Iunia examined at her divine reflection in the looking glass before her. It was elegantly designed with a gold paint over the iron frame. She was a woman of impeccable if not a bit showy tastes. Her earrings were adornred with bright glass beads that dangled artfully along a slender neck. Her light red hair was put up in a staggering amount of curls that framed her made up face and complimented her clear dark blue eyes. Whatever Iunia was called she was never called ugly.

Her outfit was nearly as haughty as her face with a bright blend of silks were off set by a plain white Palla made of thin silk.,

“Phebe,” she called to one of her slaves, “what time is it?” The slave, also well dressed approached,

“It is a few hours past lunch, Lady.” Iunia crinkled her nose unnatractively and stated,

“Has Nike arrived from the market yet?” Phebe shook her head and replied,

“No, she is unusually tardy, Lady.” Phebe did not mean to sound so harsh; she knew that her mistress was not fond of her husbands slave girl, but she also had to protect her own skin.

“When she arrives send her to me immediately. Wait in the kitchen for her, that brat will try to use the back way.” Iunia ordered,

“Of course.” Phebe then left Iunia’s room.

While Iunia gazed at her face, hoping it could only be more beautiful. Phebe waited in the kitchen for Nike. She liked the girl, and saw no threat in a skinny 18 year old compared to her infinitely beautiful mistress, but then again, she had to save her own skin.

Nike arrived shortly after and stated,

“Oh, Phebe, please don’t tell Mistress Iunia I am late. I was unavoidably detained. I fell.” Phebe stared at her and said,

“I have to, it was an order. I am sorry. She wants to see you.” Nike hung her head for a moment and braved herself, maybe it was the odd day that her lady would be kind.

Nike walked there as quickly as possible and then walked into her lady’s chamber’s careful not disturb her too much.

“You’re late.” Iunia said in a cold voice. Nike took a deep breath and replied,

“For that I am most sorry Mistress Iunia. I fell in the market and…” Iunia stood from her vanity and stated,

“It does not matter why you are late, girl. It is impudent of you to think that would sway me from not giving you your punishment.”

“I am sorry mistress,” Nike said bowing.

“You know what you get for disobeying me.”

“Yes Mistress.”

“Good, go into the kitchen and stay there.”

“Yes Mistress.” With that Nike walked quickly into the kitchen, and awaited her mistress. Quite suddenly, a knock came on the front door.