After the meal ended Aricia appraised the situation. Sextus had been drinking more than anyone else and was obviously feeling good but that didn't mean a thing. Wine had always been his weakness, that and practically naked well proportioned men of which she had supplied this evening in the form of the slaves who had served the meal. She doubted if the two would have any effect upon the outcome of this evenings festivities but it was worth a try. Idris on the other hand was going to be a problem. She had watched him watch her as he nursed his wine very slowly. His mind was sharp as a blade. She knew why Sextus had brought him along. If he faltered in any way he would have his barbarian friend to protect and defend him. Her husband thought he was clever by having a backup plan in Idris but she had a backup to his backup.

"Sextus my love, the time has come for us to be totally honest with one another." She saw Idris's eyes narrow and his body stiffen but continued.
"It's about our son."

Sextus cleared his throat.
"Our alleged son, dear wife. Our alleged son. What proof do you have? I know you slept with as many men as I did when were married, probably even more!"

Idris's ears perked up. So Sextus wasn't as intoxicated as he thought he was. He then looked at Aricia who hadn't flinched one bit at the insult. It only intensified her spirit.

Aricia smiled and laughed.
"You are so charming dear husband so let me be the one to tell you. Make no doubt about it, he is our son whether or not you are the biological father."

Sextus jumped up from the couch with surprising agility.
"So you admit that he is not my son? I knew you were lying. You're a cheat and a liar, you always have been and always will be!"

Idris couldn't believe what he was hearing. Sextus was on the offensive but somehow he thought that it would be to no avail. He had the feeling that Aricia was in total control of the situation and waited for her reply.

Aricia got up from her couch and stood next to Sextus, face to face. She touched his cheek.
"I may be a liar and a cheat but I am going to be a rich liar and cheat."

Sextus pushed her hand away.
"You won't get a denaraii from me! There's nothing that you can say or do that will change my mind!"

At that moment Idris knew that Sextus's downfall was imminent. Arcia was a clever and well prepared woman. Her response shocked both of them to the core.

"Here are the facts dear husband. I do have a five year old son but as you have so astutely surmised you are not the biological father." Aricia then smiled and reached out and touched him again. "However he is the spitting image of yourself, anyone who saw him would know that he is a Manlius."

Sextus looked at her with disbelief. Was she saying what he thought she was saying? He staggered backwards and sat down upon the couch.

Aricia looked him squarely in the eyes.
"Yes Sextus, the boy was sired by your very own father!"