, the only sound the occasional drip of rainwater from the rooftops. Livia's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, her father's face flashing in her memory. She remembered the way he'd taught her to fight, the way he'd always believed in her, even when others doubted. She couldn't let him down. Not now.
As they approached the villa, Livia noticed something strange. The front door was slightly ajar, and the faint glow of a lantern spilled out into the courtyard. She exchanged a glance with Aelia, who nodded and drew her sword. Together, they crept inside, their movements silent and deliberate.
The interior of the villa was in disarray. Furniture had been overturned, and scrolls and papers were scattered across the floor. Livia's heart sank as she realized what had happened. Someone had been here—someone looking for something.
"Livia," Aelia whispered, pointing to a corner of the room. Livia followed her gaze and froze. There, lying on the floor, was one of her father's most prized possessions: a small wooden box, its lid cracked open. Inside was a single, ancient coin, its surface etched with the image of an eagle.
Livia knelt down and picked up the coin, her fingers trembling. She recognized it instantly. It was part of a set her father had kept hidden for years, a relic from a time long before she was born. He'd always told her it was a family heirloom, but now she wondered if there was more to it.
"What is that?" Aelia asked, peering over her shoulder.
"I don't know," Livia admitted. "But I think it's important. Whoever did this was looking for something, and I have a feeling this might be it."
Aelia frowned. "You think Marcus had something to do with this?"
"Maybe," Livia said, her voice tight. "Or maybe it's someone else. Either way, we need to find out what's going on—and fast."
The Next Morning
The sun rose over Rome, casting a golden light over the city. Livia stood on the balcony of the villa, the ancient coin clutched tightly in her hand. She'd spent the rest of the night searching the house for clues, but aside from the coin, she'd found nothing. Whoever had broken in had been thorough.
Aelia joined her on the balcony, carrying two cups of wine. She handed one to Livia and leaned against the railing. "You look like you haven't slept."
"I haven't," Livia admitted, taking a sip of the wine. "I can't stop thinking about my father. And this…" She held up the coin, letting the sunlight catch its surface. "There's something about it. Something important."
Aelia studied the coin for a moment, then shrugged. "Maybe it's just a coin. Or maybe it's the key to everything. Either way, we'll figure it out. Together."
Livia smiled faintly, grateful for her friend's unwavering support. "Thanks, Aelia. I don't know what I'd do without you."
"Probably get yourself killed," Aelia said with a grin. "Now come on. We've got a long day ahead of us."