“That<i>is</i>the entertainment.” Drusus said briskly, as the litter carried them along from the house and into the busy streets of Rome. It was a small entourage, the litter carried by four strong household slaves on their shoulders, with a few more following behind, carrying their coin purse and other necessities like water and even a satchel of fruit. All wore the bronze neck tablets with their names etched in and also indicating who they belonged to. Behind came Drusus’ bodyguards and lictors, to ensure no one gave the patrician any trouble.<br/><br/>Gladiators and nubile women performing as servers would suffice. Usually a household provided the young women themselves but Drusus hadn’t been home long enough to build up an ample supply, nor did Alexandria seem to keep company with much. For a man, they would have been seducing. For a woman, competition. So they would have to go out and fetch some. “Four gladiators will do, in two pairs. They fight each other and can end with the winners competing for a small prize or favor. But it matters not. To men of quality and rank, the true entertainment will be what I have to say. This is all merely a sideshow.” Drusus mused as he lounged within the covered litter, sharing a little of his plans with his wife. But what he had to discuss, he kept a secret.<br/><br/>“Send a slave for the platters and clothing too.” He added. Good Roman wives did not wander off on their own. And since Drusus had no wish to do any of that kind of shopping, it meant that Alexandria wouldn’t have the chance. They would only select the girls and the gladiators to ensure their quality and return home to attend to more important matters.<br/><br/>After a short trek through the streets, they arrived at a house seemingly like all the others. Yet within this, unlike their own austere home, there was the sound of music and feminine laughter from within. A brothel. Normally, upstanding Roman citizens shouldn’t be seen within the premises of such a place but Drusus had no other intent except business. If he had a need or urge, he could always indulge within the confines of his own home, private and isolated. Of course, what too was a wife supposed to perform if not thusly either. “This is the place I have had recommendations of. They will suit our needs.” Drusus explained to Alexandria as the litter was lowered by the slaves and they were allowed to dismount. He didn’t explain to his wife how he knew of this brothel either. That was from his youth, years and years ago. Before her.<br/><br/>A lictor went ahead and used the base of his bundled sticks and axe to rap against the door. “Now comes the august Drusus Iulia Nerva Armenaicus, vanquisher of the Parthians and victor in the east! Step aside and open!” The lictor declared in prim announcement and the couple entered into the brothel, there waiting for someone of authority to address and approach them for their needs.