Forbidden Love

A Very Long Day

Chapter 63

It was gods sent to be back home. After weeks of travel we made it back to Rome, just before Lemuria. Maximus and Valentina didn't believe in the tradition of exorcising malevolent spirits and evils out of our home. But Maximus, played along for me. My feet were killing me after walking barefoot around the house all day throwing beans over my shoulder at night. But once Lemuria was over we found our normal. Maximus worked on the house and in the evening my father would come over to talk "potential business adventures" for him. I think father just missed having someone to spend his evenings with. And now he finally had the son he always wanted.

I had spent the evening relaxing in a bath of rose water. It wasn't until I realized that night had finally fell that I climb out of my tub and put on a long milk white nightgown. The silk always felt good against my skin, but I was disappointed that it still fit like the day father bought it for me. Before I even knew Maximus existed.

No baby bump.

Yet.

I had to go find my husband so I could get one.

I walked upstairs and went to the far back of the house. I'm pretty sure the study was some kind of pleasure room at one point. But now it was our library. A very empty library but still one day it would be filled with stories and knowledge we past down to our children. I already knew I didn't have to knock that I wanted to. Three bangs on the door and I heard enter from my father.

I stepped through the grand arched doorway, my senses were immediately enveloped in a serene stillness. The fall air felt cool and tranquil, carrying the faint scent of parchment and musk. Rays of moonlight filtered through the tall windows, casting a soft glow upon the room's marble floors. This library room, once a vibrant pleasure chamber adorned with opulent pillows, had now transformed into a sanctuary of knowledge and study.

The room seemed to stretch out before me, its expanse a testament to the vast world of written wisdom that awaited exploration. Tall bookshelves lined the walls, that would one day be filled with scrolls and bound volumes, their spines adorned with faded titles written in elegant script. The shelves reached towards the ceiling, seemingly touching the heavens themselves, as if aspiring to one day hold all the knowledge of the world within their ancient confines.

I gazed around in awe, my eyes scanning the room's transformation. Where once there had been pillows scattered haphazardly across the floor, now stood sturdy wooden tables and chairs, patiently awaiting curious minds to fill them. A soft, inviting breeze wafted through the room, rustling the pages of a nearby open tome.

The ambiance was calming, yet invigorating. I approached My father and Maximus at one of the wooden tables happily drinking watching the city below them. If I didn't know any better I would say from their laughter and empty plates they had had quite the date night.

"Rena, you should be in bed", my father said immediately standing  up, Maximus did the same. Father opened his arms so I could hug him. I did.

"I should, but I would like to go to bed with my husband", I teased.

"You'll have to forgive me, my pride and joy. The idea always escapes my mind", And that made my heart hurt. Father deserves someone who wanted to go to bed with him. The same as mother deserved.

I turn to Maximus who kept his hands behind his back,"I'm not trying to break up the boys club. I guess I'll have to settle for a kiss good night".

And I could see my simple statement put a naughty grin on Maximus's face. For a moment I thought he was actually going to kiss me but he settled on a peck on the cheek and a kiss on my shoulder,"I promise you I'll be up as soon as we finish here".