Let's Kill Caesar

16: I'll See you then, Asshole

As Ursus laid down the platters of sticky ham, cherry tomatoes, grilled halloumi and leafy salads, Endymion wondered if fantasising about the enemy was a betrayal. He hoped not, that was ninety percent of his dreams. 

"I saw Cato collect you this morning."

Endymion swallowed a small mouthful of ham as Dominicus stared him down across the table. "He's helping with my campaign."

Endymion flinched as his mother laughed softly. "He never offered to aid Aelius - I imagine he sees that you are ill-equipped." 

Here we go. He shoved in a bite of bitter salad. Endymion could let the insults roll over him - he wasn't kidding himself this time around. He focused on the spice of the vinegar, kick of pepper grounds and sweetness of lemon, all dancing on his tongue.

"Tell me, what did Cato suggest? Surely he mentioned strategies even you could use?"

Endymion gulped down the food, delicately wiped the corners of his mouth with a napkin. "He introduced me to some comrades, possible allies."

Dominicus and Mira froze, backs straightening. Mira hissed, "Allies? What allies?"

"No one important," Endymion drawled, struggling to hold back a smirk. "Just some of Cato's friends."

"Who?" Dominicus's green eyes widened, his teeth bared with necessity. Lie. 

"Trust me, no one of repute." Only the greatest war hero of our age. And Cicero. 

His father's lips twisted thoughtfully but no challenge came. Either Endymion was a fabulous liar or his parents seriously lacked belief in him. Probably the latter. 

He could feel the unflinching fire of Mira's stare still on him. Trying to figure him out, make him confess. Lucky Endymion was all too conscious of her fatal flaw. He felt all the air leave his lungs as he ground out, "Any news of Aelius?"

Bingo. Mira lost focus, words instantly tumbling out. "Yes. He has been pursuing the Athenian resistance and has been incredibly successful. Of course Rome expected nothing less." 

Dominicus chuckled. "They say he is the second coming of Alexander the Great. The soldiers praise him like a demigod, the allies chant his name even in Sparta! Taming Athens is no easy feat." 

Endymion's stomach flipped, hands brushing the scars rippling across his ears. "Wow. Maybe he will remain in Greece." Wouldn't that be great.

Mira scoffed, exchanging a glance with her husband. 

"Nonsense," Dominicus spat, "Not with a Triumph at hand."

He hated himself as bitter disappointment came over his thoughts. Endymion should be grateful - Aelius was keeping the Brutus name relevant, offering up power. But the notion of what it would mean was fucking terrifying. To see the people of Rome paint his brother's face, shroud him in the trappings of Jupiter...how was Endymion ever to make a name for himself? You keep those promises. 

"That reminds me," Dominicus gobbled through a mouthful of halloumi, "The Senate has been summoned to meet tomorrow." 

Endymion froze, the food in his mouth souring. "It has?"

"Mmhm." His father chewed like a pig. "That Octavius issued it. A bold move following his manner in the comitium."

Oh Bast. You're playing with fire. Endymion set down his fork and pushed out of his chair. "Excuse me, I have work to do."

Before his parents could argue he fled the room. Endymion could hear them muttering to one another as he staggered down the hall, his heart heavy with anxiety. Probably wishing their other son would burst through the door and take his place. 

All Endymion could picture was Bastian's hopeless face, the fear in his eyes as he gushed about his terrible mistake. And yet he's done this. The young senator didn't look back as he snatched up his keys and scampered outside. 

Endymion raced down the street, unlocking the little red car parked on the curb. He slid neatly into the front seat, fingers jabbing in the keys, pulling off the handbrake. The joystick glided into drive and Endymion's foot stamped down on the accelerator. 

He needed to get away, talk to someone helpful. Too much was at stake and his composure breaking in front of his parents was too perilous to risk. He had enough to worry about. 

Endymion swerved as the street ended, tyres rumbling against the tarmac of an old path. The road rage of the city was the last thing he needed. Besides, his gut told him to seek a friend, not crappy coffee worth a denarius. The street was on the abandoned sector of Rome; untouched and preserved for the point of history. 

Crumbling villas of dead houses covered in ivy and patches of moss. Relics of bloody ends. When Endymion was a child a pair of Consuls had attempted to revive the place, transform it into a proud memory. Then they saw the bloodstains. 

A few of the stone blocks were smeared with graffiti - the usual dicks and balls vandals seemed to adore. A rather large phallus was painted in emerald green, an uncomely message - no pun intended - from Endymion's brother. He was always careless like that. 

Endymion's foot pressed harder on the accelerator. His eyes fixed on the horizon. A flock of birds soared overhead, feathers shining in the sunshine. "What will the Augurs say of them?"

Endymion chuckled to himself softly. Ah, to be an Augur; confidant of the gods, messenger of the divine. Surely examining the gods' birds wasn't that complicated? Idiot. 

Endymion jumped, car pulling over to the side as his phone began to ring. He wasted no time; handbrake was pulled up, car set to stop. Endymion snatched up the device and pressed it to his ear. "Hello?"

"Hey Endy. I've been thinking about your campaign."

His body relaxed. Valerian. Thank the gods. 

"Have you? You need some hobbies."

"Ha. Ha." Endymion could practically see the eye roll as Valerian answered tiredly, "You're infuriating. Anyway, I had some ideas." 

"I do too," Endymion broke in. "There has been a hand dealt. I know a few cards to play."

Valerian sniggered. "Can you put the real Endy back on the phone?"

"Shut up. I'm serious."

"Probably shouldn't discuss it over the phone then - drive to my place." 

Endymion smiled and scratched the nape of his neck. "I need to get away from the streets today. Let's meet at our spot." His body trembled as Valerian dragged out an amused sigh.

"You're sure?"

"Yeah. I don't want anyone to interrupt us."

Cassius laughed dryly. "Alright Brutus. I'll be there in twenty, although I might be longer for payback."

"I'll see you then, asshole."