Something else Elena undoubtedly maneuvered.

He noted Lahn and Circe, Finnie and Frey arriving. After the men led Circe and Finnie to the settee opposite where Domitia and Cornelia sat, Lahn stood behind them while Frey moved to stand at the far side of the dais, where the recorder’s desk was stationed and where he could see the full room.

And it was then, Lahn and Frey (and it must be said, mostly Lahn) took the bulk of the attention of the males in the room (and the females, but for a different reason).

As they waited, Cassius lounged in his chair and noted that the most reaction in general was from the few women in the assembly, women who seemed taken with studying Elena and her gown.

The men gave very little away, except in some cases, they did not hide their antagonism toward Cass.

It seemed to take too long before a herald stood in black regalia (Elena clearly had not had time to affect a change in the Citadel uniform), and he called, “King Gallienus arrives!”

And with that, his father walked in between two Bailey guards, as well as Reginald of the Bailey trailing him, Nero leading.

There was a hush before a rush of murmurings from the gathering as he strode in, thin, ill-kempt, straggly, his clothing clean and fine, but hanging on him.

Elena, it seemed, was not the only one with the skill to create import out of appearances.

“This is a disgrace!” he shouted, being led across the back wall. “A bloody farce!”

Although ill-kempt and straggly, his voice was strong and carried far.

Cassius cast his gaze down to Domitia and Cornelia.

Cornelia could easily be mistaken for a statue.

Domitia was visibly fretting.

“What has become of my throne room? This is obscene!” Gallienus yelled.

Cassius sighed.

Gallienus was led up to his box and immediately reached to the pennant hanging beside it, his mouth opened, Cass was certain, to continue to bellow his kingly lament.

“If you tear that banner down,” Cassius said in a voice that carried. “I’ll hang you with it.”

Gallienus turned stiltedly toward his son.

“Now sit. For your wives, this will be done quickly,” Cassius ordered.

“I want it on the record, I do not recognize this tribunal,” Gallienus announced.

“And I’ll go on the record to assert I do not care,” Cassius returned. “Now be quiet until you’re asked to speak.”

“I am king. I will—”

“You are a flailing, useless old man who did not recognize that time had come for change. Who bowed to tradition instead of worked for progress. Who was so weak, he could not secure his own realm, even from his own citizens, and continued to allow them to hold power over him. And who, if you did not show some sense in relinquishing your authority, would have led this realm to ruin as the other lands united as military and economic allies,” Cassius declared. “Now, be silent and demonstrate a little dignity during your final public appearance, for the gods’ sakes.”