Caratacus pulled Vespasian to his feet. ‘Lift him; we must get him out of here.’
Vespasian did as he was told, unthinkingly knowing that was the right thing to do.
‘Father?’ Titus mumbled.
‘You’ll be all right; I knocked the cup away before you drank too much and you’ve had the whole antidote.’
‘Who said you can leave?’ Nero shouted, his laughter dying.
‘With your permission I’m taking them into my care, Princeps,’ Caratacus said, helping to lift Titus. ‘As you showed mercy to me so I beg you show mercy to this son of Rome. Rome’s lost one son already today; do not make her lose a second.’
Without waiting for an answer Vespasian hauled Titus to his feet and, with the help of his one-time mortal enemy, dragged his son from the room, away from the Golden Emperor.