Rome 31 AD. The aged Emperor Tiberius has retired to Capri leaving his most trusted advisor, Praetorian Prefect Sejanus to run the city in his absence. To lowly wine boy, Epaphroditus, the Prefect is an example to emulate. From a humble background Sejanus has risen to his current rank through sheer graft and talent. Both attributes sorely missing in the Imperial family. However an encounter with Palace secretary Caenis reveals the truth behind Sejanus' rise; treachery on an epic scale. She is determined to bring him down, but she needs Epaphroditus' help. Short Story 10k words
Author
L.J. Trafford studied Ancient History at the University of Reading after which she took a job as a Tour Guide in the Lake District. Moving to London in 2000 she began writing ‘The Four Emperors’ series. The series comprises four books – Palatine, Galba’s Men, Otho’s Regret and Vitellius’ Feast – which cover the dramatic fall of Nero and the chaotic year of the four emperors that followed. Palatine, published in 2015, received an Editor’s Choice Mark from the Historical Novel Society. Her first book for Pen and Sword, How to Survive in Ancient Rome was published in October 2020. Sex and Sexuality in Ancient Rome was published in 2021
