In the meantime Tlachtga was going to roll out the red carpet for Publius the Proconsul. No expense would be spared. A lavish feast with entertainment was organized. On the appointed day, a Roman galleon pulled into their harbour to great fanfare. Here was the might of the Roman Empire. But Tlachtga would not be outdone, she would do her people proud. Either side of the road was lined with Druid soldiers. Chariots took the guests from the harbour to the temple where Tlachtga stood decked out in all her regalia, to greet them. As the Romans stood before Tlachga, the Druids' national anthem played and everyone stood to attention.
Tlachega and Publius, the Roman proconsul, stood before one another. She was taken aback by the effect they were having on one another. Then Tlachtga motioned for the proconsul to take her arm and escort her inside. As Tlachtga took his arm the electricity between them was electrifying. They walked inside to the inner court and sat down facing one another. For a moment they were reluctant to make eye contact. Eventually it was Tlachtga who broke the silence. “I trust you had a pleasant trip?”
“Yes, the sea was calm and the English scenery was beautiful.”
“I’m honoured that you would grace my humble abode. My people want to live at peace with Rome.”
“Dear Queen, I bring a mantle of peace, and Rome sends its blessings.”
“Then we are on the same wavelength and it will be a fruitful afternoon.”
Now they couldn’t take their eyes off one another.
“Are you married? I don’t see your wife here today?” asked Tlachtga.
“Well, that is a philosophical question. My wife lives in Rome, I never see her, so to all intent and purposes I’m single.”
“O, I’m so sorry to hear that. It must be a very lonely life for you?”
“It can get lonely. And what is your marital status, dear queen?”
“O, I’m bound to chastity by my position.”
“That must be a lonely life, not unlike mine.”
“Yes, it is. It must be be nice to have a husband and children.”
The wheels of romance were churning in both their minds. Tlachtgra had never felt this way about anyone before. She could not believe she was entertaining such thoughts. After the initial ice between them was broken, conversation flowed. Publius related his life in Rome and all the many places in the world he had visited. Tlachtga sat riveted, enthralled by it all.
“Well now, I’m doing all the talking, tell me about yourself.”
“O, there’s nothing much to tell. I’ve been schooled from childhood to take over the reins of power of my people. I’ve never had a normal childhood.”
“Would you be interested in visiting my home in Londinium? It behooves us to cement our relationship.”
Tlachtga felt butterflies in her stomach. God, what is happening to me? she thought.
“Yes, that is very thoughtful of you, and I will gladly accept. That can bring nothing but good for both our peoples.”
