"We can be together," Remmao insisted. "There's a way."

He darted a look over his shoulder, and his thin black braids swung around his head. The tips brushed the thick gold collar adorning his shoulders. When he faced Licenius again, he blinked endless obsidian eyes, lined by royal coal, a mark of his status as Queen's scribe.

The same anxiety that made Remmao's voice a hushed whisper, kept Licenius on alert. As the Roman emissary to Egypt, his situation was precarious at best. Queen Cleopatra was dead, and in the wake of her demise, the political relationships she coveted were viewed skeptically by those left behind. Especially those who catered to her whims, like Licenius.

"Impossible," Licenius argued. "I can't stay in Egypt. You couldn't come with me to Rome safely, either."

Remmao's usually serious face relaxed into a smile. His lips appeared unnaturally rosy and Licenius wondered if he'd colored them with henna for his benefit. His gaze lowered, appreciating the sculpted bare chest glowing bronze in the desert heat, and the pleated white linen skirt that displayed Remmao's finely honed calves to their best advantage.

"I have methods to protect us. It means leaving this and all family behind forever. Do you trust me?" Remmao asked.

If he'd asked the question mere weeks ago, Licenius would have drawn his sword and held it at the other man's throat. A lot had changed in short order. Now all he wanted was to layer kisses on that fine neck.

The attraction had been there from the beginning. The love was new. Did he trust Remmao? He was starting to. Trust was something to be earned. Remmao was an honest man, to be sure. Did he trust Remmao with his life in the midst of a political upheaval that would sooner see him dead? Well, he supposed he did, or he wouldn't have agreed to meet Remmao along the reedy banks of the Nile near the inlet.

"I trust you," Licenius told him.

Remmao's smile shone a brilliant white. "I'll take care of everything, and we will be together. I promise."

Remmao curled his fingers into Licenius' tunic at his waist. Licenius grinned, knowing he was about to get kissed by his very own Egyptian god. Remmao lifted his lips. Licenius accepted, wondering if there'd finally be a moment for a reedy tumble before Remmao undertook his mysterious plan for their future together.

The reddish henna felt slippery beneath Licenius' lips. Remmao pulled away before Licenius could deepen the kiss. Traces of bitterness lingered on his lips. Licenius licked them.

Remmao's face grew serious, his eyes sad. "When I left, the palace guards were rounding up the Roman merchants and dignitaries. They'll be here any minute. I will join you when it's safe for you to wake, my love. Forgive me."

"Forgive y--?" Licenius' mouth went slack. His ears rang as his vision went black. What have you done, Remmao? His question went unasked and unanswered, lingering only in his sluggish mind as the world blackened to pitch, and the ground raced up to meet him.