Nest of Vipers (48 page)

I came upon a fishing boat, which brought me to the Lucrine Lake. From there I was taken at last to Bauli, where my freedman, Agerinus, broke down in tears at the sight of me.

'Write a letter for me, friend,' I whispered to him. I was so weakened by my ordeal I could no longer stand upright. Agerinus found a pen and papyrus. 'It is to be taken to my son,' I told him.

His tears dripping onto the sheet, Agerinus began to write as I dictated.

Lucius,

By divine mercy and my lucky star, I have survived your attempt to kill me. I will not be so fortunate again. Your efforts to be rid of me will redouble next time, and you're bound to use means less theatrical. As I ready myself for bed and place my lips upon your portrait, know this: when I am a shade, I will still walk by your side. When the time for your own death comes, it will be me who greets you first in the Underworld. Do you really think murder can stop my love for you? You are my world and always will be. Sleep safe, my son.

Your mother

I kissed the letter and gave it back to Agerinus to seal. Then, when he had left me to deliver it, I did not retire to my bed. I picked up the pen and papyrus sheets and began to compose the words you have already read.

I am Julia Augusta Agrippina. Agrippina the Younger.

Nilla. My love for my son is so great he will kill me for it. This is the story of how such a thing came to be.

It probably won't surprise readers to learn that the Empress of Rome books are fun to write. I enjoy the trip, but it is not a journey I take unaccompanied. A number of people hitch along with me, contributing immeasurably to the bump-free ride.

Tacitus remains my inspiration and dearest friend in the ancient world.

Julian Welch is a fantastic editor. His good sense, excellent taste and ever-encouraging emails saw me safely across the finishing line. Plus, he edited
in situ
from Italy. Half his luck.

Chris Dent is a fantastic unofficial editor. He reads my work before anyone and never asks for this chore – he
insists
upon it. His feedback is invaluable, which supports my suspicion that he may have chosen the wrong profession.

Random House Australia's Larissa Edwards continues to provide stratospheric levels of enthusiasm for these books. 'A bloody excellent romp' was her immediate utterance upon finishing the first draft, and I may well get it tattooed somewhere.

Kevin O'Brien and Kate Stevens lent their added editorial muscle to the process, earning my profound gratitude, and Russell Thomson is simply a sublime proofreader.

Nerrilee Weir has been flooring me since Book 1. She has been tireless in promoting Empress of Rome in the global marketplace, and I owe her a huge debt for the books' international success.

My agent Lyn Tranter is the Rock of Gibraltar – or the Rock of Tarpeia, depending on what she's got on for the day. Her efforts in fighting ridiculous proposed changes to the Australian book industry truly earned my respect.

And, finally, Andrew Brown, my partner in life, continues to grin and bear my mad obsession. He deserves a fresh medal for continuing to believe me when I say, 'It'll all be worth it one day.'

Luke Devenish