Ilithyia

When she wakes in a bed so unlike the one she's come to know in Darrow, Ilithyia simply lies there for a moment until she hears Albinius cry, then rises to look at her surroundings. For a moment, she thinks she has returned to Rome and a smile curves her lips, but then she hears an unmistakable voice.

Lucretia.

She's found herself in Capua.

Ilithyia rises slowly and it speaks to just how long she's been away from home that it startles her when a young woman hurries into the room, a gauzy robe trailing in her hands and lays it upon Ilithyia's shoulders. For a moment, she simply stares at the woman and although hers is not a face she recognizes, she bears the mark of her own body slave and, finally, Ilithyia's smile grows wider. More dangerous. She has returned to Capua and once again finds herself in position to retain status and power.

Once she's cared for Albinius, she bathes and dresses with the help of the slaves. Another young woman expertly braids and pin her hair and when Ilithyia leaves the privacy of her rooms and finds Lucretia, she is prepared for whatever might greet her.

"Ilithyia," Lucretia says, holding out both her hands and Ilithyia goes to her, clutches hands and presses lips to cheek.

"I've missed you," she says with a coy smile. "Have you met my son?"

He's with the slaves now, being attended to, but she is pleased to be able to introduce Lucretia to her husband's heir.

"I have," Lucretia says. "And he's beautiful. Welcome home."

Ilithyia's smile grows. Welcome home.