Page 123 of Cleopatra

He seemed surprised, but he obliged, pulling his tunic over his head in one motion.

I approached him, closely observing the scar that marked his shoulder, but without touching his skin.

“There is no infection,” I said, “but the muscle beneath is still healing. You need to stretch it to strengthen it. I will make you a poultice of crushed lotus leaves and willow bark to ease the pain.”

“Thank you, Pharaoh,” he said tenderly.

Charmion brought forward my medicine bag, but I was out of willow bark. “I’ll send a servant to the market to fetch some.”

“Why do we not go?” Antonius asked as he pulled his clothing back on.

“I told you, we cannot—it will be impossible to make it to the correct stall.”

“We need not go as Pharaoh and triumvir, but perhaps as Marcus and Selene?”

I looked at Charmion and we shared a private smile. He could not have known how often Selene had been out in the city at night.

He caught our look, and mistook it. “Dismiss the thought—it is too dangerous, I am sure.”

“Selene has never felt in danger in my city,” I said.

He leaned forward in his chair. “So you’ll do it? Go to the marketplace with me? Will your guards allow you to leave unaccompanied? For we cannot give away our true identities.”

I laughed. “Follow me.”

“Are you sure about this?” Charmion whispered as we walked through the palace.

“He won’t harm me,” I said.

“His loyalty is to the Republic; should Octavian ever come for Caesarion…”

“He won’t harm me,” I repeated firmly.

Charmion rubbed her brow, looking troubled. “How can you be so sure?”

“Caesar,” I said simply. “I trust in his love of Caesar; it will always stay his hand against me.”

When we reached my rooms, Antonius hesitated on the threshold. “What are we doing, Pharaoh?”

“You will not pass as a commoner in that garb,” I said.

“There are many Romans in your city.”

“True, but few wear so fine a cloth. Come, Charmion will find you something to don.”

“Bring it for me and I will await you here.” He looked painfully aware that he was about to walk into my sleeping quarters.

“No, we must know each other in guise. Come now,” I said, gesturing to the door.

He glanced at the guards, who stood to attention on either side of the entranceway.

“We can always dismiss the idea if you think it too dangerous,” I said, twisting his words back at him.

The smile he gave me in return was unnerving in its brightness and I had to look away. And as he walked into my chambers, I heard him murmur, “Entering your bedroom is dangerous indeed.”

“Charmion, where are Selene’s clothes? I know it has been some time since I used them.”

Charmion retrieved the ill-fitting linens and helped me undress, while Antonius lingered in the centre of the room looking determinedly away. When I was ready, I said, “Do you recognise me so plain, Marcus?”