'Why does power struggle exist?'
Emperor Tiberius's mind was a labyrinth of intrigue.
The second emperor that currently ruled Rome, is sitting solemnly in his gilded framed throne made of gold, upholstered with purple cushions and adorned with gems of various colors, sizes and intricate, ornate details, while the whole Rome is in a celebratory mood.
The grand throne room with it's high ceiling, is a room designed with vibrant colored frescoes depicting different Roman mythologies. The polished white marbled floor is reflecting the last rays of the setting sun coming from the window, casting an imposing orange glow.
Yet Emperor Tiberius, alone on his throne room felt no awe about the grandiose of the room. He's been surrounded by all the luxurious looking things for as long as he can remember but it doesnt hold any allure.
As the sun slowly dipped down the horizon, its ethereal orange glow that passes thru the window move, now casting a warm light on Tiberius's face. His eyes is closed, his brow furrowed in deep contemplation not minding the blinding light thats coming thru his closed eyelids. He can feel his heart silently beats slowly. The silence has never been this loud.
But contrary to how he is feeling, his raging mind continues to ask himself this one question..
'Why does power struggles persist?'
Suddenly, the sounds of quickening footsteps broke thru the silence. It can be heard from the distance echoing through the halls.
*Step step step*.
'Why does power struggles persist?'
He ask himself again.
*Step step step*.
The footsteps suddenly stopped just outside the entrance of the throne room.
His eyes flew opened.
His gaze went straight to the owners of the footstep.
'It's because people exist. And people are born to dominate one another.'
Two men, clad in armatura militari, bowed before their Emperor.
'Well...', his rain of thoughts trailed off. Studying the faces of his visitors. An aura of imposing authority demanding respect seems to fill the air. Making his two visitors shiver and held their breath.
'I'll just kill them all off.'
********************************
Livilla stood before the newly polished speculum, she tied her hair tightly in an elegant knot. She gazed at her reflection, her eyes scrutinizing every inch of her face and hair. Three candles made with beeswax is lit, a luxury for a lady of her status, it's fire is dancing in the gentle warm breeze of night air. A sudden smile spread in her face, but she quickly frowned, not liking the way her smile look.
On the table near the speculum, there lay an array of cosmetics. Livilla unable to clean it all up, she smoothed out her make up, she deftly moved her fingers like she's done it a million times. She straightened her back.
Looking one last time to ensure every feature was perfectly enhanced.
She glanced out the window, noting that the sun has already set because of the darkness that seems to swallow the surroundings leaving nothing out. 'It is time', she thought.
A feeling of joy and excitement is can be seen in her expressions, And a hint of guilt, like what she's thinking of doing is a bad thing.
'It isn't bad..' Livilla console herself. 'Im just inlove.' She justified her actions.
A wry smile graced her red lips, she put on her black cape that is too big to her slightly tall frame over her light weight palla made with thin and cool fabric, concealing her primary garment. Indicating that the owner of the cape is a tall big man.
She took on a lamp, lit it on the candle's fire, put on her cape's hood and exit out of her cubiculum. Passing the now quiet atrium devoid of any signs of slaves, her steps are quick and quiet like a thief.
Once she reached the entrance of the domus, she looked back once more and checked if someone sees her sneaking out, but the domus is quiet, no one on sight.
She went out.
Passing by the hortus with the moonlight and her lamp, the only things thats illuminating the way, casting an eerie shadow as she walks. She went to the hidden patio, surrounded by thick trees.
She then remembered Caligulchen's gentle face earlier in the triclinium, when their eyes met, and he smiled at her, she couldn't smile back. But instead, avoided his gaze. She should have smiled back not pitying and feeling guilty with herself. She's just afraid that Caligula will see through her fear and deceit.
She wont be able to stand it if he came to despise her. After all, he's the only one that treats and sees her like a real sibling should. 'Caligulchen, forgive me, for i have sinned.' she said it like a prayer in her mind.
Tomorrow..
Tomorrow, she'll smile genuinely to Caligula. Tomorrow, she will talk to him. Tomorrow.
She stood silently at the entrance of the patio. Adjusting her eyes, squinting as if looking for something or someone. She spot someone standing, his broad back on her. She recognized him.
She approached the man silently, her steps, with a spring in it. She lovingly gaze at the back of the man she loves.
"Amor meus...", she silently called. As the man slowly faced her, her face burst on a wide full smile that seems to light up the whole night.
******************************
Drusus is walking home alone in a drunken state, reeking with cheap perfumes, he almost face flat on the road. He just came from popina.
Reaching for his fine leather pouch, feeling the inside, but there was nothing there. Expletive curses can be heard in the silent night.
He cant believe he lost all the aurei he has on him. His ears, still ringing from the raucous laughter and cheers of his so called friends as if they are mocking him but it's just his imagination. 'Curses them. Just you wait.' Then he remembered Nero Caesar, more expletives are coming out of his mouth. But this time, he truly feel angry.
He breathe in the evening air, calming himself. It's a bit cold now, and Drusus with his face red from all the liquor he consume, decided to continue walking home.
The moonlight is shining brightly, it is the only thing that lights his way home.
Finally for what seems like an eternity, he reached their domus. When he got near the hortus, he heard rustling sounds, and a quiet whimpering of what seems like an animal. He stopped in is tracks.
He stay stilled and listened closely to the sound, there is something about the whimpers that sounds familiar. He strained his ears hard. There is a whimper again, but this time there are voices in it.
Following the silent noises, Drusus tried hard to move quietly, almost crawling because he keeps on stumbling. He reached the patio, and when he peeked behind a tree, he saw Livilla's side view.
She is kissing a tall build man.
He shook.
*****************************
INDEX:
1. armatura militari - military armor
2. speculum - mirror
3. palla - a roman's garment for female
4. hortus - garden
5. amor meus - my love
6. popina - tavern or inn with prostitutes
7. cubiculum- single term for cubiculi(bedrooms), cubiculum is a single bedroom