"I can't believe Mama would do something like that. Why would she bring such scandal on our house ? It's not like she had no idea that Antonius had a temper to match hers. Still, how could he kill her ? It wasn't like their marriage was confarreatio. They were going to get a divorce soon. Everyone in Rome knew that."

"Poor Rina. I had no idea either, and I've known her since she was a girl. Truthfully, lovers of the same gender aren't that uncommon in Greece. Your mother was more Greek than anything else, and a Callias to boot. Her grandfather always did let her go wild. Darling, she always was used to doing whatever she wanted and you know that better than anyone else."

"She did. I just didn't expect her to go like that. Not stabbed by her own husband. I'm certainly glad he killed himself afterwards. I would have hated to petition the Senate to have him crucified, although Mama's murderer deserves that and worse. I don't know what I'll do without her. She was so beautiful....."

"It'll be hard to manage without her, I know. Still, you won't be alone. You could go to Athens. Your mother's cousin Apollos would happily take in family, especially the heiress of the family export business. I know your mother would be happy to know you're with family.

Of course, her will shows she thought you might move in with Marcus. An adopted half brother is family as well. I don't think he'll refuse, especially with the incentive she gave. She was like a fox, your mother. The world's open to you and you certainly have the money to do as you please."

"Mama's family is nice, but they're so Greek. Her cousins are so bold too. I think I'd be much happier with Marcus. Would that be betraying Mama ?"

"Oh, child ! Your Mama said you were more Roman than Greek since you were five. I think she wouldn't mind a bit. She'd think you'd be sure to make a good Roman marriage. Might even get a consul, you know. You certainly have enough money to choose, although do a better job than her. Don't let that brother of yours pick out someone you don't respect."

"I plan on having veto power over any choice Marcus makes. I refuse to marry someone I can't respect. I'm not going to end up like Mama. I just won't. What will you do, Claudia ?"

"I have family in Rome. I shall stay with them. Your mother was quite generous and paid me well over the years. I might even meet a kind widower and marry myself. Patrician women with enough money to buy an estate always do well. Don't worry about me. I'll worry about you, but I'll often visit my little Rina to see how she is. If Marcus Valerius doesn't treat you properly, you just say the word and I'll chaperone you while you live in your mother's villa. Now, I'll have the servants pack our things. You need a change of location or you'll never stop crying."

And so, the death of the Lady Marina Aikaterine Callias at the hands of her fourth husband was marked by a time of decision for her daughter and waiting gentlewoman. Her funeral would be marked by games and public mourning.