With a slight gesture, Julius summoned Domitius from another knot of conversation. Senator Cassius saw the movement and came bustling over first, determined that Julius’s slightest whim should be met. He had been honored by the arrival of the general and Julius found the constant attention flattering, as it was intended to be. The man was as slender as a youth and bore himself well amongst the guests. Julius had encouraged him with subtle compliments and felt sure the senator would be one of those returning to the new government. If the others who had stayed were as amenable, Julius thought the elections would go very smoothly indeed. The Senate house could well be filled with his supporters.

He had intended to discuss the women with Domitius, but with Cassius there, Julius addressed him instead, choosing his words carefully. “I have been away for too long to know which of your guests are unmarried, Cassius.” Julius hid his smile by sipping his wine as he saw the senator’s interest sharpen.

“Are you considering an alliance, General?” Cassius asked, watching him closely.

Julius hesitated only for a moment. Perhaps it was the excitement he had felt since his return, or part of his sexual interest that night, but he was suddenly certain. “A man cannot live alone, and the company of soldiers does not meet every requirement,” he said, grinning.

Cassius smiled. “It will be a pleasure for me to arrange introductions for you. There is only a small selection here, though many are unpromised.”

“A good family, of course, and fertile,” Julius said.

Cassius blinked at the bluntness, and then nodded enthusiastically. He practically shook with the desire to spread the information and Julius watched as he searched for a way to take his leave without being rude.

Cassius found his solution in the slave messenger who entered the main room, moving quickly through the revelers toward Julius. The man was simply dressed and wore his iron ring to show his status, but to Julius’s eye he looked more like a bodyguard than a simple messenger. He had been around enough soldiers to know the manner and he felt Domitius prickle at the man’s approach, always wary as he had been trained to be.

As if sensing the discomfort his entrance had caused, the slave held up his hands to show he bore no weapons. “General, I have come from my mistress. She waits for you outside.”

“No name? Who is your mistress?” Julius asked.

The omission was interesting enough to halt even Cassius in the act of slipping back to the other guests. The slave blushed slightly. “She said you would remember the pearl, even if you had forgotten her. I am sorry, sir. Those are the words she gave me to say, if you asked.”