*Weeks had passed. Mucia´s death had stirred some strange rumors among the high society of Minrathous. Coincidentally as a result of her death Caius received several marriage proposals from the prominen altus families. Life had to go on.
"Look, house Paetina also sent you a marriage proposal. It seems they have a free daughter since her husband died in Seheron". Livia twirled the elaborate card in her hand amused. Caius sighted sweeping his face frustrated, "just have them sent the same no-thank-you response like to the previous one".
"This is not going to end, you know" she placed the card on the table. "You are now one of the most influential Magister in the Imperium, and probably the wealthiest one too. A widow, and still in a good age to have children. What do you think the odds are you are being left alone?".
"I don´t want to think about it" he muttered. "Maybe you should marry someone after a proper time" Livia said casually.
"How would that help?"
"Maybe marry this time someone who is a better choice. Maybe understands you and provides the cover you need?" she tilted her head.
"mph!" Caius puffed, "I don´t see any options for that. Besides, being a widow suits me". "You never know, there might be someone" Livia smiled gazing him.
"I can´t think about that now" Caius said taking his wine cup. "Manius has been stirring people against me in the Magisterium as I suspected he would do. But since all he has is his own suspicion not many people are willing to listen. Good thing that slave made suicide".
Livia nodded, "good thing indeed. Magister Florus has been searching frantically for anyone responsible for this". Caius stood up, "I thin we are done for today. I will head to my chamber. Let me know if there is anything that needs my attention". "I will" Livia said watching him leave the study.
Caius stood in the balcony looking over the city lights in the dark. Nazlik wrapped her arms around him, placing her swollen belly carefully against his back, leaning her chin on his shoulder "at least she will not be here to see the baby".
"Thank the Maker for small gifts" Caius muttered reaching back and caressing her hair. "You can´t leave the tower anymore. Not before the baby is born. At least not in the daylight or openly. Your condition is so visible that people could put two and two together blaming me for her death unjustly".
"I know" she sighted, this endless struggle for power and prestige in the everlasting Minrathous. They were so deeply entangled in it that sometimes she feared none of them could come out alive from it. And she feared for their safety. She felt like something dark and ominous loomed over them and it made her restless.
"Your parents will come to see the baby" Caius changed the subject, "I got the message. Now I will have to arrange a delivery and safe place. It is possible to bring them here but I thought a place north from here in the coast. That little village is one of the places a smuggler group operates from. And they work for me".
"I can´t believe it! That is wonderful!" Nazlik gasped with delight, she grabbed Caius and turned him around giving him a passionate kiss. "You never cease to amaze me my Magister" she whispered with a hot voice. She took his arms and pulled him inside the chamber.
Later Caius laid on his back looking at the ceiling listening her silent breath while she slept. His thought returned to a moment few days earlier.
Caius walked into the dark and damp cellar where a team from Seheron had brought the item. He viewed the stone table satisfied. Finally. Now in full health and power he could feel the cold energy emanating from it. And the power. A cold smile appeared on his lips.*