Lucius did not sleep that night. The weight of his next move loomed over him like a stormcloud, and in Rome, hesitation was often fatal.

  At dawn, he made his way toward the Forum, where the city was already stirring. Merchants barked their wares, politicians whispered in the shadows, and soldiers patrolled with calculated indifference. But Lucius was not here to trade or debate. He was here to observe.

  Senator Quintus Marcellus sat in his usual spot beneath the colonnade, surrounded by scribes and aides. His frail hands gestured as he spoke, his voice weathered by age but still carrying authority. He was respected, even admired, but admiration did not keep a man safe.

  Lucius leaned against a pillar, watching. Cassia had been right—Marcellus was not his enemy. And yet, the Senate had commanded his death.

  Was he truly ready to become a political assassin?

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  A soft voice interrupted his thoughts. “You look troubled.”

  Lucius turned to find Livia standing beside him, her lips curved in an amused smile. She was dressed in a deep red stola, her golden bracelets catching the morning light.

  “I did not expect to see you here,” he said.

  She tilted her head. “And yet, here I am. Rome is full of surprises.”

  Lucius studied her, sensing something beneath her playful tone. “You’re here for a reason.”

  Livia stepped closer, lowering her voice. “You should know that Marcellus is not without protection. If you plan to act against him, you will not walk away untouched.”

  Lucius frowned. “And how do you know this?”

  She smirked. “I make it my business to know things.”

  Lucius exhaled. “And what would you have me do?”

  Livia’s gaze darkened slightly. “You are playing a dangerous game, Lucius. But if you must play it, play it well. There are other ways to remove a man from power without spilling his blood.”

  Lucius considered her words. He had always been a soldier, a man of steel and blood—but Rome was not the battlefield. Here, power was taken with whispers, not swords.

  Perhaps it was time to change the rules.