A Charioteer's Promise

by Tanya Bird

She was slightly breathless when she reached him. ‘What are you doing here?’

  He glanced west. ‘I’m going to climb our tree. Thought you might want to come.’

  A smile flickered, but she did her best to match his serious expression. ‘We are too old to climb trees, remember?’

  His weight shifted to the other foot. ‘Says who?’

  ‘Every person over the age of ten.’

  He was silent a moment, then nodded. ‘All right. I’ll let you get home to your weaving, or whatever it is your sort do.’ He turned and walked off down the street.

  ‘My sort?’ She stared after him for a moment, her bottom lip clamped between her teeth. ‘Wait!’ He immediately stopped and turned, a satisfied expression on his face as he waited for her to catch up. ‘I want to climb our tree,’ she said, looking up at him.

  The light in his eyes made a familiar warmth spread through her.

  ‘You sure? You’re a long way past ten.’

  She rolled her eyes and walked off ahead of him. ‘Let us go before I come to my senses.’

  Plane trees lined the Tiber, but one in particular had a deformed trunk that made it perfect for climbing. They stood at the base of the tree, waiting for the people who had passed them to get farther away.

  ‘All right, up you go,’ Nero said, making a stirrup with his hands.

  As quick as she could, Dulcia set her foot, and he hoisted her high enough to grab the first branch. She pulled herself up onto it. Nero waited for some more people to pass before using the nooks on the trunk like a ladder and joining her. They stilled as a man passed beneath them, whistling to himself, and then Nero gestured for her to start climbing.

  She reached down and gathered the hem of her tunic, tying it in a way that gave her legs more freedom. Nero’s gaze fell to her bare calves, then to the ground below. He had seen her legs more times than she could count, but the older they got, the more uncomfortable he appeared.

  ‘It has been a while since I climbed a tree,’ she whispered. ‘Pray I do not fall.’

  That made him look up. ‘Do you really think I’d ever let you fall?’

  She searched his face for a moment. ‘No, of course not.’ She tried to focus on the task at hand. Reaching for the branch above her head, she began the long climb to the top. Occasionally her sandal would slip on the smooth bark, and Nero’s hand would appear like a step beneath her. Once, he caught her leg, his large hand wrapping her ankle. She looked down, watching his gaze slide up her leg before meetings hers. Neither of them moved for a moment.

  ‘You all right?’ he asked, his voice a deep whisper that travelled up her skin.

  She nodded. ‘Just not very athletic. You must have figured that out by now.’

  ‘Figured it out years ago.’ His eyes creased at the corners.

  She continued climbing, her heart beating a little harder suddenly, but she managed to reach the top without slipping again. A smile broke across her face as she settled herself on the wide branch that offered a clear view of the river. A moment later, Nero plonked himself next to her, causing their seat to shake. She grabbed hold of him for balance, then made the mistake of looking down. ‘I had forgotten how tall this tree is.’

  His arm went behind her, holding the branch on the other side. ‘But look at that view.’

  Turning back to the water, she relaxed and let go of him. Her foot settled on the branch below just as a small rowboat passed beneath them, its occupants unaware that they were being watched. ‘When was the last time we came here?’

  He thought for a moment. ‘A year? You tore your stola, and because you’re a terrible liar, you confessed everything to your mother. She forbade you from ever climbing another tree.’

  ‘Well, I’d better not tear anything today, or I should be forced to admit that I broke that promise.’

  Some children ran beneath them and they fell silent, watching them until they were out of sight.

  ‘Serious question. At what age should we have stopped climbing trees, do you suppose?’ she asked, turning to him. He turned also, and she was suddenly aware of how close he was.

  ‘Fifty? Sixty?’ When she burst out laughing, his hand went to her waist to steady her. The moment her laughter died, he let go and faced the river. ‘Though I’m fairly sure Manius won’t approve of his wife climbing trees in forty years’ time.’

  ‘Or now, for that matter.’ She felt a pang of disappointment as she realised the next few months were all she had left of the childhood she had managed to hold on to. ‘You will soon be forced to find someone else to climb trees with. Cassia, perhaps.’ She was not sure why she added that last part. Truthfully, she hated thinking about him spending time with other women. Every time the barmaid’s name was mentioned, she was left with a heavy feeling in her stomach—one that felt a lot like jealousy.

  ‘I’ve never climbed trees with anyone else. Just you.’

  ‘Then what do you do with other women?’ As soon as the question left her mouth, her cheeks heated, and she was forced to turn away from him. ‘Never mind. That was… please do not answer that.’

  He laughed. ‘I wasn’t going to.’

  She pressed the back of her hand to her cheek in an attempt to cool herself. Of course, she had to be stuck up a tree with him just inches from her at a moment like that. ‘Obviously I know what you do.’

  His eyebrows rose. ‘You do?’

  She cleared her throat. ‘What I mean is I have read about such things.’

  ‘You’ve read about it?’

  ‘Poems and such.’ Gods, it was hot. She fanned her face with her hand while he grinned at her.

  ‘Now I see where your love of poetry comes from. Why don’t you recite one to me?’

  She let out an exasperated noise. ‘That is not what I meant.’

  ‘So you don’t read filthy poems?’

  She would have shoved him had they not been at least one hundred feet off the ground. ‘I was simply saying that you do not need to have experienced the… act of…’ She made an awkward circular motion with her hand.

  ‘Stirring soup?’

  ‘Consummation.’ Not quite the word she had been searching for, but it was too late to take it back. ‘To know what takes place.’

  He laughed then. ‘Maybe just stop talking.’

  ‘Excellent suggestion.’

  An amused Nero continued to stare at her. ‘You look a little sunburned.’

  That only made her blush further. ‘Stop.’ Both hands went over her face, and he grabbed hold of her waist to prevent her falling. ‘Talk to me about boats,’ she said, holding onto the branch once more. His hand left her.

  ‘Before you so subtly change the subject.’ He leaned back slightly, assessing her. ‘Are you trying to tell me that in the nineteen years you’ve been alive, your only experiences with the opposite sex have been in the written form?’

  She did not know where to look. ‘That is an entirely inappropriate question.’

  ‘Not even a kiss with one of the stable boys? They must be falling over themselves for the chance.’

  She exhaled. ‘Everyone in the household knows I am Rufus Papias’s daughter. What boy in his right mind, slave or otherwise, would fool around with their dominus’s offspring?’

  ‘Fair point.’

  They both fell silent, watching another boat approach. A bird landed on a nearby branch, then took off when it caught sight of them.

  ‘Tell me about the pyramids,’ Dulcia said, eyes on the water.

  He glanced at her. ‘Again?’

  ‘Again.’

  She had never been outside the city walls, while Nero had travelled through Egypt, India and sailed across the Red Sea. She had been twelve when they had left, and not ready to join them, despite the plans she and Mila had made as children, huddled beneath a blanket as the rest of the house slept.

  Nero spent the next hour retelling stories she had heard a hundred times. She watched the river as she listened, conjuring pictures in her mind
of all the sights, people and places he spoke of. When he finished, she let out a contented sigh, feeling as though she had just returned from the journey herself. She faced him again to find him watching her with a serious expression. Heat rushed to her cheeks as she, once again, became aware of his close proximity and the arm secured behind her. There was nowhere for her to go. Not that she would have moved anyway—she was held in place by his stare.

  ‘What?’ she asked, the question coming out breathy.

  He glanced at the river before replying. ‘I would’ve liked to have seen your face the first time you saw the pyramids.’

  The thought of standing before the pyramids with a smiling Nero made her chest feel light again. ‘I would have liked that too.’

  He leaned closer, the smallest movement, but she felt the air shift with it. For a moment, he looked as though he might kiss her. She might not have had any experience, but she felt it, or something resembling it. Instead of turning away, as she should have, she tipped her head back ever so slightly. His gaze travelled down to her mouth, then fell to her hand with the ring on it.

  ‘I can’t believe you still wear that thing.’

  Whatever had held her in place fizzled into disappointment. It took her a moment to gather herself, to think, to react. She looked down at the thin band. ‘Why are you surprised? You gave it to me.’

  ‘Because it’s worth nothing.’

  She twisted it with her thumb. ‘Says who?’

  ‘Every woman in Rome wearing silver and gold jewellery.’

  Her eyes met his. ‘You once said it looked pretty on me.’

  ‘It does.’

  Her mouth lifted in a half smile. ‘Then stop being a snob.’

  He was looking at her lips again. Still so close. ‘I should get you home,’ he said, withdrawing from her.

  There was that crushing disappointment again. ‘Yes.’

  Down the tree they climbed, then dropped to the ground.

  They walked their usual route through the city, arriving at the Papias household just before dusk. As she turned to Nero to say goodbye, the door opened behind her and Manius strode out. The man seemed to be everywhere suddenly. His expression hardened the moment he registered her companion. She did not dare look back at Nero for fear of what she would see on his face.

  ‘There you are,’ Manius said, trotting down the steps and coming to stand with them.

  Perhaps it was just Dulcia’s imagination, but Nero seemed to grow in height in that moment.

  ‘Good day,’ Dulcia said. ‘I did not realise you were coming by.’

  Manius gave her a small smile, then reached into a pocket to retrieve something. ‘I wanted to give you this.’ He produced a silver ring, holding it out for her to see. He gestured for her hand.

  At first she did not move, only stared at the polished jewellery as though he were gifting her a weapon.

  ‘Your hand,’ he prompted.

  She saw Nero shift beside her as she reluctantly lifted one arm.

  ‘Insignia of betrothal,’ Manius said. ‘Now everyone shall know you belong to me.’

  Dulcia stared at the ring. It depicted an image of joined hands with Manius’s name written underneath, and it looked ridiculous on her slim hand.

  ‘Do you like it?’ Manius asked, peering into her face.

  She felt sick suddenly. ‘Yes. It is…’ Heavy? Suffocating? ‘Lovely.’

  Apparently that was the correct word, because a smile spread across his face. ‘The first of many gifts.’ He gestured to her other hand. ‘A replacement for the bronze piece which is beneath you.’

  Replacement? Her eyes went to the thin band, then to Nero. He took a step back from her, as though she were suddenly contaminated by Manius’s wealth.

  ‘I have to go,’ he said, not looking at her properly.

  ‘Now?’ She could see his discomfort, embarrassment perhaps. Of course he had to go.

  ‘I’m meeting Cassia at the tavern,’ he added, backing farther away.

  ‘Oh.’ Whatever nausea plagued her seemed to double in that moment. Her hand with the bronze ring went to her stomach while the other remained extended. ‘Well, have a good evening.’

  ‘And you,’ he said, all warmth gone from his tone. He turned his cold gaze to Manius. ‘Good day.’ Turning, he headed back down the hill.

  Dulcia fought the urge to watch him leave, to stare at his broad back. Instead, she faced Manius once more.

  ‘You know, if you need an escort around the city, I can arrange one for you.’ There was an odd expression on his face, despite his pleasant smile.

  ‘I do not need an escort. Nero is just being kind, and perhaps a little overprotective.’

  Manius nodded. ‘Like a brother.’

  ‘Yes, like a brother.’

  Manius clapped his hands together, causing her to jump. ‘I have more good news.’

  She had hoped they were done with the good news. ‘Oh?’

  ‘My mother is hosting a dinner party at the house this evening, and I would very much like you to join us, to meet my family. My sister, in particular, has not stopped pestering me since news of our engagement broke.’

  Dulcia cleared her throat, which was painfully dry all of a sudden. ‘I will need to check with my—’

  ‘I have already spoken to your father, and he is more than happy for you to dine with me and my family. I will give you time to get ready, then send a litter to collect you.’

  She must have missed the part where he asked her if she wanted to go. It was an arrangement between men. Still, she needed to meet his family eventually, and there was no reason to delay. ‘I look forward to it.’ Her gaze drifted down the hill as she spoke.

  He reached up and brushed his thumb along her cheek. ‘They are going to love you,’ he reassured her. ‘Though be sure to wear something nice to make a good first impression.’

  She frowned up at him. ‘I need fancy clothing for that?’

  His gaze travelled down her simple tunic and stola. ‘It will definitely help.’

  She chose to focus on the part where he had said his family would love her. ‘All right.’

  He bent to kiss her cheek; it was so quick, she did not have time to react. ‘I will see you soon.’ Winking, he strode off in the other direction. He did not wait at the bottom of the steps for her to go inside.

  She touched her hand to her cheek where his lips had been. ‘See you soon.’ There was too much distance between them for him to hear.

  Her gaze drifted back down the hill, then to the bronze band. Her other hand was weighed down by the world’s smallest shackle.

  With her chest heavy, she went inside.

  Chapter 8

  The entire thing was laughable. Sitting in a curtained-off box carried by four men, despite the fact that she had two working legs and sturdy sandals that were perfect for walking. She had a strong urge to tell the men to put her down, that she would meet them there. Thank the gods for the privacy curtains to hide behind.

  The house was atop a hill in region thirteen, even larger than the Papias household and just as elaborate. When the front door opened, she was greeted by a slave girl who looked to be around fifteen. The girl made a quick assessment of Dulcia before stepping back and inviting her in. She led her through to the garden where the hosts had set up for the evening.

  Dulcia paused behind a pillar, just out of sight, taking in the women’s expensive garments and painted faces. Glossy locks of hair spilled down their shoulders, their arms weighed down by gemstones. Her gaze fell to her own cream tunic and lemon stola. She felt very underdressed suddenly.

  Her mother had painted her face and helped do her hair in a fashionable style, half up in a bun, though it was not as sleek as those of the other women due to the unruly nature of her hair. Her only jewellery was the silver ring Manius had given her and the bronze band which now hung from a leather thread around her neck, hidden beneath her tunic. She had worked up the courage to take it off, but had faltered wh
en it came time to put it away in a drawer.

  ‘I do not blame you for your hesitation’ came a whisper behind her.

  Dulcia spun around to find a pretty-faced woman about her age. She had round lips and amber eyes painted blue, matching her sapphire earrings and the gem-infused cuffs on her wrist.

  ‘A rather intimidating group, is it not?’ the woman said.

  Dulcia struggled to find words. ‘I was just… I was just trying to find Manius.’

  The woman held back her laughter. ‘Of course you were.’ She crept forwards and peered around the pillar. ‘Argh, Drucia is here. Dreadful woman, and her son is equally as vile. Unfortunately for me, they are rather keen to secure my dowry.’

  Dulcia had no idea how she was supposed to respond to that piece of information, so she said nothing.

  ‘I am Junia, by the way. Manius’s sister. I am going to hazard a guess that you are Dulcia.’

  ‘Oh.’ Heat rushed to her cheeks. His sister. And there she was hiding in the garden.

  Clearing her throat, she bowed her head. ‘It is a pleasure to meet you.’

  Junia stepped closer and peered around the pillar at the guests. ‘Manius will be in the other group, with the men who talk only of racing and business. They stay away from the women until they are forced together to eat.’ She looked back at Dulcia, assessing her. ‘I am afraid they are going to eat you alive.’

  Dulcia swallowed. ‘Manius did warn me about my choice of clothes.’

  Junia laughed. ‘You cannot win these women over with a nice garment. If my brother told you otherwise, I am afraid you were misled.’ The cuffs on her wrist clinked when she brought a hand to her hair, combing the ends with her fingers. ‘They can smell a plebeian a mile away.’ She gave Dulcia a sympathetic smile. ‘Best I am honest.’

  She had a kind face and seemed sincere. Dulcia felt a bit braver knowing she would have at least one person to talk to over the course of the evening. She even spent a moment imagining them as sisters, wondering how they might pass time together. Perhaps they could take walks along the Tiber—minus the hoops of course.

  ‘Any tips before I go in?’