Chapter 9

  Several days had already passed since the triumphal procession. Curious as she was, Livia had sneaked into the library from time to time despite her book ban to satisfy her pressing curiosity. Instead of leaving them lying around as usual, she hid the books in her room so she could read them there in peace, well aware that it was all just a facade, for her brother had his spies or loyal servants everywhere and always knew everything that happened in the palace. But since he had not yet scolded her, Livia saw no reason to stop her smuggling. Moreover, nothing exciting had happened, and she began to get bored. Maybe it was due to all the nerve-wracking things that had happened recently, but she became tired of the strict, monotonous daily routine much faster than before. All the happier was she when her brother once again called a meeting of the senators and generals, and she was not only able to eavesdrop secretly but was even invited.

  As always, it took place in the Exedrium. Livia was one of the first to arrive there and received astonished looks once again as the other men gradually arrived. She sighed. That was probably something she had to get used to if, as a woman, she was allowed to do things reserved for men as well. Once again, the door opened, and this time it was the Emperor himself who entered. He took his usual place at the end of the table, right next to Livia, and let his gaze sweep over the assembled men.

  "Is there anything new?", he finally turned to Aulus, who shook his head.

  "Good, that's what I had hoped for," he said. "I would like to dedicate myself to something entirely different today. Namely, the appointment of a new general." Murmurs arose.

  "I didn't know that one could find a suitable new candidate who meets your standards so quickly," Brutus said condescendingly. "If we had known that, we certainly wouldn't have fallen for the idea of appointing a little girl as general." He cast a hateful glance at Livia. Some of the senators murmured in agreement.

  "Well, what a shame. For that is exactly what I will do," the Emperor declared in an icy voice. For a few seconds, there was incredulous silence, then all the men simultaneously began to protest or express their agreement, and before one knew it, both parties were loudly shouting at each other.

  "That is against the laws of the gods!" Brutus shouted angrily. "A woman as a general! Our empire is going down the drain!”

  "Hardly," Marcus remarked mockingly, and Aulus also shook his head, highly amused by the spectacle before him.

  "Enough!" said the Emperor calmly, and the men fell silent. "It was a statement and not a request for permission. Furthermore, dear Brutus," he addressed the senator. "I must strongly protest against your words. I see no reason why my decision should displease the gods. Or have you forgotten what goddesses Bellona and Minerva are? I don't think war goddesses would mind if a woman becomes a general.”

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  Brutus had to swallow. Tiberius looked at him coldly and mercilessly for a while longer, then turned to Livia, who had remained silent throughout the entire argument, fully aware that her words would only have made the situation worse, even though it had been incredibly difficult for her. Her brother stood up, and she did the same.

  He raised his hand above her head.

  "Hereby, I appoint you, Caja Livia, Firstborn of the House of Cajetan, daughter of Gaius Caius Divus Augustus and his wife Caja Silvia, by virtue of my office as Imperator Caesar divi filius and as your adoptive brother, to the position of General of the Roman Army in the service of the Emperor. Do you accept this position and all the associated duties?"

  She swallowed the lump in her throat and nodded.

  "I accept this office and will prove myself worthy of the Emperor's trust."

  "You have already proven yourself more than enough," Tiberius whispered, more to himself than to anyone else, and lowered his hand.

  "Well, congratulations on your appointment as General, sister dear," he smiled at her, and all those present, including Brutus, applauded her.

  "I can't believe you actually did that," she murmured.

  "Don't think that I will send you anywhere where it is really dangerous," he whispered. Well, that was something she could still work on, and she was far too happy to protest, so she just lightly punched her brother on the shoulder.

  "Still, thank you."

  Tiberius grinned. "Do you have any other wishes, dear sister?" he asked her more in jest than in earnest, and Livia was just about to shake her head when something occurred to her.

  "Actually, yes," she answered him. "Could I possibly take command of the Aquitanians?"

  "The Aquitanians?" The emperor frowned.

  "The soldiers and mercenaries I have fought with," she explained.

  "Everything you want." Tiberius smiled and kissed her on the forehead before putting an arm around her.

  Together they walked to the terrace adjacent to the exedrium, from where they had a beautiful view of their city.

  On the horizon, the sun was just setting, heralding the beginning of something new.