Tiberius opened Sejanus' official report of the battle at Baalbec, comparing it with Marcus' own account. The Antonys had added another laurel to their already overloaded crown. Not only had the three Antonius brothers quelled an uprising before it reached anywhere near Spartacus' level, they also avoided the trap Quintillus Varrus had never seen coming. And, they had used Juba of Mauretania, Antipas of Judea, and Sampsiregum of Emessa like pieces on a game of Tables.
Tiberius reached for a stylus to begin a letter of congratulations when he saw a private letter from Sejanus and pages of the Antony family's copious correspondence with just about everyone. Tryphaena had written to Iotapa of Emessa:
...The death of my brother Artaxis' son in Armenia is a bitter blow in so many ways, but it does keep my Fortuna close at home with me for a little while longer. I have written to Marcus about your approval of Young Bolt for your granddaughter. She has an older brother, I know....
Tiberius scratched his head, trying to remember who Bolt was, why no one had told him of the death of Armenia's heir, and why Tryphaena and Iotapa were taking it on themselves to matchmake a double royal marriage without his initiative or say-so. Marcus had written to his cousin Julius in Rome:
...I am under no illusion that this insurrection is completely crushed and I am sure you can understand why taking three legions off to Rome is not advisable at this time. The death of Artaxis's son leaves Armenia with one less capable field commander and renders that situation more unstable by the day. My officers and men must, of necessity, content themselves with the thanks of our home city of Antioch...
Tiberius chuckled, knowing that General Marcus was, in as many words, discouraging a triumphal celebration in Rome and downplaying his own accomplishment, giving both Sejanus and Tiberius one less reason to fault the Antony family. Sejana chimed in, to her uncle Sejanus:
...Gaius and Marcus have some mad idea of marrying my Marcus to Eleni of Emessa. I would hope this is an idea originating from the August One. Knowing this family makes me wonder. You are right about Lucius. He grates on everyone except my Marcus, who adores him, as do Victoria, Fortuna, and Junia....
Tiberius picked up Sejanus' letter next.
...If it were not that we might need both him and Juba right now, I would consider posting him elsewhere to cool his heels. Lucius Antonius has an inordinate curiosity about people and matters that do not concern him...
Tiberius picked up a stylus and wrote to Sejanus.
...I thank you for the roundabout intelligence of the death of Prince Mithradatus of Armenia. I am not adverse to an Emessan marriage for one of the Antony children but not both, and I would prefer Young Marcus for that honor. Nor am I keen on the idea of transferring Prefectus Lucius. We must find another cavalry commander of the level of him and Juba and pray he will need a young and fruitful wife...
....
Victoria peeled off her dusty tunic and bracaes in the tiled bathhouse of the palace at Emessa. She caught sight of her reflection in the water. Her face and neck were tanned and wind-chapped. Her arms were corded muscle from weeks of carrying buckets of water. All her knuckles were busted and scarred, her palms calloused and fingernails down to the quick. Tryphaena had sent Miriam to wait for her in Emessa and Victoria turned to her.
"Well, at least I'll have a diadem for the banquet."
Miriam chuckled and began rubbing oil into Victoria's skin.
"We'll never get all the dirt off," Victoria said.
"We have all day, Lady," Miriam said.
Victoria laughed and stretched out on the bench.
YOU ARE READING
Domina Victrix
Historical FictionDescendants of Triumvir Mark Antony through his little-known first wife, young cousins, Victoria and Marcus, have always known they were heirs to a mixed-blessing heritage. Roman men were expected to brutally dominate their families and the world a...
