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‘All of that, and more. I need not share every opinion and pastime with someone to enjoy their company.’

Praetorian guards charged in and escorted some of the hecklers out of the building, but the ripples of the disruption continued to move through the audience.

‘I can see why she might be impressed by you, being rich and famous as you are, after all those years we spent looking up at your mural,’ said Cassius, with a note of disgust. ‘But what could an empress want with my little sister from Pompeii?’

‘You do her no justice,’ said Claudia. ‘She has many qualities that I find admirable. She’s braver than most men. She is caring and funny and speaks her mind. She is my favourite person.’

They climbed the stairs towards the imperial box, where the prince waited, watching them curiously from afar.

‘I know her value,’ said Cassius, ‘but what value does she have to the woman who rules the world?’

‘It’s true, we are different, and yet, at our core, we are the same. What about that bothers you so?’

‘She’s in danger here. You’d have her sacrificed for your safety, like any other soldier in your legions.’

‘Her safety is of great concern to me.’

‘That’s the job. That’s literally the job, as your guardian, to lay down her life for you if required.’

Claudia bristled, annoyed that he saw their relationship in such stark shades of black and white.

‘You are interfering,’ she said.

‘I’m her brother,’ he said. ‘I’m meant to protect her, especially now it’s just the two of us.’

Decimus flashed horribly through her mind.

‘In my experience, brothers tend to think they own their sisters like property and have the right to dictate how they conduct themselves.’

Perhaps that was too blunt. Decimus wasn’t the ordinary sort of brother. She was sure Cassius was better than him. It wouldn’t be hard.

‘Not us. I don’t tell Gia what to do,’ he said. ‘Unlike you.’

‘I’m not forcing her to be here either. She is her own person.’

‘She is in your thrall,’ he said, staring at her as if seeking to understand. ‘She is obsessed with you. I don’t know what you have said or done to make her so loyal but it’s not healthy, if you ask me.’

Saluting soldiers parted to let them into the enclosed, private area reserved for her and her party.

‘I don’t think Gia would be happy with you speaking for her, as if she does not have her own mind and volition,’ said Claudia, in a low tone.

‘I know. She wouldn’t. I’m just a fool, letting my mouth run away from me, but I was given a second chance at life and I intend to do the most with it. You can have me punished for it, if you must.’

‘It’s all right, Cassius. I meant what I said before. The palace is your home too, if you want it to be. Maybe, in time, I can convince you that my power will protect both you and Gia alike.’

‘We’ll see about that.’

‘For now, if you could please turn your mind to the prince. Remember, you are here to befriend him, to earn his trust and confidence. Do it for Gia’s protection, if not mine.’

Cassius gave a jerky nod in answer.

‘As you will,’ he said.

Claudia took her seat next to Darius, in the utmost centre of the theatre. Their combined staff surrounded them, forming a wall of people that separated them from the rest of the audience, though they left just enough room for them to see the stage.

‘Good afternoon, Darius,’ she said.

‘Empress.’