When Gaius Livius Aquillia, a prominent Roman patrician, is found dead in his bedroom, suspicion is instantly directed toward his household slaves. Principal blame falls upon the shoulders of the young slave Felix, who had bought the wine that supposedly poisoned his master. With no chance at a trial, Felix realizes that death is immanent. Desperate to escape the fate he is innocent of, Felix seeks the help of Gaius’ daughter, Antonia. Knowing he is not to blame, Antonia disguises him and sneaks him into the city against her mother’s will. She brings him to the workshop of Caius Albius Festus, an elderly sculptor who promises to keep Felix’s identity safe. Months pass, and as Caius continues to age, Felix begins to learn the secrets to the old man’s statue making and aids in the development of Caius’ stone creations. Growing overconfident in his assumed anonymity, Felix ventures into the Forum Romanum to buy provisions for a private celebration the sculptor and he planned to have over a newly acquired client, Marcus Tullius Cicero. Whilst purchasing the goods, Felix accidentally approaches a merchant whom he used to buy from as a slave. The merchant recognizes him instantly and hastily confronts Antonia’s mother, Licia, to tell her of Felix’s subversion. Enraged at his deception, Licia sends her son Marcus into the depths of the city to search out the missing slave. Hearing her mother’s command from the adjoining room, and knowing the true identity of the murderer, Antonia rushes to warn Felix before her blood lusting brother reaches him. Further scandal is the last thing her family needs, and a runaway slave can only survive for so long.
