The warmth of the day had done nothing to keep the spectators away. The Coliseum was filled to the brim with humanity, all intent on an afternoon of entertainment and bloodshed. As a reluctant guest of his father Lucius had no choice but to sit and watch the games, feigning interest in the conversation swirling about him. Roman politics had never held any fascination for him. Three days had passed since his father’s ‘proposal’—blackmail more like. While Lucius hadn’t formally agreed, he suspected Decimus knew his answer would be yes. It could be nothing else, given the circumstances. Narrowing his eyes against the glare he focused on a patch of blood on the other side of the arena, careful not to make eye contact with any other guests. “I’m so bored!” Alexandra whispered in his ear. “Aren’t you? I hate these games. Seeing innocent people being slaughtered is not my idea of fun.” She sat next to him, elegantly attired with her hair piled on top of her head in a riot of curls.
