Caecilius was one of his master’s
most favoured slaves. Since his birth into the family 36 he and his eventual
owner Aurelius had been friends. Aurelius was from a powerful family and he
himself now held much power within the Senate. He was just 5 years older than
Caecilius and so as children together when permitted they would have spent time
together. From these early beginnings a strong bond was built and remained
between the two for many years. Little did they know the troubles their future
would bring
They shared far more than the
average Senator and slave. Caecilius accompanied Aurelius on many of his
important trips and the two were never far apart. However there was one thing
that was to come between them in truly devastating circumstances. Since he was
a boy, Caecilius had been in love with Julia. Julia was like Aurelius, a member
of an elite family in Rome. He could only dream of being with her and dream he
did. He couldn’t speak to her even if he were permitted as his mouth became as
dry as the desert every time he saw her. Not only was he broken that he could
never have her, but when he saw Aurelius marry and then neglect her it made his
blood boil. A feeling he was ashamed to have towards his master who had been so
kind to him.
After years of suffering, blind
to the possible consequences he proclaimed his love for Julia. The two then
began a love affair. They had plans to run away together but people within
their home on the Palatine hill were beginning to become suspicious. Would
Aurelius find out and what would he do if he did. Relationships and lives were
certainly at stake!
