Augustus was taking his time. Days passed, then more days after that, but even after three weeks, he refused to release the betrothal announcement.
Agrippa knew exactly why, and it had nothing to do with appeasing his daughter. Rather, the emperor was waiting until the rumors made their rounds through all of Rome, courtesy of Marcellus's cavernous mouth and nonexistent ability to keep a secret. Intentional. Marriages, especially those between such powerful members of the upper patrician class, were always among the hottest topics that sagged the grapevine, but this one needed more than just the typical attention. Augustus wanted fanfare, suspense, and most of all, time for everyone in Rome to figure out ways to ingratiate themselves to the soon-to-be-wedded couple.
Marcellus was over the
