I leave Varilla's room, hoping she will get some rest. She is in sore need of some peace right now for her sake and the baby's. Arriving at the entrance to the courtyard, I find Hadrian already questioning a highly agitated Dia. I watch as Hadrian turns to Achillas. He must have given him some instruction or command since Achillas then turns and leaves immediately. It interests me that Achillas does Hadrian's bidding with such ease. But then I am sure he would do anything for a guest in my house, within reason. Still, the ease in which these two men respond to one another has me baffled. It is like they have known each other for years. I approach the two remaining.

"So, what is all this about?" I ask them.

They look at one another and Dia defers to Hadrian to speak first.

"From the way Dia described him, I would say your husband has been here earlier today."

"What?! Are you certain?"

"Dia, describe the man to her and the way he acted," Hadrian says.

I do not want to believe it, but Dia describes Claudius almost perfectly.

"It was inevitable that he would find me eventually. I just did not think it would be so soon."

"I thought we would have more time as well," Hadrian replies.

"I am sorry, my Lady," Dia says. "Shall I instruct the doorman that the man in question is not permitted to enter this house ever again?"

"No, Dia. It would do little good. I cannot avoid him forever."