5: Guests and Tensions

Several weeks had slipped by since the lavish feast that had upended Livia's sense of normalcy. Quintus, ever the reluctant scholar, found himself begrudgingly preparing for the studies his father had insisted upon with Senator Fulvius. His days were now spent buried in scrolls and parchments, a far cry from the carefree pursuits he had once enjoyed.

Meanwhile, Livia threw herself into the quiet sanctuary of her garden. The delicate roses, some showing signs of a mysterious sickness, demanded her full attention. She studied ancient texts on herbal remedies, meticulously tending to each plant with a mix of determination and worry.

One warm afternoon, as Livia was inspecting a particularly afflicted rosebush, a servant approached with a message that stirred her from her thoughts.

"Lady Livia, I beg your pardon, but there will be guests for dinner this evening. Your presence is requested in the main hall," the servant announced, bowing respectfully.

Livia straightened, brushing dirt from her hands. Guests? The news piqued her curiosity, momentarily diverting her from thoughts of marriage and noble suitors. She nodded to the servant and made her way back to the villa, her mind racing with questions.

Inside, the villa hummed with activity as servants bustled about, preparing for the evening's gathering. Livia's mother supervised the preparations with her usual keen eye, ensuring that every detail was perfect.

"Ah, Livia, there you are," her mother greeted her, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "Make sure you dress appropriately. We have esteemed guests joining us tonight."

"Who are they?" Livia inquired, trying to keep her tone casual despite the flutter of anticipation in her chest.

Her mother's smile widened slightly. "All in good time, my dear. It will be a pleasant surprise, I assure you."

Livia nodded, though her mind was racing with possibilities. Could it be someone she knew? Or perhaps a stranger from a distant province? The uncertainty left her both nervous and intrigued.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the villa, the guests started to arrive. The grand entrance hall filled with the soft murmur of conversation and the gentle clinking of goblets. Livia, dressed in an elegant stola of deep blue, her hair adorned with delicate silver pins, stood by her mother and father, greeting each guest with the grace expected of her.

As evening descended, the villa's grand entrance was adorned with fresh flowers, their sweet fragrance mingling with the warm evening air. Lanterns cast a soft glow, illuminating the path as carriages pulled up one by one. The guests began to arrive, their laughter and chatter filling the air.

Then, through the entrance, handsome man with a refined demeanor, his presence commanding attention. The nobleman Livia had heard whispers about, entered the hall with a confident stride. His appearance was impeccable—a finely woven tunic of deep burgundy, a pristine white toga draped over his shoulder, and a polished leather signet ring catching the candlelight.

Decimus's eyes, a deep, piercing blue, scanned the room before landing on Livia and her family. With a charming smile, he approached her, his movements fluid and self-assured.

Livia's father cleared his throat. He beckoned her to his side. "Livia, this is Decimus Aurelius," he introduced. Decimus gave a courteous nod. "An honor to meet you," he said warmly. Livia offered a polite smile. "The pleasure is mine," she replied. Her father continued, "Decimus, this is my daughter, Livia." Decimus extended his hand.

"Your reputation precedes you," he complimented.

Livia felt a flush rise to her cheeks but maintained her composure. "Thank you, Lord Decimus. Welcome to our home."

Decimus took her hand and bowed slightly, his lips brushing the back of her hand in a gesture of respect. "Thank you for your warm welcome. I look forward to getting to know you and your family better."

As they moved to the dining area, Livia observed Decimus interacting with the other guests. His demeanor was polished, his conversation engaging, and he seemed to effortlessly command attention. Quintus, however, remained aloof, his usual sarcasm replaced by a guarded reserve.

Dinner was served in the grand dining hall, a long table adorned with lavish dishes and sparkling goblets. Livia's father took his place at the head of the table, with Decimus seated to his right and Livia beside him. Quintus sat across from them, his expression unreadable.

As the meal progressed, the conversation flowed smoothly. Decimus spoke of his travels and studies, his experiences abroad painting him as a man of considerable knowledge and ambition. Livia found herself drawn to his stories, intrigued by the breadth of his experiences.

As the guests started eating, Quintus leaned forward, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "So, Decimus, tell us about your time in Alexandria. I hear the scholars there are quite... challenging."

Decimus smiled, unfazed by the question. "Indeed, they are. Alexandria is a hub of knowledge, and the debates can be quite intense. But I found it invigorating. It pushed me to think more critically and to question my assumptions."

Quintus raised an eyebrow. "And did you manage to keep up with them? Or were you left trailing behind?"

Livia shot her brother a warning glance, but Decimus remained composed. "I held my own, I believe. The key is to listen as much as you speak. Knowledge is not just about having the right answers, but also about asking the right questions."

Quintus smirked, leaning back in his chair. "Wise words. Let's hope you can apply them here in Rome."

Their father, sensing the tension, cleared his throat. "Quintus, Decimus will be joining us for an extended period. He will be training under my guidance in preparation for his future endeavors."

Livia's heart skipped a beat. So, it was true. Decimus was not just a guest; he was to be a part of their household. She stole a glance at him, finding his expression calm and composed. Quintus, on the other hand, looked positively livid.

The conversation turned to politics, and Quintus seized the opportunity to test Decimus further.

Leaning forward, Quintus fixed Decimus again with a sharp gaze. "Tell me, Decimus, what are your thoughts on Senator Fulvius's proposal to ban the upcoming Christianity? It's a topic that has stirred quite a bit of debate."

Decimus met Quintus's gaze steadily, a slight smile playing on his lips. "I believe the senator's proposal is both prudent and necessary. Christianity, with its foreign doctrines, poses a significant threat to the traditional values and unity of Rome. It is our duty to preserve the sanctity of our culture and beliefs."

Quintus raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed but not willing to relent. "And what of those who argue for religious tolerance? That banning Christianity only serves to martyr its followers and strengthen their resolve?"

Decimus's smile widened, his eyes glinting with confidence. "Tolerance is a virtue, but not at the expense of the stability and integrity of the state. We must prioritize the greater good and ensure that Rome remains strong and united."

Livia watched the exchange with a mixture of admiration and apprehension. Decimus's arguments were compelling, his demeanor unshakable, but she couldn't help but feel the tension simmering between him and Quintus. It was clear that her brother was not easily swayed, and she wondered how this dynamic would unfold in the days to come.

Quintus's expression remained unreadable, but Livia could sense his frustration. He had hoped to rattle Decimus, but the young nobleman remained poised and articulate.

Their father interjected with a smile. "Decimus, I appreciate your thoughtful perspective. It's clear you have given these matters a great deal of consideration. I look forward to seeing how your insights can contribute to our discussions and plans."

The tension in the room was palpable, but Decimus's calm demeanor seemed to diffuse it. Livia, watching the exchange, felt a mix of admiration and trepidation. Decimus was clearly a force to be reckoned with, and his presence in their household would undoubtedly bring change.

As the meal continued, Livia found herself increasingly drawn to Decimus. His intellect and poise were captivating, and she couldn't deny the growing attraction she felt towards him. Yet, the shadow of her impending marriage loomed large, casting a pall over her budding feelings.

Later that night, as she retreated to her chambers, Livia's thoughts were a whirlwind of confusion and uncertainty. The words of the empress echoed in her mind, reminding her of the constraints and expectations that awaited her. She felt a pang of pity for Camilla, whose own future seemed equally constrained by familial expectations.

Livia lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling, her mind racing. Was Decimus Aemilius the answer to her parents' hopes for her future? And more importantly, could she find happiness within the confines of a marriage arranged for political and social gain?

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This is how I picture Decimus

What do you think of Decimus ?

Should Quntus be so rude and cold towards him ?