Page 64 of Cleopatra

His compliments were never overwrought or effusive, but they struck me like a sudden rain shower, pebbling my skin and sending shivers down my neck.

Your historians were right about his natural charm. He was eloquent yet spoke pensively so that you knew every word had been considered—and meant wholeheartedly.

I was wary of being ensnared by his charisma. Caesar’s honeyed tongue had touched the lips of many men and women. I’d heard the court whisper about his adultery that he was “every woman’s man, and every man’s woman.” The Queen and King of Mauretania were among his many lovers, and it was clear he had no qualms about intertwining political and sexual relations. But I was not prepared to jeopardise our alliance—and the armies he had called on.

I changed the subject quickly. “I was going through the grain store list with Faunus and I think we need to ask for more supplies from Syria, lest our soldiers starve.”

“I have requested a convoy already.”

I was taken aback. “Why did you not tell me of this?”

He reached for his wine, swirling it in his mouth before he swallowed. “It is of no consequence.”

“We are partners in this war. Do not treat me as lesser.”

“Cleopatra,” he said, searching my face for the smile I would not give him. “It was a simple supply request. I do not and could not ever think of you as lesser.”

“Where is the supply list?”

“I will have it sent to you on the morrow.”

“Thank you—and in the future, keep me abreast of all details.”

He watched me with something akin to pride in his eyes. “I will.” Then his lips twitched. “Shall I also inform you when I use the latrine?”

I was about to reply that should he need guidance with that, I would be willing to send Ptolemy to teach him when something caught my eye. I went to the window.

“What is it?” he asked.

“Look, there is a glow running across the land.”

Then I smelled it. Ash and smoke.

“It is the fire, our operation must have been a success. The Alexandrian fleet is destroyed,” Caesar said, joining me.

I shook my head and pointed. “It comes from the east. The fire has spread to the city.”

“What buildings of import lie in the east?” he asked.

The wind quickly became thick with smoke and it stung my eyes, merging with the tears there.

I choked on my next words. “The library.”

—

Caesar was exasperated. “You cannot travel to the mainland. You will be spotted.”

“No, I have done it more than once, in a guise. I often go to heal people.”

He looked shocked. “I think I know all the parts of you, yet you still manage to surprise me.”

“No one can know all of a person.”

“Perhaps not, but either way, you are not going.”

I scoffed. “I am.”

He reached for my waist, holding me fixed with little pressure. But he needed none, his mere touch was enough to still me.