Page 105

Claudia scowled, fury branding her neck red.

‘You know where the door is, Hieronymus,’ she said.

‘Excuse me?’ he said.

‘If you object so strenuously, you’re welcome to leave.’

‘You need me,’ he said. ‘Who else would agree to serve you?’

‘Your employment is merely a kindness to the old man I remember from my childhood. A familiar face, that’s what you are, Hieronymus. Nothing more. You are certainly not here for your great wisdom or efficiency. Perhaps I’ll choose a woman to advise me instead.’

‘I didn’t think you could possibly be madder than your brother, but you have surprised me,’ he said.

Claudia’s temper snapped.

‘Go. You are banished from the palace.’

He stared at her, reddening, his face contorting with rage.

‘We will see what the Senate has to say about this.’

The elder man shuffled away, bristling in rage.

No one dared to speak for a full minute, before Damocles sheepishly raised his hand like a schoolboy.

‘Empress, if I might say – moving too far and too fast would be a mistake. Change must come slowly, or the people will revolt.’

‘Why is it such a world-changing notion, that women might represent the people? Are they incapable of sitting in the curia and bickering, as the male senators do?’ she said.

‘I did not say that,’ said Damocles. ‘Personally, I would enjoy having a woman or two on the benches.’

‘A woman or two?’

‘To begin with,’ he said, raising one finger cautiously. ‘Let’s not go crazy. But the process of being nominated, as it stands, would disqualify any woman who wishes to stand.’

‘That is exactly the problem,’ said Claudia.

‘You are already out of favour with the people. This would certainly be pushing the limit,’ he said.

‘The people may not like me, but at least I can distract them with bread and circuses,’ she said.

‘Meaning?’

‘I have been thinking about it all night, and I’ve come up with what I think is an enterprising plan.’

Damocles readied himself with a sigh. ‘Go on.’

‘We will create a new public holiday, to make the announcement,’ said Claudia. ‘I will consult with the priestess of the Cult of Diana. I gather that Meditrina, the patron goddess of wine, doesn’t have a festival yet. We shall dedicate a day to her. We’ll host ceremonial games, at the Circus Maximus: gladiator battles and chariot races. All of the usual sacrifices and rituals. I’ll make an appearance with the prince and give the impression that we’ll confirm our union soon. That will distract people from the rumours. It will be a suitably celebratory occasion. By the time I make my proclamation, the public may be in a more altruistic mood. I’ll make sure everyone is merry before I… What did Hieronymus say? “Upend the very structure of society”? Well, that is exactly what I intend to do.’

‘Then it shall be so, Empress,’ said Damocles. ‘Though I must warn you that you will have a thousand knives pointed at your back.’

‘I already do.’ She stood, straightening her shoulders with steely determination. ‘That is all for now.’

Out in the courtyard, Gia and Claudia stared into the burbling fountain with its frolicking water nymphs.

‘You weren’t kidding when you said you would do something drastic,’ Gia said, shaking her head slightly.

‘An empress must live a little dangerously.’