Rome’s Fallen Eagle by Robert Fabbri Read Free Book Online Page A

the conspirators.’ Herod Agrippa thrust his face closer to Vespasian’s and looked at him with mock innocence. ‘And by the way, I intend to make sure that it will be all of them.’

 
     
     
     
    CHAPTER II
    C AENIS LAID HER head on Vespasian’s chest and traced the outline of his well-toned pectoral muscles with a slender finger, working her way slowly down his stomach. ‘It’s an empty threat, my love; there’s no way that Herod Agrippa can link you to Caligula’s assassins.’
    Vespasian kissed her full, black curls, savouring their sweet scent, and then stared up at the dim, whitewashed ceiling of their bedroom. They lay in the house that Antonia, Caenis’ former owner, had gifted her, along with her manumission, on the day she opened her veins. The first rays of dawn seeped into the room as, outside, a dove cooed – a soft, reassuring sound. He took a deep breath and sighed. He had not had any sleep in the few short hours they had been in bed: too troubled about what Herod Agrippa had meant. ‘Sabinus is married to Clemens’ sister; that links me strongly to him. Perhaps Herod is just speculating.’
    ‘Why would he do that?’
    ‘Vengeance for Antonia having him imprisoned six years ago; it was Sabinus who read out her evidence to the Senate.’
    ‘Then he should take his revenge on Sabinus.’
    ‘Sabinus is hundreds of miles away; perhaps he feels that his younger brother will do.’
    ‘That’s not revenge, it’s just malice.’
    Vespasian grunted with satisfaction as her hand moved even lower, massaging and kneading gently. ‘I also witnessed his humiliation in Alexandria and told the then prefect of Egypt, Flaccus, about his illegal stockpile of grain.’
    ‘How would he know that it was you who told Flaccus? Besides he’s had vengeance for his lost grain two years ago; it was his damning letter to Caligula supporting the Alexandrian Jews’embassy complaining about Flaccus that got him executed. No, my love, this is nothing but an empty threat.’ She began working her hand more vigorously whilst playing on a nipple with the tip of her tongue.
    Vespasian found himself relaxing for the first time since his confrontation with Herod Agrippa. ‘Now that Caligula is finally dead,’ he murmured, stroking her hair, ‘it will be safe for you to go out in public.’
    ‘Perhaps I prefer staying in.’ Caenis’ attention left his nipple and she began to kiss her way down his chest.
    Vespasian pushed back the blankets and adjusted his position. In the thin dawn light her smiling, blue eyes gleamed as she looked back up at him, working her way ever lower.
    A soft knock on the door interrupted her progress.
    ‘Mistress?’ a voice quietly called.
    ‘What is it?’ Caenis replied, not attempting to hide her irritation at the interruption.
    ‘There’s a man here to see the master.’
    ‘Can’t it wait?’
    ‘No, he says it’s urgent.’
    Caenis looked back to Vespasian. ‘Sorry, my love, perhaps we should reconvene later.’
    Vespasian smiled ruefully. ‘It wouldn’t have taken long.’ He swung his legs over her and sat on the side of the bed. ‘Tell him I’m coming,’ he called out, grinning at Caenis; she giggled. ‘What’s this man’s name?’
    ‘He said to say it’s your friend Magnus, master.’
    ‘Didn’t interrupt anything did I, sir?’ Magnus asked with a look of false concern on his battered, ex-boxer’s face as Vespasian sauntered into the atrium fastening his belt.
    ‘As a matter of fact you did; something rather enjoyable.’
    ‘I expect most things that go on in that room are enjoyable.’
    Vespasian smiled at his friend. ‘Only if Caenis is involved, which she was.’
    ‘Yeah well, I’m sorry to have curtailed her involvement, however deep it was, if you take my meaning?’
    ‘I do and you’re wrong, we were involved in a different way.’
    Magnus’ eyes widened with delight. ‘Ah, a nice early morning wash, how kind of her. Well, your ablutions are going