Nathan left Caesar's chamber with measured steps, the echo of the dictator's command still lingering in his ears.
Kill Crassus.
Of course, Nathan had no intention of obeying. Caesar's words were poison wrapped in silk, and Nathan was neither gullible enough nor desperate enough to swallow them whole. The truth was simpler: he had maneuvered Caesar into a corner, forcing his hand against Crassus. A dangerous man had just become an even bigger target. Now, all that remained was to plant the right seeds on Crassus's side, to steer him toward the reality that Caesar sought his downfall.
Nathan only hoped Crassus would recognize the truth before it was too late. The man clung too tightly to peace, blind to the daggers closing in around him. If he didn't act, he would be killed—and his daughter's fate would be even worse.
"Septimius!"
