“It is time, Julia. I will be leaving and I want you moved to a place of greater safety.”

“He has landed?” she asked.

Pompey frowned and searched her eyes. “Yes. Your father made it through my fleet.”

“You will destroy him,” she said and without warning kissed her husband hard on the mouth. He flushed in pleased surprise.

“I will,” he said, smiling. The heart of a woman was ever a mystery to him, he thought, but his wife had accepted her new loyalty without pain or argument. She was a fitting mother to his son.

“And Brutus? You will use him?”

“As soon as I am certain, I will set him free to wreak havoc where he can. You were right about his extraordinarii, Julia. The man works best when he is not too tightly tied into the chain of command. I gave him two more cohorts.”

Gently, Julia placed her son on the ground and pushed him away. She stepped closer to her husband and enfolded him in a passionate embrace. She allowed her hand to slip down toward his groin and he jumped, laughing.

“Gods, I haven’t the time!” he said, raising her hand to his lips. “You have grown more beautiful in Greece, wife. The air suits you well.”

“You suit me,” she said.

Despite his worries, he looked pleased. “Now have your slaves gather whatever you’ll need.”

Her smile faltered. “Surely I am safe here?” she said. “I would not like to be moved to a strange place at this time.”

Pompey blinked in confusion. “What are you talking about?” he demanded, suddenly impatient.

She forced herself to reach out to him again, taking his hand in hers. “You will be a father once more, Pompey. I would not risk the child.”

Her husband’s face changed slowly as he took this in and considered. He eyed her figure. “It does not show.”

“Not yet, but you could be in the field for months. It will.”

He nodded, coming to a quick decision. “Very well. This city is far from any fighting, after all. I just wish I could persuade the Senate to stay here with you, but they insist on accompanying the legions.”

The thought of having the Senate to question every order was enough to smother even the happiness of her news, Julia saw.

“You must have their support, at least for the moment,” she said.

He raised his eyes in exasperation. “It is a high price, Julia, believe me. Yet your father has been elected consul once again and I am forced to bend to the will of those fools. They know I need them now, that is the problem.” He sighed. “You will have the company of their families, at least. I will leave another century to keep you safe. Now, promise me you’ll not stay if there is any danger. You are too precious to me to risk in this.”

She kissed him again. “I promise.”