The great man and his wife sit before Cimber. Timidly, and with mixed emotion, he approaches them.

“Hail Caesar”, he stammers with a bow of his head and the raising of his right hand followed by an even lower bow to the Lady of the house. “Please forgive me for intruding so early, I wanted to deliver the news before your clients start petitioning you. I’m sure the lists will be long as you prepare to leave for Partha.”

Caesar, always eager to handle the task at hand, welcomes his guest with a gentle smile. His interest is peaked. More then petty honors are at stake now. “Come sit friend and tell us of this news.”

Cimber clears his throat. “Caesar is requested to attend the Senate meeting for the Ides of March. They wish to confer your title as king.” Cimber feels the lump in his throat as he swallows. The peoples of the East, savages that they are, only understand absolute rule. Is this a necessary step to tame the barbarians or a first step to a Roman monarchy? Maybe if Caesar’s ear wasn’t bent by the likes of Cleopatra, he would be more at ease.