Brenna nodded. "Then you will choose wisely when the time comes, my child."

"Like I chose," Kyna said softly, and her companions smiled in their agreement.

When they came together that evening for their meal, Cailin teased her father. "I hear you have sent to Rome for a very special birthday gift for me, Father," she said. Her large violet eyes twinkled with humor. She had had the afternoon to cool her temper. Now Cailin thought it very funny that her father believed her ready to marry. She had only begun her moon cycles a few months ago.

Gaius Drusus flushed nervously and eyed his daughter. "You are not angry?" Cailin had a fierce temper. Even he could be cowed by it. Her Celtic blood was far hotter than that of her twin brothers.

"I am not ready for marriage," Cailin said, looking her father directly in the eye.

"Marriage? Cailin?" Her brother Flavius hooted with laughter.

"The gods pity the poor fellow," said his twin, Titus. "Who is this sacrificial offering on the altar of matrimony to be?"

"He comes from Rome," Cailin told them. "One Quintus Drusus, by name. I believe he is escorting the maidens chosen to be your wives, dear brothers. Yes, I am certain he is. We're to have a triple wedding. 'Twill save our parents a fortune in these hard times. Now, what did Mother say the brides' names were? Majesta and Octavia? No, I think it was Horatia and Lavinia."

The two sixteen-year-olds paled, only realizing it was a jest when their entire family burst out laughing. Their relief was comical.

"You see, Father," Cailin said. "The thought of anyone choosing their spouses is abhorrent to my brothers. It is even more abhorrent to me. Is there no way you can stop this Quintus Drusus from coming? His trip will be a wasted one. I will not marry him."