“We need to go back to the house now,” said an exasperated Julia. Cornelia had just finished her classes for the day and had insisted on stopping at the Forum Romanum to shop.

“Look at these silk cloths, Julia!” exclaimed Cornelia. “We must buy them! I need a new dress for my aunt’s wedding after all.”

“The wedding is in six months so we have plenty of time,” replied Julia. “Let us visit the temple first and then go home.”

Cornelia ran into the Temple of Vesta and was out before Julia had even begun her prayers. “We need to hurry back, Julia,” said Cornelia, smiling sweetly. “We cannot afford to waste time.”

They finally made their way to Palatine Hill, and Julia helped Cornelia bathe and then dressed her. She left Cornelia in the company of several other girls whose parents had been invited to Quintus’ villa for dinner. Julia ordered other slaves to chaperone them and proceeded to the kitchen, greeting magistrates and their wives along the way.

“Bring in the guests,” said the cook. “And go find the master, he is in his study.”

Julia went to the study, but could not find Quintus. The guests were getting restless so Julia decided to usher them into the dining room first.

“Cornelia?” Julia called out as she entered her bedroom. “All of your friends have gone to dinner! Why are you still here?”

“Where is my father? I would like to see him first,” said Cornelia. She looked at Julia sadly. “I have not seen him since the morning.”

Julia thought Quintus might have retreated to the garden. “Alright, we will go to the garden to find your father first and then we must all hurry to the dining room.”

Cornelia smiled happily and chatted with Julia as they walked towards the garden. “I must somehow convince father I need new bracelets!” exclaimed Cornelia. “Should I say that I will need new ones for the wedding? Or should I –“

Cornelia stopped walking, and a horrified expression appeared on her face. “What are you doing?” said Julia. “We must hurry-“

Julia stopped short, and saw Quintus’ body lying on the ground in a puddle of blood. She looked up, and saw the boy she had seen in the marketplace weeks ago, running away.

Felix. Oh no. Julia turned pale. I have failed in protecting this family.

Cornelia screamed.