Parking was already overflowing onto the training fields. Security patrol officers wore bright vests. They directed drivers into areas cordoned off with stakes and ropes. Signs marked the rows so people could remember what area they had parked in. The whole thing was rather ad hoc. The forum didn’t usually see this much traffic all at once, but on those rare days it did, it was clear to everyone that their community had outgrown its public spaces.

Corvin asked Livia to carry five-year-old Verity on her hip so she didn’t get lost. Corvin carried his seven-year-old sister, Prudence, piggyback. Alia and Mel pressed in close and they pressed through the crowds together in a little herd. Livia pressed in against Corvin’s side more intimidated by the crowds than she’d ever admit to anyone. She was glad she was with Corvin and his sisters. She felt like she had a place in the mass of humanity--a shelter.

The crowds got thicker as they approached the entrance to the subforum. When you approached it from this direction the three entrances looked like a singular glass mansion. The central entrance was the largest glass structure, built in the basic shape of a rectangle; the most interesting part of the architecture was the soaring barrel-vaulted ceiling.

The central entrance was flanked by two smaller rectangular glass buildings. In reality, the flanks were set much further back. However, the land was so level that the illusion of them being a unified building remained. Citizens had to transverse the buildings to access the elevators at the back, which descended into the subforum.

The large central building descended into the headquarters of the security patrol. The smaller building on the left descended directly into the Curia. You had to have a special pass to enter that way. It was reserved for senators and other government officials. The entrance on the right descended into the Department of the Treasury located in the Temple of Saturn. Parade participants entered through the treasury or Saturnalian entrance.

Livia had never entered the forum through the Saturnalian entrance before. She didn’t know what to expect. Four Security Patrol guards flanked the outside doors and verified they were parade participants. Once inside, more guards greeted them. They recorded the number of their party and assigned them to an elevator line.

The Saturnalian entrance only had two elevators as opposed to the Headquarters bank of six. The guards assigned Livia's group to line B. They waited their turn to ride down. The wait was so long that people requested to use the stairs. The Security Patrol guards refused their requests. They had orders to keep the stairs clear for emergencies.

Once they reached the floor of the treasury antechamber they split into the staging areas set aside for each house. When they came to the Lupus house staging area they saw Lars, Aurelia, and Epiphany waiting at the front for them. Corvin and Livia dropped off his sisters. Then Corvin walked with Livia to find the staging area for Taurus house.

Gaius and his wife Lauretta were waiting for Livia. Lauretta's hair was flawlessly curled and a delicate golden tiara rested in her hair. The wheat stalk design was interspersed with diamonds. A bullhead pendant hung on a chain around her neck with bright rubies shining in the eye sockets. The ostentatious jewelry surprised Livia and she tried to remember if Aurelia had worn similar pieces. All Livia could remember the materfamilias of Lupus house wearing was an orange-colored stone carved with a she-wolf and teardrop earrings to match. Beautiful pieces but simple and practical. Nothing as ornate as Lauretta currently wore. Was Lauretta trying to make a statement of some kind?

Livia confronted Gaius. "I tried to call."

“We’ll talk later this week,” he said, dismissively.

Did he think he could ignore her until later in the week? After everything was over? Livia’s anger flared and she glared at him. He smirked. The situation was amusing to him. Livia walked past him and determined to ignore his presence for the rest of the day. Corvin was right about him. Livia remembered how she felt tucked up against Corvin’s side with his sisters squished in around them, like a herd of ducklings taking shelter in each other. She longed for that suddenly as she approached the group standing behind Gaius and Lauretta.

A handful of Pleblian Taurus house teens gathered together in a bunch. Livia only recognized Clara Porcius--daughter of the only Plebeian Tribune from Taurus house. Hyrum had invited their family over for dinner more than once to ask their advice on senate matters. They were polite but distant. Clara made it clear she would be civil but wasn’t interested in being Livia’s friend.

Bella Aurelius stood with them, looking a tad out of place. Bella was technically a plebian from Aquila house. Same as her father, Justin, but ever since Justin became Livia’s patron Bella was often included in Taurus house events. Especially since her mother, Flavia was Taurus house.

Clara stood in the center of the group and greeted Livia cooly with reserved brown eyes. “So, you decided to show up this year.”

Livia’s cheeks went hot. “I did.”

Clara muttered something indecipherable that made the teens around her laugh. Livia was used to being the butt of jokes, but it had been months since she had to confront such rudeness directly. Some of her emotional armor had fallen away and she had to look away to hide her hurt and mentally gather her defenses. Livia turned back to them, her old armor pulled tightly around her. She could compete with Corvin for showing the most emotionless face.

Bella frowned at her, eyes still trailing Corvin as he moved through the crowd toward Lupus house. “You came with Corvin?”

Livia nodded. “They helped me get ready this morning. Caecilia has morning sickness.”

“You were at Corvin’s house this morning?” Bella asked in disbelief.

“Yes.” Livia was confused. Shouldn’t it be a bigger deal Caecilia was pregnant?

Clara Porcius was also visibly surprised by this. “Are you dating Corvin?”

“No,” Livia snapped. “I asked him for help.”

This changed the entire demeanor of the Taurus group. They gave each other hopeful glances. Clara’s face conveyed sheer relief and then she smiled.

Bella narrowed her eyes. “They don’t just invite anyone over before events. It’s a family policy.”

Livia shrugged, pretending indifference. “Is it?”

Bella’s expression hardened and her stare turned into a glare. Was this how Bella was going to welcome Livia back to Caesarea? Livia stared back, refusing to look away first.

Clara looked between Livia and Bella. Unexpectedly, Clara came to Livia’s defense. “So, they made an exception. Don’t let it ruffle your feathers, Bella.”

Bella turned her displeasure on Clara. “Stay out of this. It’s none of your business.”

Bella was out of line and Livia had lost all her patience. She stepped forward and put herself between the two girls. “Watch yourself, Bella. She didn’t do anything to deserve that kind of tone.”

Clara blinked and pulled her chin back with surprise. “Stay chill, Livia. I’ll mind my own business. Unlike some people here.”

She sent a glare in Bella’s direction. Then she turned and stood in her position, waiting for the parade music to start.

“So,” Bella said, turning to speak only to Livia. “You and Corvin…”

“Are friends,” Livia emphasized.

Bella grinned. “Good, because I’ve been looking forward to talking to him this week about our future together.”

Clara audibly snorted.

“So, stay friends with him,” Bella said with faux sweetness.

Livia exchanged a look with Clara. Is she serious? For real?

Clara shrugged. “Not my business.”

“Has Corvin mentioned me?” Bella asked Livia.

Livia wasn’t sure how to answer this question. “We had one conversation about you,” she admitted.

Bella’s face lit with hope. “Does he want to get back together with me?”

“Bella,” Livia shook her head. “Let him go.”

“What did he say?” Bella asked.

Livia shook her head again, surprised at how quickly her anger turned to pity. “Bella, he won’t get back together with you.”

She snarled at Livia. “I never should have listened to your advice. I should have known you wanted him for yourself all along!”

Apparently, Bella’s friendship only lasted as long as Livia had a nonexistent relationship with Corvin. The betrayal cut deep because Bella’s friendship was one of the things that Livia relied on in Caesarea. Now, that was no longer true.

“I shouldn’t be surprised that you’ve turned on me. You have a history of stabbing people in the back,” Livia growled.

Bella stepped back. “He told you--”

“You should have told me!” Livia cried.

Bella was going to argue back until Hyrum strode over and stared her down. “We’re not going to have any drama today,” he said, firmly. Then he turned his head towards Livia to include her in his displeasure. “Understood?”

“Yessir,” Bella said, cowed.

“Yes,” Livia answered.

Livia could tell the other Taurus were pleased that Hyrum had intervened. Clara subtly arranged for all five of them to stand between Livia and Bella in the parade line. Livia was grateful to her. She took a deep breath and calmed herself.

One of the Taurus boys said, lightly. “Let’s not embarrass ourselves, alright? All we got to do is keep our mouths shut and walk.”

Hyrum guided Caecilia next to him. Then they took their place in line behind Gaius. Thankfully, the parade started and they were too distracted to say anymore. They walked through the treasury hallway and entered the dark stone chambers of the temple of Saturn. They exited the building, pouring out the front entrance and down the steep stairs. The parade route led them straight across the short end of the forum toward the Curia. After passing the Curia they marched past the Basilica of Aemilianus where trials were held. The three levels of porches along the front of the building were packed with people. The flat roof of the Curia had people sitting up on top. They walked down the length of the forum. Past the temple of Castor and Pollux the stairs of which were lined with cheering people. They reached the podium and seating prepared for the parade marchers at the opposite short side of the forum.

This is where Livia’s family split off from the others. She followed Gaius and Hyrum to the stands to sit with the patricians. She marched up onto the raised dais and sat beneath the two couples. Corvin had explained married and single patricians sat on different platforms.

That left Livia to sit alone on the lower platform. To her right and left the chairs of the other houses were full. Livia’s heart raced as she sat alone, painfully visible to everyone in Caesarea. There was no one to distract the gaze from her, no one to share the anxiety of scrutiny with. Livia tried to tell herself that she was fine but she felt abandoned. She’d never been one to seek attention, staying quiet in the background had been a survival technique. Now, she was being forced to sit on display in front of this crowd when all her instincts were yelling at her to hide.

The Aediles office had built a platform around the statue of a she-wolf feeding two young boys. It served as the symbolic setting for the theme of the parade. Lars started with a speech on providing nourishment to those who were hungry. Considering the situation with Lupus house the message was extremely political but Livia approved anyway. The young Rattus house Paterfamilias Lorin spoke on being hospitable. He was concerned about the numbers of Caesareans who were choosing to make lives outside Caesarea and the need for them to continue being welcomed in the community. Tavian had once told her that Lupus and Rattus house had the highest numbers of members who tried to make their way outside Caesarea.

Hortensius’ uncle Benedict, paterfamilias of Aquila house, spoke on growth and potential. He spoke longer than the other two and Livia shifted in her seat with impatience. He was rather boring.

Then it was Gaius’ turn. He stood and walked slowly to the rostrum. He was silent for such a long time that Livia worried he wouldn’t speak. Then his voice lashed out, dark and sardonic.

“It is a pity my cousins are so prepared this year. I wish we would progress beyond this farcical display where we pretend we’re going to improve ourselves each year--”

Livia gasped. She turned back to look at Hyrum. He was horrified. Caecilia had the back of her hand pressed to her lips as if she might hurl at any moment. But it was the lone tear that streaked down Lauretta’s cheek that brought Livia to her feet.

“I’ve prepared no remarks obviously because you deserve none. Hypocrites, all of you--”

She had no memory of walking down the steps but she was suddenly beside Gaius.

“Stop,” she commanded him.

He looked at her. “Go back to your seat.”

He spoke as if he expected her to obey. He was paterfamilias after all.

“No,” she said loudly, clearly, defiantly.

“You’re not to contradict me in public,” he said.

“It’s funny that you neglect to teach me rules of conduct until it specifically benefits you!” Livia accused.

He didn’t even look at her. “Livia, we will deal with this in private.”

“You lost that privilege when you pitied me in public,” she seethed.

He turned to her, face red with fury. “You have no right to tell me what to do.”

“I have every right,” Livia declared. “You’ve made your wife cry and Caecilia physically ill. I understand you hate it here and you’re angry about being paterfamilias but you will show consideration and respect to the women of this house!”

Gaius’ jaw dropped. He looked behind him. Caecilia had a trembling hand clasped over her mouth and her face was an odd shade of white. Lauretta wouldn’t look at Gaius.

“This is their home!” Livia cried. “Don’t insult it in front of all their family and friends.”

Gaius turned a cold look on her. “You think you’re any better than me? Acting this way? In front of everybody? It’s shameful!” He gestured at her.

“What is truly shameful is that you’ve let hatred poison you so thoroughly that you’ll behave this inconsiderately toward your own family!”

“Livia,” Gaius growled.

“Unless you have something appropriate to say we should get on with it,” she said.

She turned her back on him and walked to where she would complete the ritual. She stood, chin up looking defiantly out to the crowd. She heard Hyrum descend the stairs behind her. He didn’t acknowledge Gaius, a slight that everyone surely noticed. He stood silently next to Livia in support.

“Proceed with the ritual,” Gaius said. Then turned and returned to his

seat.

Hyrum went first. He recited his Latin and then poured a bottle of wine into a shallow bowl. He lit it on fire with a torch handed to him by an attendant. Then he soaked the grain in front of Livia with the remaining wine so it would burn.

Livia swallowed and took a deep breath. I can act despite my fear. She pulled her palla up to cover her head the way Aurelia taught her. Her voice and hand shook but she managed the Latin without a single mistake. She lit the grain with a torch handed to her by the attendant and it was over. She’d fulfilled her duty. Her throat was tight and her stomach churned but it was over. She turned and returned to her seat.

Hyrum hesitated near the podium. Then he made some sort of decision. He approached the podium.

“My sister is headstrong,” he said, calmly. “She had to be to survive the upbringing we had. I am grateful daily that even with all we went through, that she did not suffer worse. The places we lived were so unsafe…” Hyrum paused to control his emotions. “I was constantly afraid for her. So, I taught her as best I could to defend herself. That meant training her not to trust anyone's authority but her own. She’ll never be a conventional woman and I accept the responsibility for that. It was not my mother. It was not my father. It was me, a sixteen-year-old child, trying to avoid having his baby sister become another statistic--missing or dead on the street.

“Having said that, I am concerned that this small family disagreement will distract from the importance of the words spoken by my predecessors. Even Gaius, for all his brashness, had a valid point. What are we doing this all for if we do not change? And there are many ways that we can change for the better. Let us set aside frivolous issues and address the lack of necessities that many in our community face. Let us work together to address inequitable access to food, education, and safe housing. Let us provide honorable work and legitimate economic opportunities. These are the issues that should concern us as a community. Dissecting Livia’s mistakes will not feed a hungry family, it will not employ a father or a mother, and it will not provide adequate heat in the dead of winter. Thank you for your time.”

Hyrum returned to his seat and the back of Livia’s neck burned. Hyrum was making excuses for her. Livia was still furious but now she also felt guilty. She hadn’t wanted there to be a fuss about her this year and now she’d failed. Even if she had gotten up and done the ritual correctly, it didn’t matter. It wasn’t good enough. Just like always.

Livia was grateful when it was time to return to the parade route and proceed out of the Forum.

Clara met her with satisfied glee. “You embarrassed him! That’s justice right there. Gaius deserved it. All those times he embarrassed Hyrum and my father because he couldn’t get his act together.”

But the boy that encouraged everyone not to embarrass themselves had his shoulders pulled up to his ears. “You did great with the ritual, Livia. Hyrum did too. I can’t believe that Gaius threw a fit about that up there, in front of everyone. Obviously, he hates you as much as he does us, but Aquila house is going to be livid. He dishonored Lauretta with how he behaved and they’ll want revenge.”

“Forget Aquila,” another Taurus girl interjected. “It distracted from Lars’ amazing speech. I wouldn’t blame the Tullians if they were pissed. Now everyone is going to be talking about Livia and Gaius fighting instead of how to solve the welfare standoff in the senate.”

Livia’s stomach dropped to her toes. The girl was right. Corvin’s mom had said as much last night when she agreed to help her. She wanted everything to go smoothly so Lars’ speech would be the focus of the ceremony. Not only had Livia failed the very people that helped her but she prevented desperate people from getting the aid they needed to feed their families. They might not leave the parade without two Taurus house females vomiting because Livia was so disgusted with herself she wanted to hurl.

All discussion ceased when Gaius and Lauretta passed by them to take their place at the head of their procession. Gaius refused to look at Livia. Lauretta shot her a disapproving glare. Caecilia followed close behind. She clung to Hyrum’s arm. She wasn’t trembling anymore but she still looked pale. She gave Livia a wan smile. “You did great!”

Livia snorted. “Right.”

“You said the Latin perfectly and completed the ritual,” she said.

Livia looked away from her. She noticed Caecilia didn’t say anything about her interaction with Gaius. Because even if Livia had done the right thing she’d screwed it up. She felt defeated. Why did she even keep trying? She should never have come back for fall break. She never should have let Corvin talk her into appearing in public.

“You alright, Livia?” Clara asked, stepping close to her.

“I’ll survive,” she whispered.

Bella studied her but didn’t offer any words of comfort.

They marched past the Temple of Venus and the Basilica Sempronia, which held the house offices. They marched back into the temple of Saturn and stood in elevator lines to go back up top. Livia was relieved to feel the fresh air on her face. Refreshments were served in the quad that housed the primary and secondary schools.

Livia watched the crowds for a moment looking for anyone she recognized. Clara slipped away into the crowds without saying goodbye. Livia got the distinct feeling the girl wanted to avoid her. Then Lauretta came to stand next to Livia’s side. Suddenly, Clara’s abrupt flight made sense.

“Shameful,” she hissed in Livia’s ear. “I’ve never been so humiliated in my life.”

“Would you have preferred I let him go on?” Livia shot back, defiant.

“I regret being associated with any of you!” Lauretta snapped. She swished the folds of her stola with a dramatic flourish and stomped away, the click of her stiletto-heeled sandals emphasizing each step.

Livia inhaled as her defiance melted into hurt and shame. She’d been trying to protect Lauretta from more embarrassment but she’d only made things worse. She watched Lauretta speak angrily to a group of her family from Aquila house. They kept shooting glares at Livia and made consoling overtures to Lauretta, who looked like she might burst into tears at any moment.

Livia's throat tightened with frustration. Corvin had been wrong about everything. All that work and effort could never make up for the fact that she was an outsider in Caesarea. They’d never accept her. The realization should have made her sad but it settled on her shoulders with an exhausted resignation. There was no point in wasting emotions denying reality.

Two Rattus house girls passed by shooting her sympathetic looks. Livia recognized them. They were patricians but were rarely seen associating with the malevolence of maidens. Stubbornness streaked through Livia. Was she going to give up because Lauretta threw a few mean words in her direction? Livia was tougher than that.

“Good afternoon,” Livia said, she lifted her chin to invite them over to talk the way Corvin had taught her. “What are your names?”

They both froze and stared at her in shock. Their eyes scanned over the crowds around them.

Then the taller of the two girls lowered her chin. “Vale.”

The second girl followed suit quickly, chin tucked. “Vale.”

They both scurried off. Livia hated this city. Here was proof that even when you knew the rules of polite conversation it didn’t make any difference. Livia never should have let Tavian talk her into giving Caesarea a second chance.

Alia ran over to Livia and dragged her away from Lauretta’s scowling relatives with a protective look on her face. Some of Livia’s turmoil melted away, touched at the show of concern.

Alia turned and grabbed both her hands when they were out of earshot. “Are you alright?” she asked. “Gaius behaved abominably! I’m so glad you stood up to him even if it was rude.”

“I’m alright,” Livia lied.

“Slow down, Alia,” Mel snapped, as she came up. “We’re supposed to stay together, remember?”

Hyrum approached them. “Liv? I need to leave.”

“Is Caecilia alright?” Livia asked, concerned.

Hyrum sighed. “She’ll be alright, I think. She just needs to rest. We’re leaving so we can pick Lucas up from the airport. We won’t be home for three hours or so. Maybe four if we stop to let Caecilia eat something.”

“Should I come with you?” Livia asked. She hoped he would say yes. It would be the perfect excuse to escape Corvin’s family. Alia was nice but Mel hadn’t looked happy to see her.

Hyrum hesitated. “We’d planned on just us going. It’s been a while since we’ve had alone time but--”

“No,” Livia gulped. Caecilia needed Hyrum more than she did right now. She’d have to face the Tullians alone. She lied, “I’ll be fine. Corvin’s family will see I get home. Enjoy your time with Caecilia.”

Hyrum frowned. “Are you sure? You’re okay?”

Livia nodded, unable to speak.

Hyrum studied her. “Okay.”

Hyrum hesitated a moment but turned and walked back to Caecilia. He put his arm around her and started toward the parking lot. For an instant, Livia felt abandoned. Then Alia linked her elbow with Livia’s and smiled at her. “Let’s go! There’s food to eat!”

Alia and Mel pulled Livia along through the crowds, snagging some refreshments on the way. Livia couldn’t eat though. They found Corvin chatting with Justin and Flavia. Unfortunately, Bella was with them. Livia wanted to avoid them but Alia and Mel marched right up to them. Livia took a bracing breath and steeled herself for the worst.

Corvin turned at their approach. His expression was distant and cold. She was reminded forcefully of dozens of dismissive interactions in TARP offices. Livia’s heart thudded painfully in her chest. Corvin was angry with her and she didn’t blame him.

“It’s nice to see you, Livia,” Justin grinned at her.

“How have things been Justin?” Livia asked, trying to pretend this was an ordinary conversation. Even as her eyes were drawn to Bella easing closer to Corvin’s side. A twitching muscle in Corvin’s cheek was the only tell that he was uncomfortable.

“About the same as when you left,” Justin answered. Livia’s eyes flicked back to his face. Justin’s gaze had also landed on Bella. His lips pressed into a distinct frown.

Livia marched to Flavia. “I missed you,” she said.

Flavia smiled and opened her arms for a hug, which Livia had gambled on. Livia put her arms around her and hugged her briefly.

“How’s school?” Flavia asked.

“Good,” Livia said.

“Corvin says you’ve spent a lot of time together,” she said, neutrally. Livia was wise to that though. She knew a trap when she saw one.

“Yeah, and his cousin Terrance, too. Along with Felicity from Rattus house. We’ve had good times.”

“But you’re rooming on your own?” she asked.

“I’m not alone,” Livia insisted. “I have a roommate. Her name is Whitney.”

Livia then proceeded to tell her all about Whitney to distract Flavia from the topic of her and Corvin. She angled herself to include the rest of the group in her ramblings. Bella had eased even closer to Corvin. He could no longer hide that Bella’s nearness made him uncomfortable. Livia took pity on Corvin.

Livia asked the first question that came to her mind. “Bella, what are your plans currently...professionally, I mean?”

Then Livia realized what she’d done. She’d asked Bella to talk about the job she’d betrayed Corvin to get. Bella leveled a glare in Livia’s direction. She tried to backtrack. “I mean, do you plan to leave Caesarea to go to school?”

“I’ve had enough school to last a lifetime,” she said, frostily.

Livia didn’t miss the look of disappointment that crossed Flavia’s face. Livia recognized that Caesarea Academy had that effect on a lot of Aquila kids. It burned them out so bad they’d do anything to never go back to academics.

“College would be loads easier than Caesarea Academy,” Livia encouraged, trying for Flavia’s sake to reason with her, though she normally wouldn’t.

“Not interested,” she said.

“I wish you’d consider it,” Justin said.

“It’s not your life dad,” Bella nearly snarled.

Livia’s eyes widened at the amount of rebellion in her tone. Justin inhaled and schooled his features. The tension between him and Bella was obvious, which meant it must be extremely bad between them. Justin was pro at staying reasonable about things. He was used to negotiating with hardened criminals and reasoning with insane people.

Though, if Livia had pulled the same stunt with Hyrum--refusing to go to college--they’d be about the same. Maybe it was time to switch topics. “Gone on any hikes lately?” Livia asked instead.

The furrow between Bella’s eyes eased the slightest bit. “Went up Whitepine trail.”

“See any cool wildlife?” Livia asked.

“A beaver, actually--”

“Really?” Livia was genuinely delighted. “Did you know they’re a keystone species?”

One thing that Livia appreciated about Bella was that she was transparent. She didn’t pretend to be politely interested. She was interested or not. That meant that even socially ignorant Livia could read her. The tension in Bella’s face softened further and her eyes settled on Livia. So Livia kept talking. “That means that because beavers build dams and create pools of water that other animals can survive and thrive. If beavers were taken out of the environment all those other animals would die too.”

Bella’s eyes widened. “Really?”

Livia nodded. “They also have awesome fur. It’s designed to tolerate a whole lot of water. That’s why they were almost hunted to extinction in Europe and North America, which was environmentally devastating to a lot of forests. They never recovered because the beaver is so essential to the ecosystem.”

Bella’s face lit up. “So, I saw something amazing!”

“Yeah,” Livia nodded. “I’m jealous. I wish I was with you.”

Bella looked confused, then sad. “I wish you were there too. Then you could have told me all about the beaver while I was watching it build a dam.”

“You got to watch it build? Do you remember the trail? Maybe we can go back?”

“Not this time of year,” Justin cut in firmly.

Bella nodded. “Yeah, the trail is closed for the winter. It’s dangerous.”

“Spring then,” Livia said, firmly.

Bella hesitated, almost as if she didn’t believe Livia’s offer was serious. “Maybe. Do you think it will still be there?”

Livia shrugged. “That’s half the fun of going out. The mystery…”

Bella smiled the tiniest bit. Livia couldn’t tell if it was a smirk or not. “We’ll see how we feel about the hike in the Spring. Who knows what could happen?”

Livia looked at Justin. He smiled at Livia, gratitude clear on his face. Livia was sure the subtle dig went over his head. Silence fell across the group. Livia looked at Corvin. His face was no longer blank and the angles of his features were sharp with anger. It made Livia’s stomach lurch. She didn’t know what had upset him. Had he’d picked up on Bella’s possessive attitude or was he angry Livia made plans to hang out with her in front of him? Maybe Livia’s friendship with Bella bothered him more than he’d admitted. Livia looked between them trying to swallow the tightness in her throat. She was afraid neither one of them would be her friends after everything that went down today.

They were all startled when Silvanus walked up and put a hand on Corvin’s back. “How’s it going, brother?”

Corvin’s angry expression melted away into relief. “Silvanus.”

“Can I get a ride home with you? My shift is over.” Silvanus had been on duty as a guard and was dressed in his uniform.

“Yeah, I’d love the help with the girls,” Corvin said.

“Where are they?” Silvanus asked.

“Right now they’re with mom and dad. They’ll send them over when they’ve had enough of the crowds,” Corvin answered.

Livia looked over and noticed that Alia and Mel had silently slipped over to their parents. Yeah, she was the only one not smart enough to avoid this minefield.

Silvanus blew out his breath. “Tell me about it. The lines got so bad this year and not everyone that came got to go down.”

Corvin frowned. “Really?”

Silvanus nodded. “I think we need to revisit bringing the parade up top like most of the other festivals.”

“It’s one of the last ones,” Justin interjected. “It’s because of the symbolism of the Romulus and Remus statue.”

“Move the statue,” Livia said. Her lingering insecurity made her sound more impatient than she intended and everyone looked at her.

Flavia tried to calm her. “It’d be exposed to the elements, love.”

“Build a pavilion then,” Livia snapped.

Silvanus laughed. “Make her talk to the senate, Corvin, she’ll have them convinced.”

Corvin leveled an amused look at her. “She just might.”

Livia gave him an impatient shake of her head. “Doubtful.”

Corvin’s parents approached and dumped the little ones on Corvin at that precise moment. Silvanus picked up little Verity. “Let’s go find your other sisters, huh?”

“Piphany staying,” Verity told him seriously.

Corvin and Livia looked at Lars and Aurelia.

“Something to do with Hortensius?” Corvin asked.

“He’s ending his patrol shift now and we’ll head over to his family’s house to announce the match,” Lars answered.

Corvin smiled. “We’ll see you later, then.”

Corvin crouched down and instructed Prudence to ride piggyback. She pressed her cheek happily to the back of his shoulder. “I want to go home,” she said.

“That’s where we’re headed, Pru,” Corvin said as he straightened up.

“So, they signed the papers?” Silvanus asked, excitedly.

“Right before the parade in the library,” Corvin said, smiling.

“Excellent,” Silvanus said. “Was she scared?”

“Nervous,” Corvin answered. “But happy too.”

They gathered Mel and Alia and headed home. Livia was glad Silvanus was with them this time because if the crush was bad before it was worse now.

“Stay close, Alia, Mel, Liv,” Corvin barked. “We don’t want you trampled.”

“Where’s Epiphany?” Mel yelled.

“She’s staying with Mom and Dad,” Corvin said. “They were visiting Hortensius’ family on the way home.”

They fought their way to the car and squished in together. It took forty minutes of traffic to get back to the Tullius house. Corvin, who was usually calm in every situation, started muttering furiously at other drivers and the car remained tense and silent the entire trip.

When they arrived home everyone scattered. They seemed to forget about Livia, who sat on the first soft place she could find and put her face into her hands and leaned forward, forearms on her knees. In a few minutes, she’d get up and drive home.

Livia didn’t know how much time had passed until Silvanus came over to sit with her. “Hey, you alright?”

“I know I need to drive home,” she said.

“Don’t even think about it for an hour,” he said. “The roads are so bad out there.”

“Oh,” Livia said. “Right.”

“You seem upset. Can you tell me about it?” he asked.

“I just...I never do anything the right way…” Livia’s voice cracked.

“You upset about what happened during the parade?”

“I put in all that work so there wouldn’t be a big issue then I just...got so angry. It’s one thing to be incompetent. It’s a whole other thing to maliciously sabotage an entire parade--”

“You honestly think it was ‘malicious sabotage’?” Silvanus asked.

“You should have seen the smirk on his face when I greeted him before the parade and mentioned that I’d called him--”

“You called him to help you and he didn’t respond?” Silvanus asked.

“At least, eight times,” Livia said. “He never answered. I had to call Corvin at the very last minute--”

Silvanus’ eyes widened. “Wow, did you mention that to Corvin?”

“No.” Livia shook her head. “Then Bella was being all snobby to me.”

“Oh?” Silvanus asked. “What did she say?”

“She said there are rules against people coming over before events,” Livia explained. “She was mad at me for it. Said she was planning on getting back together with Corvin now that he’s home.”

Silvanus blew all his breath out and shook his head in disgust. “I’m glad you said something. He should know that.”

“Really?” Livia asked.

“Yeah,” Silvanus said. “Who knows how she’ll ambush him? He needs to be ready. Especially this time of year.”

“What’s this time of year?” Livia asked.

“He lost someone close to him.”

“Cassia?” Livia asked.

Silvanus looked surprised. “He told you about her?”

“No, Terrance mentioned it after...he broke down sobbing in the car.”

Silvanus’ eyes widened further. “When?”

“On the way here. That’s why I was driving. I forced him to rest in the back afterward.”

“We were all grateful to hear you took care of him like that,” Silvanus said. He looked up as if searching for Corvin. “He pushes himself too hard. We don’t know exactly why it’s so bad this year. Maybe because of the shooting. Maybe it’s that Bella hurt him but none of us can seem to comfort him.”

“Do you think he’ll get back together with Bella?” Livia asked.

“No,” Silvanus said. “He shouldn’t have gotten together with her in the first place. He did it for all the wrong reasons. Bella, she’s no better. She’s acting like she has to prove something and it’s destroying her and a lot of her relationships. I wish we could talk sense into her before she self-destructs.”

Livia saw something in Silvanus’ eyes. “You...care about her.”

He sighed. “As long as she’s interested in Corvin she won’t give me the time of day.”

“So, Bella’s going through...a thing,” Livia said.

“Yeah,” Silvanus said. “It’s starting to get to Justin and Flavia. They’ve tried everything they can think of and then some.”

“It’s that stupid school,” Livia said.

Silvanus looked surprised. “Say what?”

“I’ve seen it in the other Aquila kids too. Caesarea Academy crushes them. Bella is smart and likes to learn but the second you mention a book she turns up her nose.”

Silvanus blinked. “I’ve never had that type of interaction with her. What does she like to learn about?”

“Animals, nature, science, the environment. All of that stuff fascinates her.”

Silvanus looked intrigued and thoughtful. Corvin came up from downstairs changed into regular clothes. “So glad to get out of that toga. Those things are awful. Liv, you did so well! I’m so proud of you!”

Livia didn’t think she deserved his praise. She was waiting for the ‘but…” part of the statement to follow any moment now.

The doorbell rang at that moment. “That’s the crew,” Corvin said.

He walked to the front door and opened it. “Come in!”

A chorus of giggling preceded a line of tiny kids entering the house.

“What’s going on?” Livia asked.

“Everyone will come over, stay until dinner, and then leave. It’s a family tradition,” Silvanus said. “Usually, this is when significant others and big announcements are introduced to the family. It’s hard to get us all together otherwise. I’m sure Epiphany and Hortensius will make their announcement later.”

Corvin led the kids to the backyard to play. Their parents followed after and settled on the nice patio that was visible through the windows. Silvanus and Livia trailed after them. Livia laughed as Corvin got pulled into playing the horse for the kids.

“Why don’t you go change, Liv?” Silvanus suggested. “Take a few moments?”

Alia offered up her room for Livia’s privacy. She changed out of her stola. She sat down on a chair and carefully pulled the pins from her hair one by one. A few stray tears fell onto her cheeks and she brushed them away.

“Here one moment, gone the next,” she whispered the maxim Flavia often chanted to her children. Livia didn’t have a brush to tame her wild hair so she had to finger-comb her tangles into submission and then braided her hair to hide them.

She took her time. She let the stillness and the quiet steady her battered emotions. She might be able to take a chance on leaving now. The worst of the traffic would have worked itself out by now. Livia gathered her things and carried them upstairs, planning to leave.