How to put it? Plotina wondered. Perhaps, with a woman she could truly call her equal, it was best to be blunt. After all, Marcella Longina had been the mistress of Rome too once, Empress of the seven hills, another sister to Juno in the heavens. Of course she would understand. “You know my husband’s ward, Publius Aelius Hadrian?”

“Yes, a fine young man. He was kind enough to dedicate some poetry to me once. Amusing little verses, though I think he was miffed when I said so. A young man’s pride bruises so easily.”

“I had the raising of him,” Plotina said modestly, “and I’m very proud of his achievements—for far more than poetry. Did you know he’s been given a legion in Germania? I expect he’ll cover himself with glory against those wretched Dacians. Naturally I hope to see him rise.”

“Naturally.” Empress Marcella began to walk again, her profile calm and regal against the pillars. Plotina tucked a confiding hand through her elbow and lowered her voice, though the chamber was now quite empty. Just two women—empresses, sisters, goddesses—having a little chat.

“It’s a matter of the succession. Trajan refuses to name an heir; says it’s morbid while he’s in such good health. He won’t hear any advice on the matter. You know what Emperors can be like.” A little martyred sigh. “But I worry. For Rome, you know. I want to see the Empire in good hands. And there are none better than my dear Publius.”

She waited for agreement. Empress Marcella raised her eyebrows.

Plotina pressed on. “I brought him into the Imperial family by marrying him to Vibia Sabina. You’d think that would do the trick—it’s not just family ties; Trajan thinks the world of her father. Marcus Norbanus, one of the most moral men in Rome—”

“Most of the time, anyway,” Marcella murmured.

“—I thought that would be enough, you see. Enough for Trajan to give Dear Publius his due. But it wasn’t. So now I wonder…” Plotina gave a little laugh, feeling uncharacteristically giddy. “Forgive me, I hardly know how to put it. What I mean is, how much can one help? A woman in my position, I mean. I know my Publius is best for Rome; I simply assumed everyone else would know it too once I drew him into the fold. But now I find people still need a little—push. How much can one push? A wife must keep out of such things, but an empress must also look after the empire’s best interests.” The question had gnawed on her for quite some time. Wife or empress? Empress or wife? “Which comes first?”