“It is cowardice!” Gaius heard one senator yell at the top of his lungs.

“And it is foolish to send more of our sons out to be slaughtered in meaningless campaigns that will accomplish nothing!” Maximus rebuked. “I will no longer see our brave soldiers used for your political gains, and shortsighted ambitions." Maximus’ words grew harsher as he seemed to be speaking directly to the man who had cried out moments ago and those like him.

“We are fighting for our very survival. It is this Senate that only a month ago abandoned its post — leaving our people to the vices of our enemies. However, it is the brave officers and men of our legions, such as the Sixth,” Gaius felt a sudden sense of pride that Maximus had just mentioned his men, “that stood upon our city walls, waiting for Hannibal and his army. And while that army never came, I know that they would have stayed and fought to the last man — not for you, senator — not to protect your wealth or even to save this house, but to safeguard their families, this city and its legacy. It is they that I will turn towards — it is they that will carry the Republic out of these dark times, not you, senator, nor even I.”

The murmurs within the collection of senators seemed to diminish. Some of the men who were most outspoken about Maximus’ new policies glanced nervously towards Gaius and the other standing officers in attendance. Gaius realized that Maximus more than likely wanted them here so that they may hear his words personally, and of course, side with his renewed strategies. If he had the full support of the army, no one would dare to challenge his new doctrine for the Republic.

“We are at a crossroad, gentlemen. We have stood against the storm — not always united, but still we share the same resolve. Rome will not surrender, not to Hannibal or his ilk, now or ever. I do not promise you a quick victory or that there will not be bloodier battles to come. However, I do promise you victory in the end. And when we have attained that victory, not just over Carthage, but the whole world will know of the power that is Rome and our beloved Republic.”

Maximus’ last words got the reaction he was hoping for. His supporters, the majority of the Senate stood to their feet and applauded him, cheering his name as if he had already delivered on his promises.

The Senate chambers would not be quiet for several long and loud minutes, when it finally did Claudia stepped next to Gaius and spoke into his ear.

“Gaius, the consul would like you to stay. He wishes to speak with you once everyone has left the chambers.”

Gaius looked at her, seeing her nervousness as she relayed Paullus’ message to him, and nodded his understanding.

She stepped back as he turned his gaze toward Paullus, who was standing like many of his colleagues, applauding Maximus’ speech, yet his eyes were on Gaius as he stared at him for a long while.

Sometime later Gaius stood alone near one of the large support columns. The last of the senators, aids and officers had left moments ago, leaving just him and Claudia, who stood in the far corner near the front entrance, and Paullus, who was still seated in his consular chair. He wasn’t looking directly at Gaius, not yet as he seemed to be deep in thought.

Gaius, despite the uncomfortable silence stood poised waiting for Paullus to say what it was he had to say. When it seemed that Paullus had made his mind up, he stood uncomfortably out of his chair, still aching from his wounds that slowly were healing day-by-day, and started over towards Gaius, who stood taller, at attention, ready for whatever Paullus was going to say to him.

He could not read Paullus’ face as he neared him, walking with a heavy limp, but still making the effort to look strong. He did not know what to expect or what he might do if Paullus demanded that he should keep Julia and planned to marry her. He would not let that happen. Not now. Not after everything he had lived through. He knew without a doubt that if those were Paullus’ words that he would take her away from Rome — somewhere far from this place beyond the reach of Senate and Hannibal. He just didn’t want it to come to that.

And then Paullus spoke, not with anger, but still stern and direct.

“I did not agree to marry Julia because I desired political favor from her father, or to further my own career. I agreed to marry her because I loved her. I always have, since I first laid eyes on her years ago when she was still a child.”

Gaius wanted to say that he regretted making that comment that was Paullus’ only reason for entering into the agreement in the first place. He hadn’t meant for his words to come out as it had. However, he kept his mouth shut as Paullus continued.

“I may not have known her as long as you have, but that does not change how I feel about her, Gaius. I have cherished what time I have shared with her, even as little as it has been. And I dream of what life we may yet have left to live, together, as husband and wife.”

Paullus’ expression changed unexpectedly as his voiced lowered, as he abruptly found that he could no longer look Gaius in the eyes.

“However, I knew then — I’ve always known that her feelings towards me were not returned. I had hoped that with time, she could see me in the same light as I see her. Even so, I know now that her heart and soul had always been entrusted to another man, a man who not even my wealth, power and influence could stand against.”

Paullus looked up at Gaius with heavy eyes.

“I am glad at least that it is you, my friend whom she loves. I do not know of anyone better.”

Gaius did not know what to say or what he should. He just stood staring at Paullus, seeing that the realizations that he was letting go of someone important to him was perhaps the most difficult thing he ever had to do.

“I will release Julia of her marriage vows as you asked, and give you my blessings for your union, Gaius.”

“Thank you,” Gaius replied, which brought only a sad nod from the consul before he turned to leave.

“Paullus,” Gaius called. Stepping over to him, he stood before Paullus and placed his hand onto the consul’s shoulder, and spoke softly.

“I am not of noble birth, or do I pretend to understand Roman edict or social standings as much as you, my friend. However, I do understand what it is to hide my feelings for another person, but are not able to express them. I know how much it hurts, how far you would be willing to go to be with that person, even die for them.”

Paullus looked confused by Gaius’ words, but he listened regardless.

“Claudia,” Gaius indicated towards her with his eyes. Paullus too looked back at her, who stood quietly watching the two men speak, unknowing that the subject turned toward her.

“She stayed with you when you were injured — defended you against your captives even at the risk of her own life, and never once while you were unconscious did she leave your side. She did not do this out of servitude or loyalty. She could have left you. She could have been free. Nevertheless, she stayed, no matter the risk. She stayed because of you, because she loves you more than you could possibly know.”

Paullus looked back and stared at Claudia.

“But she is a-”

“A slave,” Gaius finished Paullus’ own words. “My mother was a slave, but that did not change the fact that my father fell madly in love with her. He didn’t care what others would think, or how it might reflex on him. He only needed to know that he loved her, and she him. Everything else, it doesn’t matter.”

“I…” Paullus struggled to speak, but he hesitated for a moment as he kept his eyes on Claudia, seemly seeing her in a new light. “I did not know this.”

“We seldom do, until it is pointed out to us. Build your farm, my friend, and be happy. This is your life. Live it as you want to — with whom you want.”