“The silly cow got pregnant.” I tossed away the greasy meat skewer, scrubbing my hands together.

“Congratulations,” Titus said at once.

“For what?”

“It’s the traditional response, Slight. And surely it’s an occasion for happiness? She’s a beautiful girl, she’s respectably born, and she cooks like a goddess. Actually I doubt goddesses cook at all, so she’s better than a goddess. You’re going to marry her, I presume?”

“She presumes.” I stifled a belch. “She’s been after me ever since she found out—we marry, we get bigger rooms, God knows what else.”

“It’s hardly a fate worse than death.” Titus looked wistful. “I wouldn’t mind having a wife to cook for me.”

“You marry her, then.”

“And raise a child of yours? I’d be driven to an early grave.” Titus cocked his head toward where Demetra had stormed off. “Aren’t you going after her?”

“Why? We already had this argument last night.”

“She’s carrying your child, Vercingetorix.” Titus’s voice was surprisingly stern. “She has earned your respect, if nothing else.”

“Oh, hell,” I grumbled again, and tramped after Demetra.

Her grand exit had been slowed by the crush, and I caught up to her as she squeezed out of the crowded forum and into one of the winding side streets.

“Don’t flounce off alone just to make a point.” I took her elbow irritably. “Too many soldiers around this afternoon looking for a little fun.”

“Why should you care?” Demetra stared straight ahead as she bore down the street, color burning high in her face. “You don’t want your own child, so why do you care what happens to me?”

“You know soldiers aren’t allowed to marry! What’s the point of starting a family? You work hard enough with just the one pup in tow!”

She didn’t answer, just put up her trembling chin and towed me behind her by my grip on her elbow.

“I said I’d give you money, didn’t I?”

“To get rid of it!”

“It’s early days, it’s safe enough. And I’ll pay for the work you miss too,” I added generously.

She started to sputter, lost her words, and lapsed back into her native Greek.

“What?” I raised my voice as she jerked her arm free and whirled up the street again. “What did I say?”

“Go away!”

“Oh, now you’re telling me to go away,” I yelled back. “But when your belly’s under your chin you’ll have your hand out, all right! Didn’t you even think? Even try to be careful?”