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‘Indeed. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, girls. There are many ways in which a man can be intolerable.’

They nodded, mmm-hmming in agreement.

Claudia met Gia at the bottom of the stairs, as was their new tradition – a show to make it appear as if they did not share a bedroom. They conversed as if others were listening, which they usually were.

‘Good morning, Empress,’ Gia said.

‘Good morning, Gia,’ replied Claudia.

‘Here it is, at long last,’ said Gia. ‘Today is the big day, the arrival of your beloved.’

‘Hurrah,’ said Claudia, in a flat voice.

‘Are you giddy with girlish glee?’

‘I am, indeed, buoyant with joy. Can you not tell?’

They dared to sneak a flirtatious look.

‘Prince Darius won’t be able to take his eyes off you,’ said Gia, though her smile faltered.

They were quickly surrounded by advisors, guards, soldiers and senators, all talking about the incoming prince. Hieronymus shuffled over, followed by Damocles and the usual rainbow of palace advisors.

‘Prince Darius is less than an hour away,’ said Hieronymus. ‘So far, all is well between his party and the military escort. Hopefully, the rest of his journey will be equally uneventful.’

‘Wonderful,’ said Claudia, though there was nothing she wanted less at this precise moment. ‘And where is Marcellus?’

‘He was meant to return after meeting the Legate, but he has yet to materialize,’ said Damocles.

His absence was surprising.

‘Has he not been reporting to you daily?’ asked Claudia. ‘That is what you told me, Hieronymus.’

‘Your cousin has been called away on an urgent matter,’ said Hieronymus in irritation. ‘Do not concern yourself with it.’

‘But I am concerned,’ said Claudia. ‘What urgent matter?’

‘There has been a development, with the missing legion,’ said Hieronymus. ‘All is in hand.’

‘You’d think the empress would be the first person to know. Are you to tell me that he has left Rome?’

‘It is far more important that you focus on the imminent arrival of the prince,’ said Damocles. ‘We believe him to be an ally but we cannot be sure. You must stay vigilant.’

Claudia sighed and set her shoulders in resignation. They would discuss her mysteriously missing cousin later.

‘What is left for me to do?’ she asked.

‘It is all planned,’ said Damocles. ‘The throne room is set up to receive him. There will be music, wine, dancers and appetizers. You’ll present him with gifts, and he will do the same.’

‘Gifts?’ she said.

‘Livestock, olive oil, salt, copper, gems. A selection of local treasures. His riders have given us his demands, and they are fair. All is arranged ahead of time. You’ll talk briefly to confirm the terms of your planned engagement and recommit to peace at the Parthian border before embarking on the day’s events. Tomorrow, his advisors shall meet with yours to begin formal negotiations.’

Claudia swallowed. These ‘negotiations’ would certainly involve her marital status.

‘I will also be in attendance today, of course, to converse with the prince’s advisor,’ said Damocles. ‘You may also choose one of your guards for protection, as will he.’

‘Gia,’ said Claudia, seeking her out. ‘I choose Gia.’