‘Ah yes, I believe the Senate is close to formal recognition of her as monarch of the Brigantes and friend of the Roman People.’

Ferox had thought the approval long since given, but simply stared at the wall rather than take the bait.

‘There was that business in Moesia. What must it be? Ten years ago? Something like that or close to it. You were all in a fort and besieged by a host of Dacians – and the noble Claudia Enica, your good lady, inspiring everyone by her cheerfulness and high spirits. They say she carried drinking water to the walls even during the attacks.’

Ferox managed not to smile and kept his face rigid. His wife was an eques, as fine and fashionable a Roman lady as any when she chose. She was also a warrior trained in the old ways of the tribes, and during the siege she had fought with deadly proficiency and led the Brigantes from the front. Still, a ferocious woman was not a Roman ideal, and the mere thought was enough to make people uncomfortable, even when the lady in question was on their side. So the official version told of a demure wife bringing food, tending to the wounded, and concealing her fears in a dignified way. In truth there was another lady at the fort who did all of those things and did them well, but Claudia Enica had taken a different path. As reward for her conveniently forgotten courage, and also for her and Ferox’s discretion over some less edifying episodes during the siege, there had been the understanding that this would speed her recognition as queen of her tribe. Yet by the sound of it, the Romans still dragged their feet, no doubt nervous of a woman as ruler, even one who had proved her loyalty again and again, not least in fighting against her rebellious brother.

Crispinus slammed the cane against the broken table, and the sudden crash made Ferox look. Silently he cursed himself for such weakness.

‘A fly,’ Crispinus said affably. ‘Wretched things get everywhere. Now where were we? Ah yes, the adorable Claudia Enica. Such beauty, such poise – such an ability to chatter unceasingly.’ Ferox did not react to that – after all it was true. ‘Such an actress. So keen an intellect is unexpected in someone so fair of face and form, and the unexpected tends to make us all nervous and suspicious. The beautiful really ought to be dull witted, so that everyone else can feel superior to them in that respect and deal better with their jealousy. Well, I should know…’

‘Ha, ha, sir!’ Ferox said flatly.

‘Don’t be insolent, centurion – or that second letter goes into the fire and never existed. Still, we will need to find a sharp blade to deal with that stiff neck of yours… Where was I? Ah yes, the lovely, flirtatious Claudia. I have never really cared for red hair, but with her… Such beauty, and married to you.’ Crispinus shook his head to emphasise his dismay. ‘Really it is a waste, a shocking waste. And yet here you are thousands of miles away from a prize that other men would envy. It is most puzzling. Most men would surely have retired from service and lived blissfully, even ecstatically, for as long as their strength coped.’