Let's Kill Caesar

14: Cicero Wins a Bet

Endymion snarled as the drapes were thrust open. 

"Get up, it's a beautiful day cousin!"

"Cato. What the fuck are you doing here?"

The young senator sat up with a groggy glare. Cato was leaning in the doorway, chin lifted. 

"Cicero told me you're running for a magistracy. I thought we'd get started."

"We?" Endymion rubbed his eyes. Cato nodded and proceeded to wrench away the bedsheets. 

"Iovita! It's fucking cold!"

"I know. You should get dressed into something warm if we are to begin."

Endymion chuckled dryly. "Right. Again, we won't be doing anything. - I didn't even tell you about this!"

Cato snorted, planting his hands on his hips. "Okay. I just thought you could use some help. You know, since your only ally is Valerian Cassius - which is a problem by the way."

"You sound just like Antony."

Iovita scoffed. "Compare me to him and I'll make sure to get you in Clodius' sights."

Endymion groaned and pulled the sheets back. "Just leave. It's bloody early."

And I don't want to deal with responsibilities today. Cato merely laughed, eyes smoky with impatience. "I'm serious Endymion. You want to be successful, don't you?"

The youth sighed and dropped the sheets. "I'll be ready in five."

Iovita smiled and nodded curtly. "Fantastic."

Endymion watched his cousin leave, a pit in his stomach. He didn't let himself sit and think. He didn't need time to sabotage himself. Endymion rose from his bed hesitantly and trailed to his wardrobe. It seemed the gods were greatly opposed to him enduring a peaceful day. So be it.

He began to flick through his clothes, fingers latching to the fabrics. Endymion began to change into jeans and a sweater when Cato called through the door, "Dress sharp! You're a senator!"

"Of course. Fuck me," Endymion grumbled throwing his jeans to the side. 

Endymion dug out a double-breasted grey suit, a turquoise dress shit and navy tie beneath. He slipped on his black leather loafers, folded the cuffs of his sleeves. Endymion knew the drill. With pursed lips he gently combed his hair, carefully avoiding the chance of stray hairs with a dab of oil. The cuffs of his shirt were folded back. Eyebrows plucked a little. Jasmine and honey scented perfume was rubbed into his wrists, behind each ear. 

Cato came in after a few minutes and examined him. Endymion flinched as Iovita pinched his cheeks hard. "Hey!"

His cousin pouted, crossing his arms. "You need colour in those cheeks - can't have them thinking you're sickly."

Cato tapped his foot paying no heed to the panic creeping onto Endymion's face. "Them? Cato, what's this plan of yours?"

"Don't get your knickers in a knot, it's only a few people. Entirely private."

"Fucking Hades, Iovita!" Endymion pulled at his face, heart sinking. "I thought we were going to-to talk strategy or something!"

"We are," Iovita rolled his eyes and leaned against the wall, fingers fiddling with his elephant lapel pin. "I just thought it would be better for you to mingle. Make some allies, seeming as you basically have zero."

I have Bastian. You just don't like him. And he might not like me anymore either. Fuck. Endymion swallowed anxiously. "Who did you round up?"

"No one scary, I promise. Just a couple friends."