Chapter 50. The Dead Rise Again

JULIAN

Caesar pulled Claudius into a firm embrace. “They told me you were dead,” he said, patting his back with loud, hearty slaps.

“Oh, come on. Even the great Caesar knows I am not an easy kill.” Claudius responded and they shared a hearty laugh, breaking the hug and staring into each other’s eyes while maintaining a firm grip on each other’s shoulders, a traditional way of showing care.

“…Your women must be pleased,” Caesar quipped, a boyish smirk appearing on his face, one that is very alien for a great emperor.

“Augustus, you never stopped enjoying the sleek thighs of Roman beauties?” Claudius giggles, and Caesar laughed heartily.

“Says the one who was said to be assassinated by a beautiful barbarian maid.”

They both let out peaks of laughter which slowly faded, a cold stare following, sunken eyes and hardened jaws.

“They said a maid had done it?” Claudius echoed coldly.

“How true?” Caesar scrutinized his friend.

“Xerxes, th