Eva Aeterna | Visual Stories & Art

Part 44: Omen of the Storm (2)

We talked for hours, detailing my wanderings until twilight settled over the villa. Late in the evening, Senator Publius returned, bowed politely, ensured we lacked nothing, and departed once more. Servants refreshed the wine and candles, leaving us in the quiet of the night.

"We have the entire night ahead of us," I said softly. "Tell me, what is happening in the capital? Who is consul now? While enslaved and wandering the deserts, I completely lost track of time... I only know it is summer."

"Oh, yes, of course!" Aurelia brightened. "After all, Vesta sent you here with a grand purpose, and the affairs of the Republic are more vital than ever. The main news is this: young Master Octavian, Caesar's adopted son, defeated Mark Antony's army near Mutina! Though both of our consuls—Hirtius and Pansa—perished in that battle. Power now rests entirely with the Senate, led by the wisest Cicero. We, the priestesses, believe Octavian is favored by the gods, sent to bring long-awaited peace. Cicero himself declared before the battle that the young man shows great promise and heeds his counsel in all things. Mark even whispered to me that Cicero secretly boasts he controls Octavian entirely. By the way, Mark is no ordinary centurion; he serves in the Senate's secret guard... So, Eva, long-awaited peace will finally come to the Republic!"

After her enthusiastic speech, a heavy, ringing silence fell over the terrace.

Aurelia sat opposite me, looking on with naive, childlike faith, full of love and purity. In that instant, my heart squeezed with burning pain. How? How could I tell her the truth? How could I explain to this innocent soul the abyss of tragedy that was about to swallow Rome? How could I speak of the "wise" fool Cicero, who believed he could tame a young lion?

Continued in the comments... 👇

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