Antonius looked at me.
“A child of a slave is still a slave,” he said, “unless you intend to give validity to their position?”
His tone was a question, but he knew as well as I that I could never do so. It was not a new thought to me but one I had been considering for some time now.
“Her station will not change,” I said quietly. “If the child is a son…”
I paused and sighed. I had no answer for my prefect, for my eyes could not see what the future held. I would be more inclined to acknowledge a son to continue my family line, but there were those in the Senate
that would be displeased.
“I cannot predict where the gods will take us,” I finally said. “I shall endure what comes when the time is right. Dwelling will not change outcome.”
Antonius nodded, completed his report of the battle, and started to take his leave.
“Antonius, pause a moment,” I said.
“Tribunus?”
“I beg a favor,” I stated as I looked at him pointedly.
He returned my gaze and nodded his head.
“Your will, Faustus.”
I glanced at Aia and swallowed a lump in my throat.
“Despite healed wound, I was nearly cut again,” I told him.
“I observed,” he said with a nod. “I was close at your side; I would not have allowed you to fall.”
I inclined my head in silent gratitude.
“Still, there is always risk, is there not?”
“There is.”
I looked back to Aia where she busied herself with the fresh bread, oblivious to my words. The smell made my mouth water.
“I have concern for my slave,” I admitted as I looked back to him, “and the child she carries if I were to fall. I want your word that you would ensure her safety and care.”
“Clarify your meaning,” Antonius said.
“I cannot will either her or the child my legacy,” I said. “If I die in battle, they will have no protection or funds to provide for them. She would become my father’s property.”
“You speak truth,” Antonius agreed.
“I would have you take her,” I said as I grasped his forearm, “and the child.”
Widening his eyes, he straightened his back and raised his eyebrows at me.
“You are my oldest friend,” I said. “I would trust no one else with their care.”
Antonius blinked a few times before resolve settled in his eyes.
“I will,” he said simply. “You are my commander and friend. I would treat them as my own family as long as they live.”
I gripped his arm slightly before releasing him.