![]() ![]() To Epaphroditus’ mind it was just in time. Such was the speed of the arrangements that popular palace gossip claimed Statilia herself only found out about the wedding when she arrived for a dinner invitation and was handed the brides’ scarlet veil. ![]() The wedding of Nero Claudius Germanicus Drusus to Statilia Messalina was to take place five days later. “if you think any of that will dislodge Sporus I fear you will be disappointed.” Young enough to beget an heir for his Imperial Majesty, but old enough to appeal to the emperor’s preference for the more mature lady.”Įpaphroditus sat back in his chair. “Because it means she’ll not be shocked by some of the emperor’s more… specialist requirements.” Which is a good thing,” Calvia stressed, before Epaphroditus could interrupt her. Statilia Messalina is of a good, suitably noble family bursting to the brim with Senators and others of that ilk. “Which is one of many reasons why she is perfect. Beside him Philo whipped out a note tablet ready.Īs a grand announcement it fell somewhat short. “You’ve found an empress?” interrupted Epaphroditus. “For the Emperor?”Ĭalvia, adjusted the shawl draped across her shoulders, “I said I would, did I not? And I did. I’m thinking the grand banqueting hall for the day time events-” Now, I want to talk about the arrangements. “Have you found an astounding one of those yet?”Ĭalvia waved her hand. “I have found the most astounding tunic for the emperor’s wedding. I have important news.” She leaned forward. “The Treasury report,” said Epaphroditus, using a stylus to point at the scroll unrolled in front of him. “Who knows what depraved act you might walk in on.” “Quite,” said Calvia, sitting herself down. “I know you don’t like to be interrupted unannounced, sir.” “I’m sorry, sir,” began Philo, hurrying ahead of Calvia. She was accompanied by a flurry of slave girls present to cater to her every whim, and Philo, whom her whim had been that the slave girls should push out of her way when he asked her politely her business with Epaphroditus. But the tart-tongued secretary has a plan…Ĭalvia Crispinilla, Nero’s Mistress of the Wardrobe, palace party planner extraordinaire and dresser of that damned eunuch, strode into Epaphroditus’ office. ![]() The distraction? A beautiful eunuch called Sporus, who Nero has had dressed as his former wife, Poppaea, and who has no respect at all for Epaphroditus. This is the second part of Historia’s serialisation of LJ Trafford’s tongue-in-cheek short story, The Wedding, from the HWA/Sharpe Books Rubicon collection.Įpaphroditus, Emperor Nero’s put-upon secretary, has a problem: his imperial master is too distracted to concentrate on state business. ![]()
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