Nobilissima Read Online Free

intend to place Serena under arrest today. She will be escorted to the mausoleum jail.” He referred to the old Mausoleum of the Emperor Hadrian, recently turned into a prison and fortress.
    “She must sign a statement admitting her guilt in conspiring with Alaric. For which, we’ll charge her with treason.”
    “And if she denies her guilt?” I asked.
    “Then we’ll still charge her with treason,” said Sixtus.
    I looked at Marcus. “You knew about this?”
    He nodded. “It has to be done,” he said. “Whether she’s guilty or not.”
    “Do you think she is?” I demanded.
    “It doesn’t matter. Serena’s behavior over the last few months has brought her to this. She’s been openly critical of the Emperor, and has boasted of her special relationship with Alaric. Both are dangerous in these times. She’d have done better to keep her mouth closed.”
    It was true that Serena knew Alaric well. The Goth king had been a welcome and honored guest at the home of Stilicho and Serena many times. Even so, I was sure that Serena would not conspire with the man who had become Rome’s enemy. But her arrogance and conceit in thinking that her actions and words were above judgment had led her into grave danger.
    “She was bereaved not so long ago,” said Aurelia. “It’s possible that grief has affected her senses. Is there nothing we can do to help her?”
    Gardius looked at Marcus as though for permission to speak and then turned to me. “Nobilissima, if you can convince her to make a public declaration renouncing Alaric as a traitor to Rome, and swearing an oath of her own innocence, we’ll put her under house arrest and we won’t charge her with treason. She must consent to this and issue the statement within the hour.”
    I gave a slight nod in acknowledgement and grasped the parchment tightly in my hand. The heat was building in the room and I was aware of a trickle of perspiration on the back of my neck as I turned to leave. With Aurelia at my side, I began the long walk to Serena’s rooms.

 
    Chapter 3
     
     
    We hurried along the marble-floored corridors towards Serena’s apartments. The air outside the Ruby chamber was cooler but a damp smell emanated from the plaster on the walls and made my nose itch. The imperial court had left Rome many years ago, first moving to Mediolanum and then to Ravenna. The cost of maintaining the grand houses on the Palatine hill was exorbitant. Aristocratic families inhabited some of the residences but many of the apartments were locked up and used only for visiting dignitaries.  
    “Do you think Serena will listen to you?” asked Aurelia, a little out of breath.
    “This is her death warrant,” I said, waving the parchment. “That would convince most people to take notice.”
    “And you’ll try to persuade her to do as the Senate asks?” asked Aurelia.
    “Of course.” I had no idea what I was going to say, but I knew that Aurelia would expect me to do all I could to prevent harm coming to Serena. My cousin would benefit from Aurelia’s protective instincts.
    The route to her apartments took us past the palace chapel, a small room that had been hastily refurbished prior to my arrival in Rome. I’d been there to pray several times in the last few weeks, after the Basilica Aurea had been barricaded in defense not only against the impending Goth attack but also to prevent looting by the angry citizens. While I missed the imposing grandeur of the great Basilica I’d found comfort in the privacy of praying alone in the tiny chapel. I paused, thinking of lighting a candle before facing Serena, but the parchment was heavy in my hand and I decided to keep going.
    “Nobilissima!” A voice stopped me and I turned to see a man coming out of the chapel. He wore a heavy gold cross around his neck and the long white robe and red cincture of the priesthood. I didn’t recognize him; he was young, with dark, rather overly well-tended hair, and large brown eyes.
    I