“You couldn’t be farther from the truth,” Julius lied.
“Mighty Rome built on Egypt’s gold.”
Caesar ignored this comment. He continued staring through the glass at the man on the bed, wishing he was like him, was him. He suddenly felt a great sadness come over him.
“We have a line of unbroken Kings descended from one Macedonian. From the first Ptolemy to my father Ptolemy Auletes. Twelve Ptolemies and now my brother, the thirteenth. My father died three years ago. It was he not Pompey who kept Egypt her independence. Do you know how much gold he had to pay Rome as a tribute just to keep his throne, even after his exile.?”
“Considerable!”
“Yes considerable amounts, but you Caesar, you supported my father did you not?”
Julius turned to face her again.
“Ten years ago when I was in Gaul, as a consul, I restored your father to his throne. I grieve his passing.”
“Or grieve the money he promised you.”
“It’s not about the money Cleopatra. It never was.”
“For Pompey it was. Did he not send Gabinius of Syria to collect his share. But Gabinius did not collect did he? So his soldiers deserted didn’t they. They married locals, became mercenaries.”
“Yes.”
“Are those the men that Pompey came looking for?”
“Yes.”
“To fight you with?”
“Yes.”
“But you would have beaten them.”
“Possibly. I hoped to reconcile with Pompey.”
“They thought killing him would please you didn’t they? But it didn’t did it?”
“No.”
“To be like Alexander would please you wouldn’t it?”
Julius turned back to the gold clad figure.
“Yes.”
Cleopatra now hoped her timing was right.
“What about us?”
He looked at her, open mouthed.
“Us?”
She took his hand in both of hers.
“Yes. Us. You and I together Caesar, ruling Egypt, the Roman world, the Mediterranean.
He threw his head back and laughed.
“Young lady may I remind you that just yesterday your entire life’s assets consisted of a pile of bed sheets and a servant called Apollodorus.”
He came in close and spoke to her like a man would a child.
“You have no throne, no wealth, no army.”
“But you do. Oh Caesar,” she said resting her head on his chest, “Make me sole ruler of Egypt and you will have her gold.”
“I’m afraid not. As I said before I am to be arbiter between you and your brother. I can only side with you if he acts against me.”
“Then let us hope he does.”
“And as for Egypt’s gold I can take that whenever I want.”
“For you or for Rome?”
“For Rome of course.”
“And you Caesar? What about you? What do you want? What would you take of Egypt?”
He looked down at her, lifting her chin with his hand to look into her eyes.
“Maybe her Queen.”
He kissed her hard on the mouth. She melted into his arms. Her breasts in the thin material pressed against his leather breastplate. Her tongue darting into his mouth stirred him considerably. The kiss was long and passionate. There was a polite cough from behind. Caesar pulled his mouth away and kissed her forehead, his eyes closed.
“I said I wasn’t to be disturbed.”
“I’m sorry Caesar. But the Egyptian army has reached the outskirts of the city.”
“I have to go,” Julius said to Cleopatra.
She nodded. He kissed her once more on the mouth. She held his hand as long as she could as he moved away. Dolabella waited patiently at the door. Caesar turned back to her.
“I will grant you your wish my love,” he said.
Then he turned and was gone.
CHAPTER FIVE
Pothinus was with king Ptolemy in the boy king’s office, standing to his right and behind the young monarch, looking over the child’s shoulder, supervising the signing of official documents.
The door opened, sounding very loud in the almost silent room. The only sound coming from the scribbling of the reed brush on papyrus as the youth made his mark.
Pothinus and Ptolemy both looked up in surprise as Cleopatra strode towards them wearing a long pink flowing dress and full head dress.
“Queen Cleopatra!” Pothinus started, “How? When? Did you get here?”
She said nothing and continued to approach them. An arrogant smirk on her face.
“Guards!” Pothinus called.
The sound of marching feet now echoed in the corridor. It was Pothinus who was now smirking.
“You have made a big mistake in coming here your majesty.”
Julius Caesar strode into the room. Four of his personal bodyguards in tow.
“Your guards have been dismissed Lord chancellor!” the Roman boomed.
Pothinus’ smirk vanished.
“Lord Caesar….”
Pothinus was lost for words, openly shocked at Cleopatra’s presence, here, now, in front of them.
“What is she doing here?” Ptolemy suddenly blurted out.
“She is your Queen is she not?”
Caesar’s Generals now filed into the room.
Pothinus was still staring open mouthed at Cleopatra.
“You have not answered my question Lord chamberlain. Is she your Queen or not?”
“Cleopatra has forfeited all of her rights mighty Caesar,” Pothinus answered, pleased that his voice sounded calm, “She did this when she turned her back on her brother and left the capital.”
“I will be the judge of that.”
“It is the truth.”
“Cleopatra has a different story to tell.”
Pothinus put on a brave smile but inside he was quaking.
“It is her word against ours. Three against one.”
“Sometimes the one is all that is needed.”
“Caesar may I remind you that your role here is one of arbiter only. We are very pleased to see Queen Cleopatra is safe and well and back among us. Perhaps we could discuss concessions for her. King Ptolemy would be only too pleased to….”
“I’m afraid not!” Caesar cut him off.
“Don’t you see,” Ptolemy whined, “He’s taken her side. The Romans have taken her side in this.”
“Is that true Caesar. Have you taken her side?”
“I am only interested in Rome’s affairs and have no interest in your petty squabbles. As you so rightly reminded me a moment ago I am merely the go between of your rulers.”
Pothinus smiled at this, his confidence lifted by these words.
“Thank you Caesar and may I say that we, I, am equally interested in Rome’s affairs. Your problems are ours,” Pothinus extended his hands, palms up, as a friendly gesture.
“Is that so?”
“I give you my word.”
Pothinus bowed low.
“I see. Then kindly explain why you have been inciting the citizens of this city to rise against your Roman visitors.”
These words rocked through Pothinus and he held the bow to try to keep his composure. He was still smiling when he straightened up.
“Who accuses me of this?”
“Do you deny the charge?”
“Rumours and lies spread by her,” he pointed his finger at Cleopatra, “And her followers.”
“Did they make up lies when you murdered my son-in-law Pompey the great?”
“I had no hand in his death.”