Justina Cassius paced in the garden of her rented villa.

She was unaware of the sunlight shining, or the spray from the fountain making little rainbows as the sun's rays was refracted through the fine spray of water.

Justina was worried and angry.

She had been in Rome a week and still had not heard anything about her status with her Patron. Admittedly, she had arrived here at rather short notice. In fact Justina was in Rome as she feared for her life. having fled Asia after an unsuccesful attempt on her life had failed.

"I would rather go to that Barbarian Brittania than stay here in Rome".

Justina was aware that Rome was restless and was not happy that her Porter, Milo, had reported to her that morning that he had noticed a man watching the villa.

Was it an Assasin or someone sent by her Patron to keep an eye on her and report back? Could it be someone else wanting to figure out what or with whom she was associating?

Justina continued to pace. Why could she not just go and see her Patron? She had written a formal request to visit him. She was not going to go at 6am and wait in line like a lowly peasant wanting to ask for favours. She deserved an interview or a visit at least!

"Maybe I should go to The Forum and read the notices? Or even just go shopping! I am so bored!"

Having made up her mind she called her House Steward and informed him she was going out and to fetch her maid, she wanted to change her apparrel to something more suitable and she wanted a chair.

"Oh, and find Livilla and tell her we are going out." Livilla was her Sister-in-law.

"Lady, I do no think it wise...."

"Yes, Antonius, it is not wise, but I cannot stay couped up here forever."

"Lady, your life may be at risk and what would your brother say if he knew I let you go out without an escort?"

Justina sighed and smiled sadly at Antonius. He had known her since she was a new bride, happy and in love and seen her in the depths of grief. He was like a family member.

"Antonius, why don't you come with me and Livilla?"

He looked alarmed, he was not a man who like shopping at the best of times, but with Justina in her current mood she would be unbearable. He pitied the shopkeepers!

"Urmmm, I think I should attend to matters here Lady, you may have visitors or...."

Justina chuckled and smiled at him, "I jest Antonius, but you are right, it is dangerous. I think we should have some protection. Get that handsome young kitchen boy spruced up and tell him he is going on a little adventure!"

"Domina, he is only 18 and not very bright"

"I don't want his brains, I want his muscles! He is lovely to look at but not very bright I know but he is loyal to our family."

Justina had brought Maxim from Asia with her to Rome. When she bought him as a slave he was a frighten lad, obviously cruelly treated by his previous owners. He adored Justina as she was kind to him and for the first time in his life he was well fed, warm and felt safe.

"Yes Lady, I will do as you ask". Antonius went, muttering and shaking his head to arrange what was needed.

Now Justina had a purpose, she felt a little more at ease. She went towards her Suite of Rooms to get get ready to go out. Her steps were sprightly and she started to hum to herself. Who knows who or what would happen on her outing. She needed some excitement in her life.....