"Metella?" He stopped serving himself right away. "What is it?"
"Lady Perdita, and Brevia... Tribune Claudius."
At the latter's name, Dio's eyes darkened. "Has he harmed you?"
"I..."
"He tried, Senator," Diana spoke up. "We need to get Lady Metella away from here."
"Where is your husband, Lady Diana?" Dio asked. "Do you have slaves to escort you?"
"Two. And our cart."
"Can you ask your husband to take Lady Metella home?"
"Yes." Diana went in search of her husband. Soon she was back.
"Sir," Diana's husband, Tertius, addressed Dio. "I can escort Lady Metella home. Some of the lads will help me."
"Good man," Dio said. Then he turned to Adara. "Do not worry. I shall travel with you tomorrow, and the empress shall know of this."
"Thank you," Adara said, her green eyes meeting his bri
