Page 52 of Cleopatra

“I see that, for your light eclipses those who sit beside it.” He relayed the compliment plainly, as if it were fact, but I refused to barter in niceties.

“Theos is unlikely to concede with Pothinus by his side. The regent must be removed from court this very day. I will not abide his presence for a moment longer.”

Caesar nodded. “I’m sure this can be facilitated. And perhaps your garments and rooms reinstated.”

“And my handmaiden Charmion.”

He frowned, until realisation came over him. “The woman who returned to Alexandria dressed in your likeness?”

“Yes. She must be released back into my custody tonight.”

“It was a cunning plan—she must be a loyal servant.”

“She and I are one and the same,” I said.

His expression was still inscrutable. “I will see to her release. They are my guards watching over her, so there should be no delay. Tomorrow, I will invite you to join us for the first meal of the day.”

“What of the soldiers searching for me? I am not safe in the palace.”

“My soldiers stand guard in front of these chambers. No one will enter without their knowledge.”

I laughed. “Like I did?”

“I would very much like to know how you did that.”

I said nothing, and he smiled. “Keep your secrets, as long as no one else knows.”

I shook my head. Charmion didn’t count. “What if my brother sends his own guards to cut them down?”

The muscles around Caesar’s jaw stiffened and a dangerous glint entered his eyes. “I have many more soldiers than your brother, and legions more I can call to the palace from Cilicia with a few weeks’ notice. If he provokes me, he will come to know my wrath.”

“And mine.” I may not have had an army, but I was still his older sister. And he needed to be disciplined.

“Rest assured, you are safe. I will see you on the morrow. For now, you are welcome to your old bed. I will retire elsewhere.”

“Elsewhere?”

He chuckled. “Many of your courtiers have offered me space in their beds this night.”

I had heard of Caesar’s exploits with men and women, but it shocked me to hear court gossip so brazenly confirmed. He must have read my thoughts on my face.

“You misunderstand me. I will partake in the hospitality of their rooms only. Unless,” he said, his lips parting in a smile, “you wish to share space in yours?”

I reached for my palm wine once more and swallowed before I said, “You have already deduced that I do not share.”

The heat of the moment was broken by his hearty laugh. “You are not at all what I expected, Cleopatra.”

“You are everything I expected, Julius.”

He sobered at my words. “I will help you regain your throne.”

“Promise on your god.”

He reached out a hand and grasped mine. His skin was surprisingly rough for a noble. “You have my word, Cleopatra.”

He drew out my name like the start of a poem. When he dropped my hand, I clenched my fingers into a fist to stop them tingling and met his gaze levelly. “Let us hope your word holds true.”

“It will.” Caesar turned to leave.