The two women were accompanied to the litter by Aricia's bodyguard. He was tall, well muscled and very handsome. Livia imagined that his duties went beyond that of just a bodyguard. If he belonged to her he would be in her bed every night. She sensed that Arcia was anxious to find out what she had to say about Sextus. She knew their marriage was one of convenience, Sextus's preferences were well known in Pompeii. The one time she had been to Green Acres she hadn't seen one female slave, only next to naked young men. Once they were settled behind the curtains of the litter Aricia began the coversation by setting a lighthearted, girlfriend like atmosphere.
"If you know my husband then you know what kind of man he is. You are a very beautiful woman Livia, if it wasn't Sextus we were talking about I would be very jealous. So what has my bad boy been up to lately?"
Livia looked her squarely in the eye and got right to the point. "Yes I do know what kind of man he is. He is sweet, kind and generous and I have come to the conclusion that you don't deserve him in any way shape or form. You are an evil woman."
Aricia stiffened and gave Livia a nasty look. "You came here to tell me that?" With that she reached over and slapped Livia very hard on the cheek. "Get out you slut!"
Livia touched her face where it had been hit. It hurt very much but she kept her calm. "Yes I will leave but I am here to tell you that I have spoken with my friend Messalina Terentius and if you continue to harrass Sextus in any way you will have to deal with the both of us." At the mention of Messalina's name she saw a frightened look flash across Aricia's face and it made her smile. "I see you recognize the name. Messalina is a very powerful woman with connections all the way to the emperor. I have come here to issue you a warning in her name. Leave Sextus alone or else!"