“Be silent then, Panek. I am not here to speak with you,” Julius said. A babble of noise came from behind him and he heard Porphiris take a sharp breath. Julius ignored him, facing Ptolemy.

“My people are indeed a young nation, as Alexander’s was when he came here,” Julius began. To his astonishment, every single head in the chamber bowed briefly at the mention of the name.

Panek spoke again before Julius could continue, “We honor the god who began this great city. His mortal flesh lies here as a mark of our love for him.”

Julius let the silence stretch as he glared at Panek. The man returned his gaze with placid blankness, as if he had no memory of Julius’s command. Julius shook his head to clear it of the fumes of incense. He could not seem to summon the words he had intended to say. Alexander a god?

“A Roman consul came here before me,” he said. “By what right was his life taken?”

There was silence then and the gold figure of the king was as still as his statues. Panek’s gaze seemed to sharpen and Julius thought he had irritated him at last.

“The petty troubles of Rome are not to be brought to Alexandria. This is the word of the king,” Panek said, his voice booming around the hall. “Your armies and your wars have no place here. You have the head of your enemy as Ptolemy’s gift.”

Julius stared hard at Ptolemy and saw the king blink. Was he nervous? It was difficult to judge behind the heavy gold. After a moment, Julius let his anger show. “You dare to call the head of a consul of Rome a gift, Panek? Will you answer me, Majesty, or let this painted thing speak for you?”

The king shifted uncomfortably and Julius saw Panek’s hand drop to Ptolemy’s shoulder, as if in warning. Now all trace of calm had vanished from the oiled face. Panek spoke as if the words burned his mouth.

“The hospitality you have been offered extends for only seven days, Consul. After that, you will board your ships and leave Alexandria.”

Julius ignored Panek, his eyes firmly on the gold mask. Ptolemy did not move again and after a time Julius looked away in fury. He could feel the anger of the guards around him and cared nothing for it.

“Then we have nothing more to say. Your Majesty, it has been an honor.”

Julius turned away abruptly, surprising Porphiris so that he had to hurry to catch him before the far doors.

As they closed behind him, Porphiris deliberately blocked his path. “Consul, you have a talent for making enemies,” he said.

Julius did not speak and after a moment Porphiris sagged under his stare.

“If the king considers you have insulted him, your men will not be allowed to live,” Porphiris said. “The people will tear you apart.”