I make my way to my room and prepare myself for slumber. As I lay down, Varilla's teasing comes to mind and it begins to wander. I have always liked Hadrian, but was never attracted to him before, probably because he was married to my best friend. So, why am I attracted to him now? What the heck am I doing? I cannot imagine that he is actually attracted to me, even if there is some flirtation between us. Afterall, I am married. Could he ever be content with someone who is not free? Not to mention that my husband, Claudius, is an extremely dangerous man. There is no telling how he might react if he were to find out. I should not even be having such thoughts.

I try to turn off my mind and go to sleep. My eyes eventually grow heavy and I begin to drift off. Sometime towards the morning, I awaken startled. The nightmare was far too vivid. I saw Varilla being raped by Claudius. The brute was laughing the entire time which, thankfully, did not last very long. She was absolutely distraught, and fought valiantly, but to no avail. Then Damon appeared and was naturally angered at the scene. Claudius said something to him that I could not hear. Varilla panicked and cried even more as Damon stormed away. Then Claudius pulled himself back together and left too. Varilla collapsed in her despair. I suffered with her as all I could do was be a silent witness to it all from whatever distance I was being kept in the dream. All I can think about, now that I am fully conscious again, is that I am glad she is now safe here with me and how much I hate that this happened to her. I hate Claudius for his brutality and Damon for abandoning her!

I get up and throw on my house robe. It is still fairly early in the morning, but the household staff should be up. I see Dia in the hallway.

"Good morning, Lady Etruscilla. Shall I see to your breakfast?"

"Not just yet, Dia. Where is Achillas?"

"It was his turn to go to market. A messenger from Hadrian stopped by not too long ago."

"What did he say?"

"That Hadrian sends his regrets, but he must cancel today's outting with you and Lady Varilla. Last minute business has detained him. He wants to assure you and Lady Varilla that he will be able to escort the two of you around Pompeii as planned in a couple of days. He also said to thank you once again for the most pleasant evening he has had in a very long time."

"Thank you, Dia, for conveying the message to me. You may prepare breakfast an hour from now. I want to give Varilla a chance to get a little extra rest."

"Consider it done, my Lady."

I am disappointed, but I know Hadrian must have a good reason. Perhaps we shall see him later today or this evening if the gods allow it.