Brutus was anxious as ever for the party, he had all the caterers ready, the entertainment had been decided, and Octavia herself was beaming in though to of the event. The house was serene until he heard Octavia squeal a little bit girlishly. He was at first concerned, but soon enough heard that her brother was going to be in attendance. One more Julian at the party, and the highest of society too. He smiled wryly, “Including the Pompeius Clan.”

Then, it had occurred to him, they might be reluctant to come to the party. He was, however, required to invite them. His cousin was now part of their family and as much as he wished to avoid seeing her now, happy and without him. His social obligations were there.

Pompeius Magnus,

Along with this letter, I am sending an invitation for your family to come to celebrate the birth of my first child by the Lady Octavia. However, I wished to convey my deepest respects to you and all of your family. I know the years have been rough between us, but I would like to have that past dissolved between us. I await your reply and hope that you may find it prudent to join the upcoming celebration.

With honor,
Marcus Junius Brutus

He examined the letter and was satisfied, at least a little. He mused to himself,

“Would it be so bad if they did not show?” He shrugged his shoulders and went to see his wife, who found herself excited by the prospect of seeing her brother.