Caeseria was secretly pleased that Messalina had come over to greet her. Of course she didn't show this on the outside. The first rule of Rome was always to keep a straight face and gloat later. She was genuinely curious about Messalina; even as the lady left she had managed to pass a message onto GaiusTrajanus. Caeseria remembered back to a time when she had to pass messages along secretly to Sejanus. The frumentarii were always aware of what was going on. But that was another Rome, another time.

Coming back to the present Caeseria thanked Messalina for the compliment about her stola. They made informal arrangements to meet at some time and then Messalina retired. Caeseria decided it might be time to do the same.