Page 94 of Cleopatra

The lopsided grin he gifted me was a treasure I went on to think of often. “It is good that I enjoy wine.”

I shot him back a carefree smile.

Selene is freer with her emotions than I am as Queen.

I always found it hard to show joy as Pharaoh. As a child my father had consistently encouraged me to shine my teeth on the citizens: A smile for them is a boon they will forever remember.

I had grimaced.

“Not like that.” He had laughed. “You look pained. Do you not enjoy yourself?”

I couldn’t say no. If I’d said no then I’d have had to admit that I did not like the eyes of the court on me, and therefore did not want to be queen.

I no longer feared being queen, but I still had not grown used to the scrutiny of the court.

“Dionysus,” Marcus repeated. “Thank you, Selene, you have brightened a rather dull evening.”

“You do not enjoy the festivities?”

He frowned, which hardened the lines of his face. “I admit, I am a superstitious man. I do not believe in celebrating a victory when those who cheer for you do not all sing true.”

It was the first hint I had of the discord that was to come.

“What do you mean?”

He shook his head. “Nothing. I have indulged in too much wine. Perhaps you are right and Dionysus has made me his vessel.”

“Eat some of the mint,” I said, pointing to the scented bowls.

His eyes narrowed on mine. “And why would I do that?”

Embarrassment heated my cheeks. It was rare that someone could make me feel so unsettled so quickly. “It will soothe your stomach,” I said.

He picked up a sprig, trusting me completely on such a short acquaintance. It would be his downfall one day.

“And drink water,” I said. “It will flush your organs.”

“I did not know that priestesses of Venus were so versed in healing.”

There was no need to contradict him, for at that moment footsteps approached us. Antonius saw him first.

“Caesar.” He inclined his head and raised his right hand, his fingers extended in salute. But Caesar did not have eyes for him.

“Cleopatra, you have found my second surprise before I could present it to you.”

I turned, frustrated that my deception was revealed. I had so enjoyed being Selene for a slip of the night.

“Cleopatra?” Antonius mouthed in horror, but I ignored him.

“I went to get some fresh air and my footsteps brought me to Venus’s temple.”

“She beckoned you to this sacred place. I have told you, she is bound to your soul.” He reached for my hands, enveloping them in his. “As am I.”

Antonius must have made a sound, for Caesar looked to him as if only just seeing him.

“Antonius? What are you doing here?” His tone was sharp.

“I came to admire the statue…” Antonius’s voice trailed off.