realise what effect this could have on life as we know it. Rome and Octavius, and all the events that followed, have enormous influences on the culture of the modern world. Do you understand what I’m saying?’
He doesn’t have to be so explicit. Every mission is important, but we get it – this one is vital, especially as the balance of power between the Guard and the Order is very precarious right now.
‘An opportunity has arisen to send you in under the guise of Roman doctors. Ethan will be in charge, with you two girls his assistants. In this way all of you will have access to the house without question to your citizenship, and, should you fail to stop Octavius from receiving a wound, you will be in the best position to heal him.’
Our instructions given, Mr Carter goes to leave, but stops as a doorway opens before him. ‘Whatever the Order plan, it’s going to be big. Remember that.’
His voice is so serious it unnerves me.
‘They’re out to make a lot of damage,’ he adds. ‘That’s why we’re sending all three of you. Please, be careful.’
He leaves, and with nothing but silence and our own troubled thoughts for company, we go to a wardrobe room. It’s here we’re appropriately outfitted with new identities. All three of us become unrecognisable.
We end up wearing long under tunics, mine made of white satin, and covered mostly by a blue wool wrap. My hair has been changed to yellow gold and pulled back in rope coils to form a tight bun at the back. Rochelle’s hair is a rich red-brown, also pulled tightly back, but the front third is now a mass of short and thick curls. She glances in the mirror, taking in her green tunic and salmon-coloured over dress.
Ethan’s outfit is almost completely white, while his hair is black and cut short all over, except for a fringe pulled down over his forehead. A sprinkling of dust falls over us from the ceiling, and we are endowed with the knowledge we need to fulfil this mission. Specialist tools appear in my hands wrapped in cloth, and I understand that Ethan will be a doctor of professional standing, specialising in internal injuries and ailments.
Ethan turns and points to me. ‘Claudia, my assistant.’ And to Rochelle he says softly, ‘Sempronia.’
Rochelle moves away from the mirror and dips her head in response. ‘Petronius.’
The look they exchange is charged with electricity. They would both have to be numb not to feel it. Strangely they appear as if they’re caught in a trance. I may as well not even be in the room! Ethan is first to break contact. A scowl appears on his face as if he’s annoyed with himself. Annoyed with his reaction. He hurries us out of the room. The stairwells take us up to a departure room. A door opens in the opposite wall and the three of us quickly leap.
Chapter Sixteen
Isabel
Rome is incredible. People are everywhere – hundreds of them, going about their business all in a rush. There’s an open market, steaming with hot spicy food. The streets are cobbled and straight, the buildings two and three storeys high.
‘Stop gawking,’ Rochelle hisses at me. ‘You’re going to stand out. And ultimately that puts us all at risk.’
My gaze slides sideways. I wonder what’s eating her? But when I think about it, I guess she’s right. I probably am coming across as a typical tourist. Ethan gives a laugh under his breath. I stick him in the ribs with my elbow.
‘Doesn’t this just sweep you away?’ I open my palms to indicate the multitude of people around us. To me, it’s the men that stand out, in their white tunics or togas, slaves trailing behind like bodyguards to the rich and famous. ‘It’s just so alive!’
Rochelle turns sideways, making sure she doesn’t brush up against a man pushing a cart of vegetables. ‘You’re such a romantic. One day your bubble’s going to burst and you’re going to end up with mud on your face. Life isn’t sweet. It stinks. Just smell it.’ Her nose wrinkles up and I have to wonder where all this negativity is coming from. OK, she’s been through some dramatic changes in the last twelve months, but this bitterness sounds as if it’s specifically aimed – at me, or Ethan. She’s probably just frustrated, unsure of Ethan’s feelings.
‘Can you believe that stench?’
Up until now I hadn’t noticed, too caught up in the excitement of simply being