Chapter 20
The EmperorThe evening of the Emperor’s reception to which Aulus and Julia had obtained invitations came at last.
Julia spent a fortune on her clothes and would listen to none of Aulus’ complaints that they could ill afford such extravagances.
“After the reception money will be no object to us,” she insisted confidently. Aulus could not tell whether she really believed Vespasian would welcome her into his family as royal princess on this night or whether this was an instance of the last reckless bluff of the gambler. At any rate he himself felt physically sick as the evening approached and he trailed behind her disconsolately when they finally mounted the marble steps of one of the Emperor’s minor palaces.
They were announced but were greeted by court officials and not by Ve
