“He did. Though she never got over the bitterness when he ceased to use her as a concubine and pensioned her off. I must have been about ten at the time. Before that, she was a great pet of his, and her life revolved around his happiness. He gave her this house. I can remember him here, in the garden. When he arrived, he would fling out his arms and expect us to come running, to hang off his every word.” She laughs, seeing Amara’s expression. “It wasn’t only for show. I did love my father. And as his only surviving child, I have enjoyed privileges which are unimaginable for most illegitimate daughters.”

“Did your mother love him?”

“Yes, which was unfortunate. He had bought her when she was very young, and later freed her as his concubine. He was always generous, but my father really did not deserve the godlike worship my mother lavished on him. No man does. A mistake she was later determined her daughter would not repeat.” Julia takes another sip of her wine. “A mistake you did not, perhaps, make with Rufus.”

“I thought I loved him once.”

“Until you learned of the contract?” Amara nods, not wanting to share the real moment her affection died. “I must admit that surprised even an old cynic like me. But you are quite safe now that he is married. He cannot revoke your freedom. And eventually, perhaps soon, you will find another patron.”

Julia’s meaningful look makes Amara uneasy. She has no intention of leaving Philos, but can hardly say so, given Julia knows nothing of the relationship. “I’m sure men will be flocking to the door of an abandoned concubine with an infant daughter.”

Julia laughs. “How naive you can be. Do you not think proof of fertility makes you valuable? And you are hardly abandoned, darling. For all his faults, Rufus still recognizes you. You have the admiral’s name. And I like to think my friendship does not count for nothing.”

“It counts for everything. Truly, I do not know what I would have done without your support.”

“She’s not obliging you to gush over her, is she?” It is Livia’s sharp voice behind Amara, and she turns her head as Livia saunters over and bends to look at Rufina. “Hello, little frog,” Livia says, her face dimpling with an affectionate smile. She sits next to Julia, leaning against her, and Julia lays a hand on Livia’s knee. “I hope you don’t mind, but I got your steward to sort out a contract for me this morning. Very helpful boy, isn’t he? And rather nice eyes.”

“As long as you paid him,” Julia answers on Amara’s behalf.

“Of course I paid!” Livia looks affronted. She helps herself to Julia’s glass of wine. “He told me once the election is over, he will be responsible for caring for the child.”