Page 40 of Cleopatra

“It is curious that these rumours were not swirling on our journey to Hermonthis. It seems that time and river-water have helped the hearsay grow.”

Later that night I had an idea. I woke Charmion.

“What is it?” She lurched to sitting, her hair in disarray.

“I know how I can vanquish the rumours,” I told her. “I will open a royal hospital and treat the public. There is no need for me to heal people in secret. This way people will be able to see my power at work.”

It didn’t matter that my power was learned, as long as my citizens believed in my gift.

And perhaps I had started to believe my own lie too.

Charmion yawned. “Have you not yet slept?”

“That doesn’t matter. Will you send for the scribe? I want Archibios to begin preparations.”

It was many days before I heard back from Archibios. I was lounging on the balcony beneath an awning, the midday sun striking the deck of the boat. Arsinoe sat beside me playing senet with Charmion.

“Arsinoe, you are better than your sister at senet,” Charmion said, with a playful smile in my direction.

“Yes, I’m better at many things, though few know it,” Arsinoe retorted. Though she also smiled, her eyes conveyed the truth in the insult.

“At games, certainly,” I said dismissively.

Charmion laughed into the silence that ensued. But it did nothing to ease the tension that endured between my sister and me.

There was a squawk at the balcony edge and I looked over to see Qar land with a headless fish in his beak. He threw his head back and swallowed it in one.

“I did not realise Qar had returned,” I said.

Arsinoe shrugged as if his appearance was inconsequential and I felt my temper quicken. “Did he come with a message from Pothinus?” I persisted. “Has Caesar arrived?”

She didn’t look up from the senet board. “No, nothing.”

I frowned. We were less than a day from Alexandria and I had not heard from Pothinus since my message to him.

I called forward a servant. “Please check the pigeon roost.”

When they returned with a slip of paper, I felt relief wash over me.

“A pigeon returned as I was there, Pharaoh.”

I took the small scroll from the servant’s outstretched hand. But the message wasn’t from Pothinus, but Archibios.

My breath began to quicken as I read.

Pharaoh, though I am intrigued by your suggestion for an infirmary, I fear there are larger concerns of late. I am unsure if you have received word from your court, but your brother has recalled all regiments from Upper Egypt to Alexandria. They stand guard at the harbour. I have heard whisperings that the Pharaoh is taking the throne for his own. Julius Caesar resides in the palace as the Pharaoh’s guest. There are rumours that your brother has petitioned the Roman to dissolve your father’s will. Forgive me for my callous words, but I wish to warn you of the trap that has been laid.

“Sister? Are you well?” Arsinoe asked.

I met her gaze, schooling my expression to neutral.

“Yes.”

“Who is the message from?” she asked lightly. Too lightly.

Gods, please tell me Arsinoe is not a part of this.

“Archibios. He needs the references for some of my research, that’s all.”