Hannibal: Enemy of Rome

Quintus could not get over Aurelia’s level of self-assurance. It was as if her betrothal had added five years to her age. ‘I’ve tried,’ he answered. ‘But there’s too much going on to get a quiet moment alone with him.’

Aurelia pursed her lips. ‘Father is leaving in a few hours. There will be plenty of time after that.’

Finally, Quintus met her gaze. ‘Don’t worry,’ he said. ‘I’ll do it.’

He had cause to rethink his opinion of Flaccus later that morning. With the betrothal agreement signed, the black-haired politician suddenly started to make much of his new brother-in-law-to-be. ‘No doubt this war with Carthage will be over quickly – maybe even before you’ve completed your military training,’ he declared, throwing an arm around Quintus’ shoulders. ‘Never fear. There will be other conflicts for you to win glory in. The Gauls on our northern borders are forever causing trouble. So too are the Illyrians. Philip of Macedon cannot be trusted either. A brave young officer like you could go far indeed. Perhaps even make tribune.’

Quintus grinned from ear to ear. While the Fabricii were of equestrian rank, their status was not so high that it was likely he’d reach the tribuneship. Under the patronage of someone really powerful, however, the process would be much more straightforward. Flaccus’ words did much to soothe Quintus’ disappointment at not accompanying his father. ‘I look forward to serving Rome,’ he said proudly. ‘Wherever it may send me.’

Flaccus clapped him on the back. ‘That’s the attitude.’ Seeing Aurelia, he pushed Quintus away. ‘Let me talk with my betrothed before I go. It’s a long time until June.’

Delighted by the prospect of a glittering military career, Quintus put down Flaccus’ powerful shove as nothing more than the excitement of a prospective bridegroom. Aurelia was turning into a beautiful young woman. Who wouldn’t want to marry her? Leaving Flaccus alone, Quintus went in search of his father.

‘Aurelia!’ called Flaccus, entering the courtyard.

Aurelia, who had been wondering what married life would be like, jumped. She made a stiff little bow. ‘Flaccus.’

‘Walk with me.’ He made an inviting gesture.

Twin points of colour rose in Aurelia’s cheeks. ‘I’m not sure Mother would approve…’

‘What do you take me for?’ Flaccus’ tone was mildly shocked. ‘I would never presume to take you outside the villa without a chaperone. I meant a stroll here in the courtyard, where everyone can see us.’

‘Naturally,’ Aurelia replied, flustered. ‘I’m sorry.’

‘The fault is all mine for not explaining,’ he said with a reassuring smile. ‘I merely thought that, with us to be wed, it would be good for us to spend a little time together. War is coming, and soon occasions such as this will be impossible.’

‘Yes, of course.’ She hurried to his side.

Flaccus drank her in. ‘Bacchus can make the most crab-faced crone look appealing, and the gods know I drank enough of his juice to think that last night. But your beauty is even more evident in the light of the sun,’ he said. ‘That is a rare quality.’

Unused to such compliments, Aurelia blushed to the roots of her hair. ‘Thank you,’ she whispered.

They strolled around the perimeter of the courtyard. Awkward with the silence, Aurelia began pointing out the plants and trees that occupied much of the space. There were lemon, almond and fig trees, and vines snaking across a wooden latticework that formed an artificial shaded corridor. ‘This is such a bad time of year to see it,’ she said. ‘During the summer, the place is so beautiful. By the Vinalia Rustica, you can barely move for the fruit.’

‘I’m sure it’s spectacular, but I didn’t come here to talk about grapes.’ Seeing her embarrassment increase, Flaccus continued, ‘Tell me about yourself. What do you like to do?’

Anxious, Aurelia wondered what he’d want to hear. ‘I enjoy speaking Greek. And I’m better at algebra and geometry than Quintus.’

The corners of his mouth twitched. ‘Are you indeed? That’s wonderful. An educated girl, then.’

She flushed again. ‘I suppose.’

‘You’d probably give me a run for my money. Mathematics was never my favourite subject.’

Aurelia’s confidence grew a little. ‘What about philosophy?’

He looked down his long nose at her. ‘The concepts of pietas and officium were being taught to me before I’d even been weaned. My father made sure that serving Rome means everything to me and my brother. We had to be schooled too, of course. Before we had any military experience, he sent us to study at the Stoic school in Athens. I didn’t enjoy my time there much, however. All they did was sit around and talk in stuffy debating chambers. It reminds me a little of the Senate.’ Flaccus’ face brightened. ‘Soon, though, I might be granted a senior position in one of the legions. I’m sure that will be more to my style.’

Aurelia found his enthusiasm endearing. It reminded her of Quintus, which made her think of what he might achieve once she had married into such an important family. ‘Your brother has already served as consul, hasn’t he?’