Free The Barbarian's Mistress by Nhys Glover

gain for you to have your daughter as empress of Pax Roma.’
    ‘And I’ve told you I have no interest in political gain anymore. Certainly not at Anniana’s expense.’
    ‘And I’ve told you that I don’t care what you want. If you don’t let that spoiled little girl of yours make the most strategic marriage possible, I’ll leave you and take her with me. You know I can do it. My father is only waiting for the word.’
    Bibulus gritted his teeth and clenched his fists tightly at his side. ‘If Titus gets to taste the fruit first, he won’t buy it.’
    ‘Ah, now that’s the shrewd politician I married. Do not fear, I have no intention of letting him taste our ripe, little berry before he marries her. But he does need to see her again. It’s been many years, and she’s blossomed into quite a beauty in the last year.’
    ‘Titus is still occupied with establishing his power base against any threats. He has no time for marriage, especially not to someone who won’t increase his political power. He’s more likely to take her as his mistress, and then she’ll be worthless. Better to leave it for a while longer.’
    Salvia studied him from beneath lowered lashes, a sweetly insincere smile playing on her rouged lips. ‘You have said that before. But Titus has stabilised his position. And he has no reason to make another politically motivated marriage. He needs a sweet titbit to refresh his jagged palate. And being my daughter, well that’s all the better. You know he lusted after me in his youth. Now he can lust after my youngest daughter in his maturity.’
    ‘It’s a dangerous game you’re playing, wife. Titus is not a youth any longer, and he has much experience with the power-plays of the court and the senate. You will not best him on this one.’
    ‘I don’t plan to. I’ll leave that to my sweet daughter. You of all people must see what a gem she is. All she needs is the right setting.’
    ‘When is this gathering?’
    ‘On Vulcanus’ Day. There will be a huge bonfire and sacrifices. Someone suggested throwing criminals into the flames, but Titus has vetoed that idea. But there will be enough animal sacrifices to make it an enjoyable spectacle. Not a large celebration, as he is not a god in favour. But reason enough for something a little different.’
    ‘That’s in two days. I planned to take Anniana with me to Re ati. Vespasian left me something of value on his estate at Aquae Cutiliae . I thought it might be a nice chance for Anniana to get out of Rome for a few days and see a bit of the countryside. We didn’t go away this year.’
    ‘If you take her with you, make sure she’s back by the evening of Vulcanus’ Day, or I will be most displeased. And you know what happens if you displease me too much, husband .’
    ‘I’ll have her back for your celebration, I assure you. It’s no more than an overnight stop. She’ll feel better for it.’
    Salvia studied him for a moment, her golden eyes narrowed. ‘You seem oddly discomforted, husband. Nervous. What troubles you?’
    Bibulus threw up his arms and began to stalk toward the door, not having to feign his fury or frustration. ‘Your plans for my daughter’s future trouble me, Salvia, as you well know. And I can’t do a thing about them. I sometimes wish I’d never married you.’
    ‘If you didn’t marry me then you wouldn’t have your precious daughter. But then, you may not have her much longer anyway. Enjoy your journey, Gaius. It may be the last you have with Annia Minor.’
    As Bibulus strode down the columned Atrium, his heart beat like a drum. He had to get his fake daughter out of the house at first light and keep her away for as long as possible. She would become ill while they were away, necessitating a longer absence. It would anger Salvia, but with any luck, she would see it as his last ditch effort to postpone his daughter’s inevitable fate, not as the diversion it actually was.
    He hurried on to find Ninia. She would