“It’s long been preying on my mind that if I’d refused to entertain any notion of claiming the throne when Theodora first brought up the subject, Gadaric would still be alive,” Castor said sorrowfully.
“The empress committed the murder, Castor, not you. In fact, by ordering Livia to take the basket to your estate, she’s also indirectly responsible for your estate manager’s death.”
“But what led you to suspect Livia of killing Briarus?”
“I’d been told that Theodora customarily employed her for fetching and carrying. So Livia hurrying about with a basket would not be remarked upon, even if anyone noticed in the first place. Nor do I think the empress would have entrusted such an important task to anyone else.”
John quickly explained Livia’s subsequent actions as he had to Anatolius, carefully omitting to mention that the latter had immediately-and naturally-assumed that Livia was also responsible for Gadaric’s death. It was misapprehension John had not corrected since, as he had said at the time, it was safer for Anatolius to know as little as possible.
“And of course Livia is under Theodora’s protection! To think that neither of those murderous women will ever be called to judgment,” Castor burst out furiously.
“No,” John said softly. “But you should remember also that Livia knows one of Theodora’s secrets and that’s extremely dangerous.” He fell silent for a space before continuing. “It is ironic that only Minthe, who didn’t even succeed in her murderous plans, and in fact spared Poppaea’s life, has been punished.”
Castor sighed heavily. “And yet, Lord Chamberlain, is it possible that you’re not entirely certain of your deductions? You have fitted together many pieces of information into a most convincing picture, but could they not also be assembled into another? It’s little wonder Theodora looked so horrified and shocked when she realized it was the boy and not Barnabas who had died. Her reaction was genuine enough and the same as that of everyone else present, it just wasn’t for the same reason. But where is proof that would persuade a court of law of her guilt or, more importantly, persuade Justinian? Would even you dare to suggest that the empress was a murderess?
“As to the rest of it, what if Livia lied to you? Or Barnabas? Or someone else? What if I’ve lied to you, for that matter?”
“Have you lied?”
Castor ignored the question. “I believe you’ve constructed an explanation with which you can feel comfortable, Lord Chamberlain, rather as Sunilda appears to have created an imaginary world for herself, one where she rules, one that remains untouched by tragedy.”
John stood to make his departure. “I don’t think that I’m wrong, Castor,” he replied brusquely. “And indeed I sincerely hope I’m not.”
For the first time, Castor noticed the haunted look in his visitor’s weary eyes.
The wind howled even louder around the high building. Heavy drops of rain rattled against the shutters and from the sea came the thunderous rumble of an advancing tempest.