2.1: The Grand Feast

As Livia and Quintus reentered the grand hall, she couldn't shake the mix of anticipation and apprehension coursing through her. Quintus, always the entertainer, tried to lighten her mood.

"You know, Livia," he began with a mischievous grin, "I insist you stay close tonight. I'll need you as a witness when I finally get that kiss from a high-status girl."

Livia chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Oh, Quintus, you never change. Just try not to embarrass me."

Quintus winked. "I'll do my best. But no promises."

Returning to the opulent surroundings of the feast, Livia scanned the room, taking in the spectacle of Rome's elite bedecked in their finest attire. The air hummed with conversation, laughter, and the melodic strains of lyres and flutes.

A sudden hush fell over the room as a herald announced the arrival of the emperor.

"His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Claudius!"

All eyes turned toward the entrance as Emperor Claudius strode into the hall, a figure of imposing stature and power. His muscular frame was clad in richly embroidered robes of purple and gold, a golden laurel wreath crowning his head. He exuded authority and dignity, his presence commanding respect from all.

Following closely behind him was Empress Seina, resplendent in a gown of shimmering silk that revealed a daring amount of décolletage. Her neck and wrists sparkled with jewels that caught the light with every graceful movement. Seina's expression was serene but distant, her gaze cool and aloof as she acknowledged the gathered guests.

Livia observed the Empress with a mixture of awe and curiosity, marveling at the extravagant display of wealth and status.

Quintus leaned closer to Livia and whispered, "Quite the pair, aren't they? The emperor looks like he could wrestle a lion, and Seina seems ready to conquer Rome with her beauty alone."

Livia stifled a giggle, nodding in agreement. "They certainly make an impression."

As the procession continued, Senator Gaius entered with his two daughters, Octavia and Marcella. Octavia possessed a serene grace, while Marcella exuded youthful energy and charm. Their presence added to the lively atmosphere of the feast, drawing admiring glances from many of the guests.

"Look at them," Quintus murmured, his eyes lingering on Marcella. "Poor Gaius must be fending off suitors with a sword."

Livia smiled knowingly. "They seem lovely, don't they? Wait till Octavia starts to boast about her beauty. Her spirit reminds me of the thorns that cut your skin open." Quintus started to giggle.

Senator Fulvius followed with his wife, Seina. Unlike the Empress, Seina's attire was more understated, though still elegant. Her stature was petite, and her figure lacked the exaggerated curves prized by Roman standards. Livia noticed a few women in the crowd exchanging amused glances, some whispering behind their fans.

"Some people can be so cruel," Livia murmured, feeling a pang of sympathy for Seina.

Quintus shrugged. "Such is the way of our world, dear sister. But Fulvius married her for love, not appearances. That's more than many can say."

As they mingled among the guests, Livia's attention was drawn to a young man across the room. He was adjusting his brown curls with a casual yet confident air, and she couldn't help but notice the well-defined muscles of his arms as he moved.

"Who is he?" Livia asked Quintus, nodding discreetly in the young man's direction.

Quintus followed her gaze and grinned knowingly. "That, my dear sister, is Lucius, son of Senator Fulvius. A bit of a charmer, they say."

Livia frowned, trying to reconcile the name with the face. "Lucius? He looks so different. I didn't recognize him."

Quintus laughed. "Ah, that's because he's been away for a year, studying in Athens. Seems he's picked up more than just knowledge."

Quickly, Livia glanced at Lucius once more before Quintus pulled her toward the two sisters, Marcella and Octavia. The sisters observed her skeptically at first, their eyes scanning her from head to toe with a hint of envy. Marcella, the younger sister, was the first to avert her gaze from Livia's appearance and greet her with a smile. Whether the smile was genuine was impossible to tell in the intricate social dance of the Roman Empire. Befriending everyone, even those you disliked, was essential to enjoying higher status in society. Enemies would only obstruct one's path. Octavia, too, forced herself to smile as she tucked her fiery red hair behind her ear.

"Quintus, Livia, what a pleasure to see you at the feast," Octavia said with a look of disdain. "I didn't expect to see you here today. Especially you, Livia." She scanned Livia from head to toe with barely concealed scorn. "I've always known you had two faces. You'll never belong to high society, no matter how hard you try."

The sting of her words took Livia by surprise. She glanced at her brother, hoping he would defend her. Instead, he was too engrossed in gazing at Octavia with infatuation. In Marcella's eyes, Livia saw a fleeting glimpse of sympathy. Livia considered slipping back outside, pretending she hadn't heard Octavia's cutting remarks, but the fear of her parents' disappointment kept her rooted. She was determined to make them proud tonight, and so far, everything had been going according to plan—except for this confrontation.

Livia knew she might not naturally fit into high society, but she was resolved to change that. Her appearance was the only thing that matched the image of the ideal Roman woman, but nothing more. Until today. She had mustered the courage to retort, but just as she opened her mouth, a deep voice cut through the tension.

Senator Gaius stood nearby, his presence commanding attention. "Ah, Quintus, Livia. How delightful to see you mingling with my daughters," he said warmly, his eyes crinkling at the corners with a genuine smile. Livia's retort died on her lips, and she forced a smile, grateful for the timely interruption.

"Senator Gaius, it's an honor," she managed, her voice steady despite the lingering sting of Octavia's words.

Quintus, oblivious to the undercurrents, greeted the senator with enthusiasm. "It's always a pleasure, Senator. Your daughters look radiant as always."

As the conversation shifted, Livia's thoughts wandered. She felt out of place, a delicate rose trying to bloom in a garden of thorns. The opulence of the feast, the extravagant gowns, and the superficial smiles all seemed to suffocate her. But she was determined not to let Octavia's words undermine her resolve. She had a place here, and she would prove it. After a short exchange of words, the senator was summoned to the emperor.

Lucius, who had been watching the exchange with amused detachment, took a step closer. "Livia, is it?" he said, a cocky grin spreading across his face. "I almost didn't recognize you. You've changed quite a bit since I left for my studies."

Livia turned to face him, her expression cool. "Yes, Lucius. A lot can change in a year."

He leaned in slightly, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Indeed. I see you've grown into quite the lady. I must say, you look... impressive."

Livia stiffened, unimpressed by his flattery. "Thank you, Lucius. And you've certainly embraced your arrogance with gusto."

He chuckled, seemingly unbothered by her rebuff. "Ah, the sharp tongue of Livia. Some things never change." He leaned closer, lowering his voice. "I must confess, I've missed it. Life was rather dull without your witty retorts."

Before Livia could respond, Lucius turned to Quintus with a smirk. "So, Quintus, shall we place a wager? I bet I can charm a kiss from the most beautiful girl here before the night ends."

Quintus laughed, clapping him on the back. "I wouldn't bet against you, Lucius. Your charm is legendary."

Livia rolled her eyes, exasperated. "You two are incorrigible."

Lucius grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Just wait and see, Livia. I might surprise you."

As Lucius and Quintus drifted off into their banter, Livia felt a pang of loneliness. She watched as Lucius began to flirt shamelessly with Octavia, who seemed all too eager for his attention. The room felt suddenly stifling, the laughter and music a distant hum.

After Lucius and Octavia started flirting, Livia decided to wander through the room and observe some of the artwork adorning the walls. Each piece told a story, capturing moments of history, mythology, and triumph. As she admired a detailed mosaic depicting the birth of Venus, she felt a sense of peace, momentarily escaping the superficiality of the feast.

"Livia, my dear," her mother's voice cut through her thoughts.

Livia turned to see her mother approaching, her expression one of pride mingled with calculation. "I saw you speaking with Senator Gaius and his daughters," she said, her eyes gleaming. "I'm so proud of you. Befriend them, dear. It will be beneficial."

Livia forced a smile. "Of course, Mother."

Her mother's gaze shifted, and she took Livia's hand, leading her further into the room. "And Lucius," she continued, her tone more conspiratorial. "Did you see how handsome he has become? He looks perfect. Such a fine match for you."

Livia felt a surge of frustration. "Mother, I would never marry a man like Lucius. I would rather die."

Her mother's eyes widened in shock and anger, but before she could respond, a fanfare interrupted, signaling that every guest should take a seat at the tables. The grand hall buzzed with movement as people found their places.

"Livia," her mother hissed, her voice low and fierce, "you will sit with Quintus, Lucius, and the senators daughters. And you will behave."

Feeling her mother's grip tighten on her arm, Livia was steered towards the dining area, her heart sinking. The tables were arranged in a horseshoe shape, laden with sumptuous dishes and elegant decorations. She saw Quintus already seated, laughing with Lucius and Octavia. Marcella was seated beside her sister, glancing around the room with a hint of unease. An unknown young girl, which successfully tried to be ignored by focusing on eating, was seated next to the free chair.

Livia took her place reluctantly, trying to keep her expression neutral. Her mother's eyes bore into her, a silent warning to maintain the family's honor. As she settled into her seat, Lucius leaned over, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Ah, Livia, it seems fate has placed us together again," he said, his tone dripping with arrogance.

She gave him a curt nod, focusing on the ornate table settings. Octavia, noticing Lucius's attention, leaned in as well. "Lucius was just telling us about his studies abroad. Quite impressive, don't you think, Livia?"

Livia managed a tight smile. "I'm sure it was enlightening."

Lucius chuckled. "Oh, it was more than that. The people, the culture... and the women. Quite an education, if you catch my meaning."

Quintus laughed heartily, slapping Lucius on the back. "I bet you left a trail of broken hearts."

"Only a few," Lucius replied with a wink.

Livia rolled her eyes, feeling a mixture of annoyance and disdain. "How charming," she said dryly.

Marcella, sitting beside her, offered a sympathetic glance. "Are you enjoying the feast, Livia?"

Livia sighed, grateful for the change of subject. "It's certainly an experience. The decorations are beautiful."

As the servants began to bring out the first course, Livia's mother caught her eye from across the table, her expression softening slightly. Despite their differences, Livia knew her mother only wanted what she thought was best for her. But the pressure to conform to society's expectations felt suffocating.

Lucius, ever the center of attention, continued his stories, regaling the table with tales of his exploits. His cocky demeanor grated on Livia's nerves, but she tried to focus on the food in front of her, hoping the meal would pass quickly.

"You know," Lucius said, leaning closer to Livia, "I'm quite impressed by how you've turned out. The last time I saw you, you were just a girl. Now, look at you."

Livia met his gaze, her eyes cold. "And you've certainly embraced your arrogance, haven't you?"

Lucius laughed, undeterred. "I see you haven't lost your sharp tongue. I like that."

"Good to know," she replied, her tone icy.

The meal continued, and Livia found herself increasingly irritated by Lucius's presence. He made several more off-color jokes, each one met with laughter from Quintus and Octavia. Livia forced herself to remain composed, determined not to let him get under her skin.

As the final course was served, Livia felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned to the girl seated next to her, her demeanor shy and introverted.

"Could you please pass the olives," she asked softly pointing to the plate next to me. Shortly after asking she remembered to introduce herself "I'm Camilla, the emperor's cousin's daughter. As I gathered from their conversations, you are Livia, right?"

"Yes, Livia Aurelia," replied Livia with a smile on her rose lips, following words were said as a whisper. "Finally someone whose smile is genuine..."

Camilla began to giggle softly. Livia's already red painted cheeks blushed even more. ''Did I just say that out loud?'', Livia looked around to see if someone heard her. Camilla shook her head smiling.

Livia's face softened thanking the gods for a girl that understood some humor. Despite her shyness, Camilla radiated a quiet joy that was comforting. They began to talk, sharing stories and observations about the feast.

Lucius, noticing Livia's distraction, leaned over again. "Making new friends already, Livi?"

Livia ignored him and the fact that he just used the nickname she used to get from her brother, focusing on Camilla. "So, Camilla, how long are you staying in Rome?"

"I begged my parents to only let me stay here in Rome a few months," Camilla admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't quite get along with empress Seina. I miss my hometown, the quiet life. Running through the fields and taking care of my Egyptian cat. I feel lonely here."

Livia smiled warmly. "Now you have me."

As the evening wore on, Livia felt a renewed sense of purpose. Despite the pressures and the arrogance of men like Lucius, she knew she had found a kindred spirit in Camilla. Together, they could navigate the complexities of Roman society and find their own place within it.

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Lucius dressed for the Grand Feast