(Borrowed with permission from Marcus Flaccus Valerius.)The mention of Messalina's abductor stopped his advances. He sat up on the couch they shared and looked at her, unsure of how to read her expression. "Are you serious?" he asked.

Messalina's questioning expression did not change.

He cleared his throat softly, continuing in an unsure voice. "I believe it is the day after tomorrow. He is being held in the jail below the magistrates' offices in the Forum. I'm absolutely sure he will be convicted. What is it that concerns you so much?"

"I...need to be there, to see him meet the hands of justice for what he did to me."

"You needn't concern yourself with it. I will be there to make sure he is given the sentence you requested. Don't worry about it now - you are safe here, with me." He smiled.

She looked away. "Nay, I must go. You saved me from him, but your heroism is for naught if..."

Marcus interrupted her by putting a finger to his mouth. "Shh..." he said, gently turning her chin back towards him. Their gazes locked. "There will be time later to talk of these things. You and I are the only ones that matter right now."

He brought his lips to hers.

(Borrowed with permission from Masala Caesar)
Masala arose from his couch to display his majestic form. His toga seemed almost part of him as he moved, flowing with his every gesture. Once again he made the most of the opportunity to pull her eyes away from Marcus. "I beg your pardon, my Lady, but it is time for me to retire for the night. I have many backs to break in the morning", he said with a grin.

"Must you leave so soon? The evening is early." Despite her earnest intentions, Messalina was also relieved to think that the complications of the night may soon come to an end.

"Yes my Lady, I have to make an early start in the morning, but rest assured I won't be more than a stone's throw away! If you need anything, just shout my name", he said with that same mischievous boyhood grin.

With his back turned to him, Masala raised his voice to speak to his rival, "It was a pleasure meeting you Marcus. I trust you shall sleep soundly tonight." His eyes were fixed on Messalina's, he would not turn away and offer her an opportunity to escape his gaze. Within one flowing motion he extended his arms and lifted her from her reclining comfort. Face to face, she could feel the heat of his body as he spoke the following words... "I leave you alone to enjoy the setting sun, but fear not. When you wake tomorrow, face the east, and I promise you a new sun will be rising."

Finally releasing her from his gaze, he bowed his head and tenderly pressed his soft lips against the back of her hand. And with that, he vanished into the darkness of the corridors.

ALONE AT LAST
(from Suetonius hand)
Messalina turned her attention to the huge man reclining on the couch to her right. Her eyes traced the strong line of his trapezius then down the deep valley between his pectorals. He smile was one of a great coinsure of fine geography.
“He seems nice enough.” Marcus said looking after the retreating Masala.
Messalina’s eyes snapped up to his face. “Let’s not talk of him when we have so much more interesting things to discuss.” Her eyes held the promise of delights of the flesh that only the gods knew of.
“Ah yes, the perfection of love was your promise.”
Messalina smiled. “Well, yes I did, but for now there is something of greater importance that concerns me.”
He rose from his couch and joined her on hers. He took her into his arms and moved in for a kiss. Her hand came up to stop the advance.
“When is Septimus Felix’s trial?”

Messalina smiled. "You may tell your story but not just yet."
She nodded to Macro who took up a large hammer and slammed it against a gong.
"First we must eat." Messalina said sweetly.
There was a flurry of horns from the small orchestra whereupon Nubian slaves in Egyptian dress entered carrying tray after tray, some on their very own liters, of sumptuous food.
There were tiny Nile Thrush birds flaming on skewers, fresh fish from the bay, a glistening roast boar and even a baked peacock with all it's feathers miraculously re-attached.
"By the Gods Messalina!" Masala exclaimed. "You have exceeded even yourself."
Not to be outdone Marcus raised his gem studded golden goblet to her. "A fabulous feast from the fabulous Messalina."
Masala lifted his goblet and upped the anti. "To you I say, Venus herself would give her place in heaven to be as lovely as you are tonight."
Marcus was caught in mid sip of his wine by that one. He looked across at Masala and smiled sourly. "Was there any woman more beautiful? Helen herself would pail in comparison and the walls of Troy would yield her up in exchange for this our lovely hostess."
Messalina laughed as she took a few Thrushes from a skewer that was offered.
"Please gentlemen, with such complements I fear that might find myself in a compromising position and this night is not about me, but about you."
Just as she was about to take a bite she noticed Macro at the front door. He was talking to Sextus slave Hermes. “What does he want?” She wondered with some annoyance but quickly put it out of her mind when she caught the look in Marcus eye. He was famished but not for food.