Late or not, she must ready herself. With her left hand she wiped her neck again with the water from the small golden dish and stared at her reflection in the mirror she held with her right. “He left for his pride but he will come back. When he sees the way of things he will sail back to me. Do not worry. Combined our experience and power will be unmatched.”
She slammed the mirror into the dish and watched the water spread along the countertop until it poured over the edge. She left her room and walked down the hall to the Senate meeting. Livia passed the garden where she and Stilicho had shared their moment. She paused. He will be back.
She regained herself and fixed her eyes on the doorway at the end of the hall. In the meantime I know I have Remus, the legions will respect his word. Porcia and Crassus will be a great help with the senate. Let’s delay any action by Sculla while we secure our standing. I have appointed these men. For all I have given to everyone’s career we should have no problems. They will be grateful. She was not sure of any of the thoughts but she was determined to make them true. This was the life she had chosen. This had been her path since even before she was born, and she was ready.
Livia entered the senate to see, as expected she was late. Sculla was addressing the senate from the floor and did not stop to address her entrance. Sure, sure. I know the game as well as you, old man.
“It is with immeasurable sadness, good men and ladies of the senate, that I share with you this news. We have gotten word that the great Stilicho Clara Adrianus has been murdered by pirates at the order of the traitorous Consul of Calor. It appears the province will follow the path of Vencia and look to break from the Novissime Empire.”
What did he say? Murdered? No! Perhaps this old fool is mistaken. Livia thought as she neared her seat. “Good Sculla,” She interrupted, “the general’s ship is not set to arrive in Calor until the morning. How is it this vicious rumor you say could be true?”
“No, Lady Livia you are wrong. We have confirmed the reports. Please be seated.” Sculla said, then turned back to the senate.
Be seated? It seems the senator looks to push his position sooner than expected. I will not believe the news of Stilicho, and he will be punished when the truth comes to light. Livia's entire being started to boil with fury. If indeed it is true Sculla must have had a hand in it. Oh please don’t be true. Please Stilicho you cannot fall to these snakes. A den of snakes. All of them. Just like you said, Stilicho. Please don’t be true. Though if it is, if Stilicho has been killed, Sculla may set his sights on me. He does not know who he plays with. I am a master of this game. Unmatched in this era you fool. I know you!
“With this development I would like to urge the senate to proclaim and approve the appointment of our new emperor. A strong member of the senate who we can all agree to support and move swiftly at their direction in our season of struggle. Do we have any who would like to raise a candidate?”
Go ahead Porcia, Crassus. Tullia let us go through this formality. They were silent. Ok, I will lead from the front. Livia stood in response to the silence of her cohorts. She feared she stood too soon, but she could not go back now.
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“Senators, as you know I have been by my husband’s side for his entire reign as your emperor. Before this I was among the ranks of the senate, during which time I served the empire well. Each of you have worked with me and I have helped many of you with your goals and personal careers over these years. Each of you have enjoyed an unprecedented period of peace, and now in the moment two provinces, as if they are petulant children, look to turn from us, do we not need stability now more than ever? The Urzoth are crushed. The rebellions in Vencia and Calor are no different than The Bryer and Calor so many years ago. Do not shake now, senators! we will recover! We are the Novissime! I will provide the steady hand we need and return us to our glory.”
“The lady does not know, I fear. Such is what happens when one is late. The Nu horde that drove the Urzoth from their forest have sacked Adrianople. The great city now lays in ruins. Our garrison on the northern border, I’m afraid, was unable to stop them without the cavalry of general Archaeus, who just so happens to lay at the bottom of the Caspian. They were sent north on your order, is that right? Indeed, a tragic misstep, Lady Livia.”
Adrianople in ruins? Stilicho dead? Silence! Where are my council? Livia’s mind raced from problem to problem. Each one burying her deeper in despair. She looked to the old Tulia, then Porcia Sabina and Crassus the Younger. Lastly Remus. No one caught her glance. No one looked to check on her.
Sculla addressed the senate. “I would like to nominate Crassus the Younger as our new Emperor. He has served us well in the years of Aiden and did accompany his father while we recaptured the Bryer.”
Livia could not hide her shock at Sculla’s nomination of one of her closest advisors, but had to believe it was Sculla’s misstep. “Crassus is a strong choice, senator.” She said, “I wholeheartedly approve the appointment.”
Several senators stood and approved the nomination, happy to see the Lady and Sculla come to an agreement so swiftly, before Crassus stood.
“Thank you senator, Lady Livia. I would be honored to accept the senate’s appointment to the position of Emperor. As you know we face a tremendous challenge. The provinces rebel and our legions have been ravaged. We must face this threat as one unit. We must move against the enemy as one, not waste time moving against each other. With that sentiment, if you would like me to take this position I have but one request.” Crassus looked to Livia for the first time, then to Sculla. “I must request the Lady be removed from the senate to preserve its unity. No more small courts as before. No even smaller personal councils subverting the will of the senate who represent the will of the empire.”
The senate erupted in approval. Things had been in motion against her for some time now. It was clear she had lost this fight some time ago. A den of snakes, I should have left with Stilicho.
Livia stood. She remained silent while the senate quieted. “It's this, then, Senator? Might I remind you, before I make so graceful exit, as you all seem to be so ready for, it was I who nominated you to the senate. And you Porcia! Sculla, you of the scum and dirt were lifted by my word. Who among you has not benefited from me? Who has not eaten from my table and drank from my cup? Yet you look to move in a new direction then? Good!” She had meant to remain professional but could not hold back. Tears welled in her eyes but she refused to let them stream down her face. She huffed down the stairs, pushing and kicking those who did not move out of her way fast enough. "I will watch you burn the great Novissime Empire to the ground!” She shouted upon her exit.
In the solitude of her room she poured a deep red wine into her silver goblet. She stared at the liquid then slapped the vessel. It flew across the room and crashed against the wall. She took a long drink from the bottle.
It was easy to fall asleep. It shouldn’t have been. She no longer belonged in the emperor’s bed. Livia should have been driven awake by the betrayal of her closest allies. She knew why it was so easy.
“Poison.” Livia said with her last breath.