“Our reports say Fabius Valens is some days out, Caesar,” Densus said. A slash on one forearm was oozing blood down over his fingers, but he didn’t seem to notice it. “He and Caecina Alienus have quarreled in the past—they’ll not get along when they join forces.”

“Confusion to the enemy, then!” Otho raised his goblet and a storm of shouts and laughter went up—

Emperor Otho removed himself to Brixellum, some miles distant, for sake of safety. He took a substantial reserve force and left several observers to act as messengers and bring him constant news of the battle.

One of the observers was Lucius Aelius Lamia, who had barely spoken to Marcella since they’d left Rome. “It isn’t fitting for a woman to witness a battle,” he sputtered when she announced her intention of staying at his side to observe the fight.

“I’m sorry,” Marcella said blandly. “Did I give you the impression I was asking permission?”

He glared at her in open loathing. “You’re making a fool out of me!”

Marcella smiled. “I think you do that all on your own, Lucius.”

“You willful bitch—I’ll divorce you, see if I don’t—”

“Go ahead.” Marcella wandered away. “In the meantime, I’ll be watching the battle.”

Emperor Otho just seemed amused when he heard that. “How valiant,” he laughed. “And how fortunate you were born to a Roman clan, Marcella my dear. If you’d been born a Pict, you’d be painting yourself blue and charging into battle with an ax.”

“No, Caesar.” Marcella bowed. “I’m only the watcher.”

“Well, write up my stunning victory in good style, and be sure to give me a copy.” He patted her hand. “I’d like to read it.” And although Marcella knew he’d forget all about her history as soon as he turned away, his touch was so sincere and his smile so warm that she flushed with pleasure. He went off in great splendor to Brixellum, surrounded by Praetorians, laughing and throwing dice with all the handsome young courtiers who tried so hard to look just like him. Marcella heard later that he went to a play that night as his troops prepared for battle a few miles away, and the whole town marveled at his composure. I believe that. He’d have lounged in the tiered seats with his gaudy friends, perfumed and braceleted and perfectly at ease, throwing coins to the actors in their comedy masks.

Otho’s generals entered the battle with two legions, another standing in reserve. In the center position was the Praetorian Guard.