Flavian Villa Rome


My Dear Messalina:


How very kind you were to send Claudia Procula and me such wonderful gifts. Though I think I am a bit old now for such rich things. Claudia has not taken off the necklace and earrings you sent since they arrived. She even sleeps in them! But you are kind indeed to think of your old Auntie like that. I am told you are the toast of Alexandria and that all of the citizens worship you and follow you about the town.
Well, how like you to conquer the East just as you have Rome.
All is well here in Rome or as well as can be expected. Flavius is his usual self but of late tells me nothing of his dealings in the city. I guess he thinks me too old to worry or that I may not care anymore. What is one to do with such a son? After all he got his fine mind and cleverness from me. But to be honest with you my dear niece, I feel that the gods do not plan to keep me here much longer. And I shant be too sorry to leave when the time comes.
But I plan to say around until you return at least. For I do love you so and would love to see you once more before I pass to the peaceful fields.
Do have fun on your trip and hurry home.

Love and Kisses,
Auntie Octavia.

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Messalina closed the letter and looked out over the sea beyond the city of Alexandria, toward home, and Rome. The letter worried her for she could read between the lines. Well that was it; she would cut short her engagement in Alexandria, go on to Petra, skip Antioch and only hit Athens before returning to Rome. She would be home in six months at the very least.
“Pomponia!” she called.
The old slave entered. “What is the house on fire?”
“Send for Bibulus, we shall leave for Petra within the week.