I looked at Labienus consideringly as he bantered with Volumnia. His proposals were attractive. My heart was impatient for blood, but my head said that Labienus' way would be better in the long run for not only my spite but also for my career. It was good to hear that he thought I could take a consulship-- perhaps I really hadn't been climbing the Cursus Honorum all this time for nothing.

Smiling lopsidedly, I leaned toward Labienus and spoke to him softly.

"I like your ideas, and your way of doing things. I think at present it's best if our collaboration escapes the notice of the mighty, however. Caesar thinks he has me successfully isolated and I don't want him disillusioned. Therefore, I'd like it best if we could set up some covert means of communication at present, and put off any, erm, obvious alliances between us--" like a marriage of myself and your daughter, I thought but did not say-- "until I have taken office. That way, even if I do not remain entirely non-threatening, he will not make the connection between us or suspect us of collusion. Does that sound palatable to you?"

I took a sip of wine as I waited for his reply.