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I hesitated. The table grew quiet. “From what you have all said, I believe the Imperator and his wife are making a mistake in robbing people of their pleasures. I think it would be a hard way to live, with no opportunity to celebrate. I can understand why some might rise up against it.”

“Spoken like a true daughter of Corlivo. What is life without pleasure?” Sebastianus drained his cup.

“Do you think these reforms will reach Corlivo?” I asked. “The mountain city is full of the things your aunt wants to forbid.”

“I don’t think so. A river of gold runs out of Corlivo and into Jovinian’s treasury. He won’t turn off that spigot, no matter how hard my aunt leans on him.” Sebastianus rose and gripped his cane. “By the gods, I can’t bear too much more of this politicking. I’ve got to get back out on an expedition and breathe some free air.”

He thumped away toward the thermae. I felt a strong desire to follow him and continue the conversation, but I wasn’t sure he would welcome that. Instead, I remained at the table, pushing what was left of my dinner around on my plate.

THE NEXT MORNING, to my delight, Cornelia took me with her to buy wax candles at one of the markets on the great Mese, the main road outside the Bronze Gate leading to the Imperial District. The press of people around us was unlike anything I had ever imagined. There were countless men in togas of every color, as though cloth and dye were so abundant that there was no limit to what could be woven. Women hurried along, pallae wrapped around already modest stolae, carrying baskets waiting to be filled. Vendors sold silks on the side of the road, stirred huge vats of liquid wax over roaring fires, and hawked every ware imaginable: perfumes in terracotta amphorae, gold jewelry, thick skeins of wool, fragrant spices. The air smelled of roasting meat and burning wood. Slaves in leather bands pulled carts, balanced crates, led packhorses. There was even a man selling rings with the spiral of Gurgexenes etched into them, calling to passersby that they contained wondrous healing powers.

I stopped and tugged the sleeve of Cornelia’s broad gray stola. “I saw someone at Corlivo with one of those rings.”

She continued pushing her way through the crowd. “Cassius says that it’s foolish to put such faith in trinkets.”

“What do you think, Cornelia?”

“Oh, I don’t know, dear. I think they can bring comfort. My husband is a bit too free with his views. It’s why they decided he shouldn’t teach any longer. He’s a brilliant man, and he used to tutor the sons of noblemen, but he’s too outspoken, and they don’t want him anymore. I try to keep my thoughts pure and live a good life.”

She elbowed her way over to a stall where colorful candles hung by their wicks, and got the merchant’s attention. “We’ll have six dozen of the plain tapers, please. No, seven nummi is thievery. I’ll give you three.”

I peered out at the busy road from under the palla that shadowed my face and hair. Suddenly, a wave of silence and stillness flowed toward us from the far end of the street. Conversation stopped. Vendors paused their cries. The crowd made way for a curtained palanquin coming slowly up the road, carried on the shoulders of large men who were naked to the waist. It was preceded by a dozen soldiers, and then a quartet of women in long black veils. The spiral symbol of Gurgexenes was embroidered in thick white thread on the front of their dark dresses. One of the women swung a bronze censer from a clanking chain, perfuming the air with the sharp smell of incense. As the litter passed us, I could see through the thin curtain the outline of a small figure sitting rigidly upright.

“The Imperatrix Calpurnia,” Cornelia whispered, “and sisters of the temple.”

It wasn’t until they had passed out of sight through the Bronze Gate, and the buzz and the noise of the market resumed, that I realized the slender, upright posture of the woman in the palanquin had reminded me a little of the matron from Casa Caligine. The two women were worlds apart, and yet, I saw in their rigid spines a similar strength of will.

“That was Sebastianus’s aunt?” I asked.

“Yes. And despite what some think, she wants what’s best for the people of this city.” She passed one of the small crates of candles to me and tucked the other under her arm. “What a lucky thing to see her procession on your very first trip to the market. I hoped you’d see a bit of the city, and now you have.”

We set off along the road.

“I’m sure you’re lonely,” she continued, “spending all day shut up with those books. I said to Cassius the other day, it’s not good for a young woman, whatever her background, to be cooped up in here all alone. You should have the chance to meet other young people. Before too long, His Grace will be off on another expedition, and the house will be even quieter. Oh, don’t look so disappointed. Cassius and I will be here to keep you company.”

An unexpected melancholy dampened my delight at being out in the bustling market. Sebastianus would certainly set out on another journey before too long, perhaps even following the small clue in the letter I had found. Don would accompany him. With the two of them away, Klaudia would likely spend her time at her own home or with other wealthy, sophisticated people she knew in Panpirion. Would I be left behind in the villa with nothing to look forward to but quiet dinners with Cassius and Cornelia? They were kind enough, but I had not fled one cage only to find myself in another.

THE FOLLOWING MORNING, I suspected Cornelia had encouraged Cassius to get me out of the house, because when I wandered into the atrium with a sweet roll in my hand, I saw him wearing a pair of thick walking sandals and a brown cloak. He was talking to Sebastianus, who appeared to be on his way out the door. He also wore a cloak, although his was made of soft gray wool, and he had a scroll of parchment tucked under his arm.

Cassius noticed me and waved his gnarled hand. “Good morning, Anna. It will be a quiet day in the district today, as the Imperator is away, and I thought we’d see the orrery.”

“Oh, I’d love to! This is turning into quite a week for me, seeing both the Imperatrix and an orrery.”

Sebastianus looked alarmed. “You saw Calpurnia?”

“Her litter passed us in the market yesterday.”

Sebastianus toyed with the diamond stud in his ear. “Perhaps I should join you.”

“No need to worry, Your Grace,” Cassius said. “We’ll be fine. I’m sure you have appointments this morning.”

“Nothing that I can’t put off. Give me a moment to send a note.” He thumped off to his study.

I rushed back upstairs to find my boots and palla.

HALF AN HOUR later, the three of us were walking along the narrow lane that led from Sebastianus’s villa into the heart of the Imperial District. It was a bright, sunny morning, and the white marble columns around us reflected and magnified the sunlight. Despite his age and frail appearance, Cassius kept up a vigorous pace.

As we walked along, Sebastianus took my hand and put it on his arm. He bent down and said softly into my ear, “Make sure your face is hidden.”