How did your meeting with Hadrian go? Is everything alright? Did Claudius send him to search you out?" I ask her these questions in rapid succession as soon as she walks in the dining chamber's door.

She smiles a smile of relief. "To answer your questions, Fine. Yes. And no! Hadrian is the honorable man you told me he was. He not only sends you his best, but he is joining us for dinner as well. Are you rested?"

I am happy he is not out to get us, but still worry, as is my nature. "I am fine. My nap refreshed me, and food will help me even more! Are you sure he won't be insulted sharing a table with a soon-to-be unwed mother? When Damon broke off our marriage, he was bitter & not the most silent of men about the reasoning behind it. No matter how Father tried to placate him, he spread his venom throughout Roma."

Cilla shook her head, "He knows of your condition. He also trusts that you had nothing to do with it."

This relieves me, and I hug my cousin just as the man himself is announced.