Antonia awoke when she felt the
suns warm rays flittering across her face. She stretched languidly and then
called out to her slave to help her get ready for the day. As her slave braided
her hair to create an elaborate updo, Antonia wondered what Marius’ master
would have him do today and whether she might be able to sneak a private moment
with him. Soon, her slave was done and Antonia was dressed and ready to join
her family for breakfast.
Her
family was seated already, and so Antonia sat promptly, that they might all
give thanks to Vesta for their meal. As the family settled in to eat their
porridge, Antonia’s father turned to her. “Your betrothal has been arranged.
The only thing left to do is go to the Auger for an auspicious day in which you
will wed Demetrius,” Tiberius stated calmly
Antonia’s
heart dropped and she gasped, “But father, I cannot…I do not want him!”
“I
am the pater familias, and I will
tell you what you shall do. And I am telling you Antonia that you will marry
Demetrius. There are no arguments. You will do as I say,” Tiberius continued
calmly. The rest of the family looked at each other warily. This situation and
Antonia’s obvious refusal made everyone uncomfortable.
Antonia
felt tears welling in her eyes. Her heart was pounding furiously and she felt
red-hot rage flowing through her. Before she said anything she would truly
regret, she ran from the room, from her family and from the house. As she ran down Palatine Hill toward the
Forum, she hoped that she would run into Marius and seek consolation in his
company.
As
she approached the Forum, Antonia slowed to compose herself and realized that
today was market day. Throngs of people teemed in the open spaces, talking with
people they knew and haggling with vendors. Antonia could not bear being in the
midst of all these people. She set off for the Temple of Vesta, seeking its
solitary silence. A Vestal virgin
was tending a fire but upon seeing the distraught Antonia, she made a silent
exit. Antonia settled herself on a bench and bowed her head in prayer. She
prayed that her father would change her mind, or that Demetrius would have a
horrible accident or perhaps be struck dead; she prayed that the Auger would
never fall upon an auspicious day for the unwanted marriage. But most
importantly, she prayed that in the end, she and Marius would be together.
