The Pivot #
Livia steps directly into the path of the departing crowd, her vibrant saffron stola a shock of color against the grey world. "STOP! You are running from the only thing your husbands have left!"
With raw grief weaponized into resolve, she shames the cowards: "They didn't die in Pompeii so we could become beggars in Paestum! They died to buy this harvest!"
One by one, the Six Widows step out of the crowd to stand with her. The remaining nobles are hit with shame. Aulus kneels before Livia, kissing her hand.
"Forgive us, Domina," he whispers.
Gaius declares: "The gates are closed. The Sixteen Houses stay united."