Claudia, Wife of Pontius Pilate: A Novel Read Online Free PDF Page A

building.
    “The palace of the emperor. Please alight and follow me. Servants will take care of your possessions.”
    Claudia clutched Felix. “Even my dog?”
    The captain suppressed a smile. “It will be taken to your new quarters. You will see it again there. You may not enter the presence of the emperor with an animal.”
    A large Nubian slave approached the coach and, after a few words from the captain, nodded and reached for the dog as other slaves gathered her belongings. Her grandmother pointed out her own possessions, to be left with the coach.
    They followed Captain Laurentius into the entrance hall, and Claudialooked around her with wonder at the beautiful mosaic floor and the statues placed in alcoves. They passed into a large courtyard with a glistening pool in the center. The captain led them toward another archway into a small waiting room.
    A figure came to the doorway. “Captain Laurentius. You have returned with your charges.”
    The captain saluted, striking his heart with his fist in respect. “I have. As ordered, I have brought the Lady Scribonia and Claudia Procula, the granddaughter of Emperor Augustus.”
    He turned to the women. “This is Lucius Aelius Sejanus, prefect of the Praetorian Guard and advisor to the emperor.”
    Scribonia acknowledged Sejanus with a nod, and Claudia caught something in her grandmother’s face that troubled her. Claudia bowed her head in respect, and when she looked up again, the man was regarding her thoughtfully.
    “So you are Julia’s daughter. You will find the palace a far cry from Reggio.”
    The tone of his voice made Claudia wonder what he meant and his perusal of her made her uncomfortable. She suppressed a shudder. Something told her to be on her guard.
    Sejanus waved them toward the door, indicating they were to enter the reception room where Tiberius waited.

    Claudia’s heart pounded as she approached the man her mother feared so much—the man who had given the order to separate her from her mother. The emperor was heavily built with broad shoulders and appeared to be of average height. His hair hung down his neck, and the eyes that regarded her were unusually large. His expression seemed neither gruff nor pleasant.
    He watched them approach and held up a hand for them to stop. After studying Claudia intently for a moment, he beckoned her to come closer.
    Glancing over at the captain, he nodded his head. “You have made good time, and brought your charges safely. You are dismissed.”
    “Majesty.” The captain saluted and left the room. Claudia sensed he was eagerly heading home to his pregnant wife. She hoped he would be in time.
    The emperor turned his attention to Scribonia. “We meet again. What has she learned in your care?”
    Her grandmother lifted her chin slightly and looked directly at the emperor. “She reads and writes Latin, and is capable of simple mathematics. She embroiders well, and has helped with the weaving of cloth under our slave, Medina.”
    Tiberius looked thoughtful. “I can see Augustus was wise in allowing you to remain in Reggio.”
    As Claudia listened, it occurred to her that truly it had been her grandmother who taught her the things she knew. Her mother had been kind, occasionally loving, but occupied more with herself.
    Sejanus regarded Claudia. “She is tall and well proportioned. Pleasing to the eye. If you adopt her as you stated, my lord, she will be a worthy match for the man of your choice.”
    Claudia bristled. Must they speak of her as if she were not there? Her grandmother gave her a warning glance.
    Scribonia spoke up, her voice quiet and carefully respectful. “The child was concerned as to your purpose for bringing her here, Majesty, as was I.”
    “She is the granddaughter of Augustus and therefore it was not expedient to let her languish in Reggio. I’m gratified to learn she has not followed the path of her mother.”
    Claudia struggled to hold back angry tears. “My mother loved me and was