“I do not trust Panek,” Ptolemy whispered aloud, his gaze on the warriors in the distance.

“We have to send you out,” Julius said. “Your army must see you alive. As proof of our good faith, you must be released. Panek is not a fool. He knows you have been united with your sister. He would not dare hold you. I would see him dead and he knows it.”

Gently, he put a hand on Ptolemy’s shoulder and began moving him toward the doorway. The young king reached up with a jerk and grabbed Julius’s hand in his own.

“He cannot be trusted! The agreements will mean nothing to him, I know it. If you send me out, I will be powerless once more. Let me remain and we will find another way.”

Gently, Julius removed the boy’s hands. “We are running out of food, Ptolemy, and I gave my word that you would be released. The negotiations are over.” His voice became harder. “Now do your part and I will see you on your throne later today. First you must be given back to your people.”

Tears streamed down Ptolemy’s face and he held Julius’s arm with desperation. “You don’t understand! Out there, I will be the king once more. I am afraid!”

Julius looked away, embarrassed for the sobbing boy. Where was Cleopatra? She had a way with her young brother that calmed his spirits. Julius was on the point of calling for her when Ptolemy wiped angrily at his tears and let his grip loosen.

“I will go out to them,” he said.

Julius saw terror in his eyes and could not understand it. No matter what Panek intended, Ptolemy would be safe for the few hours it took to return him to his palace and then bring Cleopatra out with the legions.

“Courage, lad,” Julius said softly, giving Ptolemy the slightest push.

The king took in a great heave of breath and squared his shoulders, his hand dropping to touch the hilt of his sword as he had seen the Romans do. He nodded once and walked out into the sun.

The army cheered as they saw his slight figure at the top of the steps. They raised their arms in perfect unison and Julius wondered if these were indeed better soldiers than the ones he had faced on palace duty. Even from the elevation of the doorway, he could not estimate their full number.

Brutus came to stand by his side with Octavian, each man carefully ignoring the presence of the other. With Julius, they watched Ptolemy descend the steps and make his way to the first ranks of men. Panek was there, waiting for him with his head bowed.

Horns blew in a crash of sound as Ptolemy reached them, and Julius and the others watched in fascination as the lines of men parted.

“What’s happening?” Octavian asked.

Julius shook his head in answer.