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‘It’s the only solution. Step aside gracefully and you will remain at the palace as my consort,’ said Marcellus.

‘Your consort?’

‘I will still need a wife, and the public already knows you. It will enable a smooth transition. As ruler, you won’t hold on for much longer. We can all see that you are struggling.’

He gestured around the room, opening his arms, to a chorus of muted agreement.

‘A woman simply isn’t suited for the position. But you will make a fine enough empress as my consort. The people will forgive your foolish errors, in time. Step aside and Rome will no longer be your problem. Wouldn’t that be a relief?’

Some small part of her yearned for it, pleaded for it. She could take Gia and run, escape her responsibilities and the expectations of the goddesses, but what kind of leader would she be? What kind of example would she set to other women?

She looked to Gia.

This was their duty now – for better, or worse. If they gave up, these men would inherit the earth once more.

‘Say what you will,’ she said firmly. ‘Do what you will. I’ll not change my mind.’

‘Are you sure? You and your friend will be safer, this way.’ Marcellus looked at Gia, pointedly. ‘I can’t promise to protect her, if you are unwilling,’ he said.

Claudia swallowed, her mouth sand dry.

She had to be brave. She would not live in shame and cowardice. If she was going to die, she would not die under a bed of lies.

‘I refuse,’ she said.

‘What say you, Damocles?’ asked Marcellus. ‘You support our union, don’t you?’

Damocles made a non-committal noise.

‘You’re an intelligent man. You know what is best… Convince the empress here to go ahead with it,’ said Marcellus.

Damocles looked to Claudia, as she remembered what he’d said about playing both sides.

‘If you think I can convince her of anything, you have not been paying attention,’ he huffed.

He was loyal only to the Senate, and the Senate would fall in line with her cousin.

‘You can do better than that,’ said Marcellus.

‘She will not listen to me.’

‘Come on, man. I thought you and I had an understanding. Tell her we must be wed, for her own benefit.’

‘I am sorry, but I cannot,’ said Damocles, to her surprise.

‘Why not?’

‘Because she does not desire it. As of right now, she is still my empress. If she says no, it means no.’

Claudia gave him a tiny nod of gratitude.

‘If you cannot do the right thing and stand by me as your fellow man, then… you will no longer be consul.’

‘You don’t have that power,’ said Damocles.

‘Don’t I?’

General Aquinas nodded at two soldiers nearby, who detained Damocles, holding him in place.