1: The Garden Sanctuary

The city of Rome was alive with the sounds of commerce, the clamor of vendors hawking their wares, and the chatter of its citizens. Against this vibrant backdrop stood the grand villa of Senator Tiberius Aurelius, a testament to his wealth and power. The villa, with its marble columns and ornate frescoes, sprawled across an entire block, surrounded by meticulously tended gardens adorned with statues of gods and heroes.

Inside the villa, life was a carefully orchestrated display of opulence. The atrium, with its shimmering mosaic floor depicting scenes from myth, led to a series of luxurious rooms. Each chamber boasted rich tapestries, intricately carved furniture, and golden lamps that cast a warm glow over the polished stone.

In one of the villa's more secluded corners, Livia Aurelia spent her days. The garden, her sanctuary, was a riot of color and fragrance. Roses of every hue—crimson, ivory, pink, and yellow—bloomed in abundance, their delicate petals unfolding like silken promises. Livia's fingers, slender and deft, tended to each plant with care, coaxing life from the earth in a way that felt almost sacred. The scent of the roses, mingled with the earthy aroma of the soil, was a balm to her restless spirit.

While she was tending to her flowers, her thoughts wandered to her family and lingered on her younger brother. Her brother, Quintus, was a constant source of irritation. At fifteen, two years younger than Livia, he delighted in pestering her with his childish antics. Yet Quintus was also undeniably handsome. With his dark hair and striking blue eyes, he had an effortless charm that drew the attention of many beautiful girls. He reveled in their admiration, often teasing Livia about her own more serious demeanor.

Livia, don't you have to get ready for the grand feast?" Quintus approached, a mischievous grin on his face. "Your friends have been lying in olive oil since getting the invitation, preparing for their appearance before the emperor." Looking down on my muddy hands he further asked, "Aren't you preparing yourself for your appearance before his great majesty?"

Livia rolled her eyes. "Quintus, I have no interest in such frivolities. Besides, I doubt our dear Emperor is concerned with my presence."

Quintus chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Always so serious, sister. Perhaps you should enjoy life a bit more, like Mother."

Their mother, Valeria, was indeed the epitome of indulgence. She reveled in her husband's wealth, adorning herself with the finest jewels and the most exquisite garments. Her chambers were filled with treasures from across the empire, and she took great pride in hosting lavish gatherings, where she could display her riches to envious guests.

Livia felt a pang of sadness. Her family's world was one of appearances and material wealth, but it lacked the deeper connection she yearned for. Her father, Tiberius, was a stern man, more concerned with his political ambitions than with showing affection to his children. His love, if it existed, was buried beneath layers of duty and expectation.

Livia's day was filled with lessons in music, literature, and etiquette, all designed to prepare her for a future as the wife of a powerful Roman man. She dutifully attended these lessons, but her mind often wandered back to the garden, where she felt most at peace.

In the afternoon, as she just finished with her lessons, Livia found herself lost in thought. She wondered if there was more to life than the endless cycle of banquets, political machinations, and the pursuit of wealth. She briefly sat down on the bench in her room and wanted to put her feet up when her bedroom door was opened

"Livia," called Marcus, her loyal servant, who had been with the family for as long as she could remember. "Your mother requests your presence in the atrium."

Livia sighed, brushing the dirt from her hands. "Very well, Marcus. I'll be there shortly."

As she made her way to the atrium, she passed through the villa's grand hallways, lined with statues of ancestors and gods. Each figure seemed to gaze at her with a mixture of expectation and judgment, reminding her of the legacy she was meant to uphold.

The atrium was a spectacle of opulence. Its mosaic floor, depicting scenes from Roman mythology, shimmered in the sunlight that streamed through the open ceiling. Valeria stood near the central fountain, her figure draped in a rich purple stola, adorned with gold and jewels. She was in deep conversation with several women of high status, all of whom were dressed in similar finery.

"Ah, Livia, there you are," Valeria said, beckoning her daughter to join them. "I was just telling Lady Cornelia about your talent for music. Would you play something for us?"

Livia nodded, though she felt a twinge of reluctance. She walked over to the lyre that stood by the fountain and began to play. Her fingers moved gracefully over the strings, producing a melody that filled the atrium with its haunting beauty. As she played, she felt a sense of escape, losing herself in the music.

When she finished, the women applauded politely, and Valeria beamed with pride. "Isn't she talented?" she said. "She will make a fine wife for any man."

Valeria's eyes sparkled with delight. "It fills my motherly heart with pride to present her to the emperor next week. My daughter has finally taken on a more feminine figure in the last few months." Laughingly my mother and her rich old friends looked down my body. I felt my cheeks start to glow and looked at the mosaic tiles in shame. How could my mother expose me like this in front of the other ladies?  "Senator Fulvius will be there, and his son is looking for a bride. She should be grateful that we didn't tie her to a husband when she was 12 and instead supported her in her studies. She will represent our family with grace. Is this true, daughter?"

Livia nodded, though her heart wasn't in it. "Of course, Mother."

Livia smiled graciously, though inside, she felt a pang of emptiness. She returned to the garden as soon as she could, seeking solace among her roses.

In the days leading up to the grand feast, the villa buzzed with activity. Servants scurried about, put together our clothing and jewelry, preparing my mother and my skin with olive oil, and ensuring that every detail was perfect. Valeria was in her element, orchestrating the preparations with a keen eye and a firm hand.

Livia spent as much time as possible in the garden, seeking refuge from the chaos. She found comfort in the rhythm of her work, the gentle hum of bees, and the soothing rustle of leaves in the breeze. Her roses, with their delicate beauty and intoxicating fragrance, were her confidants, their silent presence a balm to her troubled heart.

The morning of the feast, Livia rose early. The sky was a soft, pale blue, the air cool and crisp with the promise of a beautiful day. She dressed in a simple tunic and made her way to the garden, her mind focused on the tasks at hand.

As she tended to her roses, she felt a sense of calm wash over her. The garden was her sanctuary, a place where she could be herself, free from the expectations and pressures of her family and society. She cherished these moments of solitude, knowing that they were fleeting.

As Livia pruned and watered her roses, her thoughts turned to Quintus. Her brother's carefree demeanor often frustrated her, but she envied his ability to live in the moment, unburdened by the weight of their family's expectations. Quintus had an innate charm that drew people to him, and he relished the attention. Despite his teasing, Livia knew he cared for her in his own way.

"Why can't I be more like him?" she wondered aloud, her voice barely a whisper. "Why must I always feel this need for something more, something deeper?"

Her musings were interrupted by the arrival of Marcus, who approached with a respectful bow. "My lady, your father requests your presence in the tablinum."

Livia nodded, setting down her tools. "Thank you, Marcus. I will go at once."

As she walked back through the villa's grand hallways, she felt a familiar knot of anxiety in her stomach. Her father's summons were never to be taken lightly. Tiberius Aurelius was a man of few words, but his presence commanded respect and, often, fear.

When Livia entered the tablinum, she found her father waiting. He stood by his massive wood desk, his stern features softened only slightly by the dappled sunlight. His blue eyes, so like Quintus's, regarded her with an intensity that made her feel exposed.

"Livia," Tiberius began, his voice measured and authoritative. "The feast tonight is of great importance. Our family's standing depends on it. You and your brother must show your best behavior. This is not merely a social gathering; it is an opportunity to solidify alliances and further our position."

"Yes, Father," Livia replied, her voice steady despite the apprehension she felt.

"Quintus," Tiberius continued, turning his gaze to his son, who had just entered the atrium. "You are to conduct yourself with the dignity befitting an Aurelius. Your antics will not be tolerated tonight."

Quintus nodded, a rare seriousness in his expression. "Of course, Father."

Tiberius looked back at Livia, his eyes narrowing slightly. "And you, Livia. I expect you to charm our guests, especially Senator Fulvius and his son. You are a reflection of this family's honor. Do not disappoint me."

Livia bowed her head, feeling the weight of her father.

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Livia tending her rose garden

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Thanks for reading the first chapter of my first book. I hope you enjoyed it this far!

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See you in the next chapter 🌹