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truth.’
    â€˜In Claudius’ case I think it’s more because he’s got such an overinflated opinion of his own abilities that he can’t believe anyone would prefer someone else to him, even though he’s a fool that drools.’
    Magnus considered this for a few moments. ‘I suppose he reckons his saliva-dripping ruttings to be the height of prowess.’
    â€˜Yes, and I expect Messalina is intelligent enough not to disabuse him of that notion. Who won, by the way?’
    â€˜What? Oh, Messalina by one, with a score of twenty-five in twenty-four hours, each one completely exhausted.’
    â€˜Well, I suppose it keeps her occupied and her thoughts away from Flavia and the children.’
    Vespasian had been living in constant fear for his wife and two children, Titus and Domitilla, since Claudius had requested thatthey live in the palace, ostensibly so that Titus could be educated alongside his own son, Britannicus. However, Vespasian knew it was not the real reason – that was far more sinister. The Emperor had been manoeuvred into making the offer by Messalina’s brother, Corvinus. Having made an enemy of Corvinus almost ten years previously, before his sister had become the Empress, Vespasian and Sabinus had then helped Narcissus, Claudius’ most influential freedman, foil Corvinus’ attempt to hijack the invasion of Britannia for his and his sister’s personal gain. Claudius had not believed Corvinus had been plotting against him and had pardoned him, leaving Vespasian exposed to his continued hatred. In revenge and to demonstrate the power that he held over Vespasian, Corvinus had persuaded Claudius to invite Vespasian’s family to the palace: at any time they chose, Corvinus and Messalina could dispose of Flavia and the children. Claudius had been only too pleased to make the offer, thinking that he was conferring an honour on one of his victorious legates rather than putting him at the mercy of the ambitious and unscrupulous Corvinus and his depraved, power-mad sister.
    â€˜I’ve got letters for you, including one from Flavia,’ Magnus said.
    Vespasian grimaced. ‘The only time she writes nowadays is when she needs more money.’
    â€˜I did warn you about marrying a woman with expensive tastes. Anyway you must be doing well out of the invasion; that was a lot of captives you got today.’
    â€˜Yes, but the slave-traders are constantly lowering the price they pay for them claiming that we’re flooding the market.’ Vespasian raised his eyebrows incredulously.
    â€˜Whereas you think that they’re lying and just taking a bigger percentage for themselves?’
    â€˜Wouldn’t you?’
    â€˜Of course I would.’
    â€˜And they’re probably paying Plautius a cut to make sure that he doesn’t look too closely into their dealings.’
    â€˜If they’re sensible; and if he’s sensible he’s taking it. What are you going to do about it?’
    â€˜I’m not sure yet; it’s very difficult to put any pressure on them as they stay so far behind the lines, nice and safe and surrounded by bodyguards.’
    â€˜Then draw them out; don’t send the captives back to them, make them come to you to assess them.’
    â€˜I thought about that but they’ll just offer less per slave because they’ll claim, with some justification, that their overheads are higher as they have further to transport their stock.’
    Magnus scratched the rough grey stubble on his chin, sucking air through his teeth. ‘I see your point; it would seem you’re stuck with the situation.’
    â€˜Oh, I’ll have them – somehow; don’t worry about that.’
    Magnus’ scarred and battered face creased into a grin in the dim lamplight. ‘I’m sure you will; I know it pains you being cheated out of money almost as much as it pains you to spend it. You must’ve been in