Julius rose clumsily from the couch, overwhelmed by her. The idea of bringing the arrogant courtiers to their knees appealed to him. He thought of the extraordinarii and soldiers coming over from Asia Minor and wondered if they would arrive before his seven days were up.

“How many men do they have?” he said.

She smiled, unfolding her legs until her toes touched the bare marble floor.

Domitius and Octavian watched as Julius paced with new energy. He had not slept or taken time to shave, though the sun had risen over the city and the noise of trade and life came in through the high windows.

“This is not our struggle, Julius,” Octavian said, worried and upset. He could see the prospect of returning to Rome dwindling before him and had conceived an instant dislike for the woman who had brought the change.

“It is if I make it so,” Julius replied. “My word alone is reason enough.” He paused, wanting the younger man to understand. “If we intervene here, then perhaps one day this city will be part of our empire—and all of Egypt beyond it. Imagine that! Cities older than Greece and a pathway to the East.” His eyes were shining with the vision and Octavian knew there would be no turning him home.

“I assume her beauty has not affected your judgment,” Octavian said.

Julius set his jaw in anger, then shrugged. “I am not immune, but this is a chance to set the precedent of Roman interest. I could not have asked for a better chance than to cut the knots of their tangled politics. If the gods are on our side, they are Roman gods! It cries out to me, Octavian.”

“And Rome cries out for your return!” Octavian snapped, surprising them both. “You have won all your battles. It is time to return to the rewards, surely? The men are expecting your word on it.”

Julius rubbed his chin with his hand, looking suddenly weary.

“If I go back, I may never leave Rome again. I’ve grown too old to be planning new campaigns. But not old enough to fear one more for the right cause. How can I claim to bring the light of our civilization and then turn away from this? If we only look inward to our own affairs, the influence we have gained will be wasted.” He paused in front of Octavian, gripping him by the shoulder. “I intend to use the influence those years of battle have won for me. I would have you join me willingly, but if you cannot, you may return.”

“Without you?” Octavian said, knowing the answer. Julius nodded and Octavian sighed. “My place is at your right hand. If you say we must go on, I will be there, as I always have been.”