After six long months in Roma, having been dragged back there by my worthless husband, I somehow managed to convince him to let me go. Either that or he found himself a plaything and saw a benefit to being rid of me. No matter. I am here now, but my heart is heavy.

Hadrian would have killed Claudius had I not stopped him. It was not worth the fight. Parting from Hadrian was the most painful action I have ever had to take, but Claudius would have stopped at nothing until he saw us both destroyed, along with our families, if I had not chosen to go with him. Hadrian and I parted with loving words, and I pleaded for him to care for my cousin, Varilla, in my absence. I know not where either of them are. Varilla has had her child by now.

My only hope is to find Dia. Perhaps she knows what has become of the others. The villa seems deserted for now as I feel. I will breathe new life into it, even if new life is beyond my own reach.