Claudia Enica raised an eyebrow. ‘I never took you for an author.’ She was in her tunic and boots, with her hair loose around her shoulders. ‘Sulpicia and I want you.’

Ferox did his best to mimic her fondness for arching an eyebrow in studied surprise.

‘She would have come as well, but that would no doubt have prompted some lewd male humour.’

‘You’re thinking of Vindex, my lady.’

‘Yes, well, if he did not have that unfortunate face and filthy mind and if he had those few virtues you possess, perhaps I would have been better off marrying him.

‘You’re going to sneak out. Don’t look surprised. I am queen, it is my part in life to know as much as I can about what is happening. In this case it was simple. When we were all dismissed, I lingered at the door and listened. It is a method I have adopted since I was a small child and is often efficacious. There was a sentry, but he did not mind.’

‘Dazzled by your beauty, of course.’

‘Naturally. Well I know what Piso has ordered and I have spoken to Lepidina and Vindex and no one else. We all think that you should go. Am I right in thinking that you were wondering about bludgeoning our noble tribune over the head instead of going? You see, I know you better than you think. You must go because it is our best hope of coming through this. And along with everything else you will take two letters. One is from Lepidina in case it ever can reach Cerialis. The other is from me to our girls. No need to pull that face. I am not wholly uncaring whatever you may think.’

‘I have never thought that.’ He stood up, then hesitated. ‘Why don’t you come with me? You are not a Silure, but—’

‘Thank the gods for that,’ she interrupted.

‘But you are a Sister and move well.’

Claudia Enica wiggled her hips and then became serious. ‘We cannot all go, and I cannot leave the others behind while I am safe.’

‘Safe? The odds are not good.’

‘Yet you want me to come? What sort of husband are you?’

‘A poor one,’ he said, stepping forward so that he could put his hands on her waist. ‘But I try my best.’

‘Hmmm,’ she murmured. ‘And you have not asked why I have not written a message for you.’

‘Because I rather hoped that you would…’ He stopped because she stood on her toes and kissed him.

‘That I would deliver it in person?’ she said after a moment. ‘Now there’s an idea.’

Ferox was mildly surprised that the old and poorly made table took the strain. The chair was a bit sturdier and even that creaked a good deal. The afternoon passed and as far as he could tell the Dacians did not attack.

‘We should get about our business,’ she said, and giggled when he deliberately misunderstood and the table was tested again. Later still, she sat on his lap, bare save for her boots.