Tapping sound created by hoof of horses ceased indicating that they have reached their war destination, Frosinone, a serene and cold place which was about to witness a brutal massacre.It was the time past half a year (autumn season) and the chilly winds welcomed Florence's army. Though this time of year didn't get heavy snow, still, good amount of probability favoured it.

Climbing off his white horse, Augustus caressed his mane and in return, the horse neighed. Smiling at him, he tied him to the nearby temporary wooden peg and removed his hipposandal ( used for protecting hoof of the horse) allowing his hoofs to breath naturally. He asked one of the soldiers to bring a thin woolen blanket to cover back of the horse to protect him from the chilly weather.

Breathing in a huge gulp of air, he stretched his hands out to let go of trifle pain. Twelve days journey had really worn out of his muscles with lassitude and now, though the weather was chilling, it was still refreshing for his soul. Throwing his hair backwards, he cranked his neck side wise and looked around at his soldiers who were working tirelessly immediately after getting down from their horses. Aurelius had already worked and study area of the battlefield which made it easier for the army to spot a right place to hide and stay.

Forgetting his tiredness, he mingled within a group of soldiers who was laying a tent using leather in order to keep army men warm in chilly weather. Withing two hours, many such temporary yet warm tents were ready.

Since it was an autumn evening, sun was already absent from the sky and now, slowly and gradually, natural daylight was also ebbing away.

Few soldiers made several bonfires which instantly lightened up the surrounding providing warmth and lightening. Slowly and gradually, aroma of cooked meat grappled the surrounding and everyone had their evening meal full of protein and carbs.

Followed by the meals was strategy discussion between Aurelius and Augutstus. Two legions and three hundred horses headed in the secret tunnel alongwith required amount of water and staple food ( wheat, vegetables and meat ). The secret passage had an opening wide enough for one adult horse to pass in at a time with ease.

Augustus was standing out in open when Aurelius came near him with two steel mugs containing hot water and when he saw a sly smirk on his lips, he can't help but reciprocate it. Despite all the efforts of Eagles, they were still a fool. Augustus smiled at him and took one mug from him and took a cautious sip to wet his throat.

" Do you think we'll win this war, your highness? " asked Aurelius after a pregnant pause.

Looking at his friend, Aurelius smiled and counterfeited, " Care to share your thoughts on it Amigo? "

" If being honest, then a lot depends on our army which has paraded towards Latina because northern side of Rome has few good opponents, therefore, they have to wheel around the area precisely. "

Humming at Aurelius's response, Augustus took in another gulp of warm water and stared up in open sky. He was waiting for another question from Aurelius but when it didn't come, he moved his eyes towards him and saw that he was quite tense while his dark brown pupils moved hither and thither. His demeanor was giving tense vibes and his next sentence which was laced with undeniable emotions , " I want to see my child. "

Augustus's heart skipped a beat because somewhere he had a frightening and lethal thought that what if he never gets to see Rithambara or hold Justus in his embrace.

' what if he could never laugh merrily at his son's adorable antics? What if never gets to see his wife's rutilant face? What if .... ?'

He clenched his fists and shook his head to clear his thoughts. He very well understood Aurelius's deepest emotions because he hadn't even watched his child's face and what could be more heart breaking that dying without getting a glimpse of one's child?

He kept his shaking hands on his shoulder and spoke confidently, " You'll. "

Aurelius looked at Augustus's hand on his shoulder with skeptical looks. He looked in his eyes and asked, " Are you sure? "

Augustus knew that it was a time where he need assurance, threfore, giving him a positive smile, he whispered, " yes, I'm sure. "

Surprisingly, none of them spoke afterwards and let their body soak in night's quietness and star light. When they got over negative emotions, they bid each other night wishes and retired to their cozy tents once again, leaving night alone to sulk in loneliness.

Inevitable tomorrow required courage for being invincible.

🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁

Back in Florence, the remaining royal members were having their night meal including Rithambara and with favour of herbs and medicus, twelve days worked wonders for her wounds. Now, she could walk without anyone's support but still, she wasn't allowed to do sword fighting or any other strainous activity.

Even after twelve days, gloominess was tickling everyone's bones and even Tatiana, Flavia or Octavia had stopoed with their snarl comments. After quite dinner, everyone was going to call it a night but Rithambara stopped Marcus whose heart beats rose.

Twelve days weren't easy on him. He had to juggle between many things and when Rithambara called him, he cursed under his breath but nonetheless, stopped.

" Yes, your highness? " he kept his tone as polite as he could.

" Marcus, are you in hurry? I just wanted to have a look at your art because till date, I haven't seen any of your art piece. Would you mind showing some of them? " Rithambara spoke and waited for his response.

" Ah. Umm... Your highness, night is growing young, I can show you tomorrow if you don't mind? " spoke Marcus nervously and then glanced back at Aquila who was following Rithambara.

Much to Marcus's dismay, Rithambara spoke , " I'm not able to sleep tonight Marcus and have been anxious as my husband is out for a war. I need a distraction and I insist to watch the painting. "

Biting his lower lip, he nodded his head because he didn't want her to be more suspicious about him but his heart thudded with uncertainty.

Rithambara turned around and asked Aquila to wait outside. She called few guards to accompany till Marcus's art room and took one lantern to guide herself through dark hallways while Marcus and guards to follow her.

When they were outside art room,.Marcus opened the door and led Ritha inside. When Rithambara went deeper into the room and glanced around, her face was stuck with astonishment. Nothing in the world prepared her for such a scene and her legs couldn't move an inch forward.