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Vitatrix was not able to sleep that night. Cato had told her to get some rest before they departed. They immediately buried Juliana's body after the fight. Artemisia held her tight as she kept fighting the tears. Juliana had cared for her just as Artemisia had. She had two mothers growing up and she had lost one. More than anything Trix was worried about Hector. His mother meant everything to him. He barely saw his father and without his mother the closest family he had was his grandfather, the Roman senator Julian. Would the senator accept her friend? He was after all his sole heir.

They had buried Juliana in the forest that night. Offerings and prayers had been made. This was no way to put to rest a daughter of a Roman Senator, but they had to make haste. If they did no leave by the next day their enemies could gather their supporters and attack once more.

If Trix had been just any ordinary girl they would have mad sure Juliana had properly been laid to rest, but it was obvious now that enemies of her family knew of her existence and desired to rid themselves of this sudden threat. Trix was not unaware that the emperor's family had enemies, she was simply taken by surprise to the lengths they were willing to take just to assure themselves that they would have the upper hand.

Trix spent most of the night in tears. It was her fault that Juliana had died. It was because of her position as the daughter of the emperor that placed her friends in. She wanted to ask Hector to go home but there was no one left for him there. Like her their family was in Rome. Before she knew it someone was knocking on her door telling her that it was time to prepare to set off for Rome.

Trix got up and washed her face before letting the person in. It was Artemisia with the inn keeper's wife.

"Come now child. You are to bathe and dress." Artemisia hurried her to move. "I know it's difficult Trix, after what happened last night. But Juliana would not want you to just breakdown and cry. Look at all the work she has put into you. Make her proud."

Trix could feel the tears falling from her eyes. She thought she had no more to cry. Her eyes were puffy and they stung as she took a bath and dressed.

When she was prepared they came out and was greeted by General Cato and Hector. Hector's face clearly showed the pain he was in. Trix immediately ran and hugged her old friend. She knew the pain he was in. They stood there for a while no one made a move to separate the two. Silence crept over the party.

Cato cleared his throat to signal it was time to go. Trix was dressed in all her finery, if she saw herself she would not recognize the woman standing in front of her. She got on her stallion and the party that was normally loud was silent and grieving for the death of a great lady.

Trix rode at the center of the party. Next to her was General Cato and Artemisia, and behind her was Hector. She had attempted to speak to her grieving friend, but to no avail. He said nothing. She feared that he blamed her for his mother's death. And in truth she did blame herself.

"Lift your chin up, my lady." Trix was startled by Cato's sudden words. "We approach the city."

True enough just a little distance away stood the walls of Rome.

The last time that she had seen this city she was a young orphan girl. She had been so scared of the giant statues and of all the people that all seemed to be in a rush. She had gone to the city only once, to accompany her auntie as she attempted to heal the late emperor of his ails. Today she entered Rome as the heiress to the empire.

Trix couldn't help but look back at Hector. He has his head down and still he had not spoken.

She noticed Cato ride to Hector's side and the General scolded him. "Come on boy. You can't look down. The people will see you as a reflection of the heiress. Plus it will show our enemies that they have won."

Hector fixed himself and straightened. Trix suddenly noticed that he was no longer the happy boy who was her bestfriend. He suddenly looked like a man. A serious soldier. He had changed. This trip had changed them more than anything in their entire lives.

As they entered the city gates people cheered. Women and men waved at her from the streets and their balconies. Children ran along side their group as they moved through the streets. The buildings looked glorious as the sunlight shined through them. Rose petals were thrown from balconies. It was as if there was a festival.

She was in awe. Trix could not believe the support the people were showing. It was the first time they had laid eyes on their young heiress and yet they were over joyed.

The procession continued through the streets of Rome. Around homes and temples and market places. And their final destination, the palace. They entered into a large courtyard that could fit an army. The sides filled with servants and nobles a like looking on. It was a large building whose front was ornately designed. There were steps made of marble that lead up. At the door stood a couple that looked as though they shone. They looked glorious and beautiful.

By the couple's side were men dressed in their best. These were probably the senator's of Rome. One of those men should be Hector's grandfather, Senator Julian.

As their party came to a halt General Cato dismounted his horse, stepped forward, got down on bended knee and announced "May I present to your graces Lady Vitatrix, Princess of Rome."

A silence fell on the crowd as the great lady, the empress walked towards Trix, who was now off her horse. The lady had the same hair, the same skin, and the same eyes as Trix. The empress then placed her hand on Trix's face.

"My daughter has returned!" She announced and the crowd cheered. The empress then hugged her tight and burst into tears.

"M- mother..." Trix managed to say.

"Yes my dear. I sent you away to protect you and now you are back. You are home." The empress whispered to her. "Come meet your father."

They climbed the stairs to meet a man that was tall in stature but his eyes showed kindness and compassion. And as she approached he immediately took her in his arms and hugged her. She heard a gasp from the crowd.

The emperor then spoke in a loud voice "Our daughter was sent away for her own protection. Any father would understand the pain of loosing any child."

The emperor then took a ring off his fingers and raised it and said "This token symbolizes the heir of the Roman Empire. This ring I give to you, my daughter, as future empress of Rome" he then slid the ring on Trix's fingers.

The senators then all lined up to kiss the ring on Trix's hand. Many of them never expected to show such submission to a woman especially to a child young enough to be their granddaughter.

The family then went in the palace together with Trix's companions and they were lead to a more private area. The empress then started looking at the groups as if trying to find someone.

"Where is Juliana? I thought she was coming along?" The empress asked them.

"Your grace, the lady Juliana died late last night as we were attacked." Trix answered.

The empress, a strong woman, suddenly broke down in tears. She fell to the floor and sobbed. Trix knelt to her mother's side to help her get up.

"She was my best friend. We grew up together. We defied our parents together."

"She told me your grace." Trix replied.

"No need for formalities my dear. Call me mother or Eliana. I was not fair to you when I sent you away." The empress said as she stood up.

"Our daughter is quite the sight is she not, my love?" the emperor suddenly spoke. "She is as beautiful as you."

Trix blushed at the emperor's comment.

"Thank you sir."

"Please call me father. It is only right. Your mother was also unfair to me. She didn't ask me if I wanted to send you away" he chuckled. He then gave her a hug.

"So who is this dashing young man over here? You aren't part of my guard." Eliana asked calling Hector forward.

"Mother this is Hector. He is lady Juliana's son."

"Well what a sight. You are as handsome as your father. Don't worry I will have you introduced to your grandfather. But you may stay here at the palace for the time being."

Hector bowed low and thanked the empress.

"And Artemisia. My dear old friend Artemisia. I owe you everything. You cared for my child. You brought her up to this magnificent lady."

Artemisia bowed and stepped back in silence.

"If I am not mistaken, all of you must be tired from your long journey. We have rooms prepared for you. We will eat at midday in our private dining hall and after we will head to the senate to officially declare you as heir." The emperor announced.

"But first Hector and Vitatrix, we would like to speak to you. Everyone else may go." The empress announced and servants lead the guests to their room. All but Hector ant Trix.