‘However,’ Narcissus continued, ‘such a rapid progression through the ranks is bound to raise a few eyebrows and ruffle a few feathers, eh? Emperor Claudius is always mindful of the need not to upset those in the military, some of whom are not as loyal as they should be. The murder of his predecessor is eloquent proof of that. Which means that you present him with something of a difficulty.’

‘What do you mean?’

Narcissus stared at him for a moment, and smiled. ‘You’re an intelligent fellow, Cato. I know I don’t need to spell it out for you, but since you would derive some satisfaction from forcing me to be blunt then I will be.’

‘That would be appreciated.’

‘It would not be wise to confirm your promotion at present, particularly since it is your intention to return to Rome to wed that lovely daughter of Sempronius. Your presence in the capital would cause jealousy. There are plenty of other senators with protégés they are seeking to advance.’

Cato listened with an increasing sense of bitterness. This was his reward for the sacrifices made in the service of the Emperor and Rome. An expression of gratitude and, no doubt, demotion to the rank of centurion. With that would disappear his automatic elevation to the equestrian class. He could well imagine how reluctant Sempronius would be to permit his daughter to marry so far beneath her. It was true that the senator had offered some encouragement to their relationship after the siege of Palmyra, but that was a very different setting to the cut and thrust of Roman social and political life. Cato’s demotion would be seen as a mark of official disfavour, even if he had the private gratitude of Narcissus and Emperor Claudius. All the plans that Cato had made for his future with Julia began to crumble in his mind. Cato cleared his throat.

‘Have these protégés served Rome as well as I?’

‘No, they haven’t, but then Sempronius is not nearly as influential as the other senators. You see my difficulty. Trust me, I don’t want to stand in the way of your promotion, and your future happiness.’ He winked. ‘But there are political realities that need to be addressed. That is the nature of my job. I would not be serving the Emperor well if I acted without regard for the wider picture.’

‘So you will not be confirming my promotion.’

‘Not for the present. Perhaps when you are a safe distance from Rome, and far from the public eye.’

‘You mean that I cannot remain in Rome and take the promotion.’

Narcissus was silent for a moment, then nodded.

Cato let out a long, weary sigh. ‘Very well, find me a posting, somewhere I won’t embarrass you, and not so far from Rome, nor so uncomfortable, that Julia will not wish to come with me.’