The emperor’s face registered shock and dismay, an anger they had all seen but on rare occasions. His eyes flitted to Adara, Phoebus, and Calliope briefly before looking at Lucius, and finally settling on Claudius.
“Tribune,” the emperor said loudly. “You were once a supporter of Plautianus the traitor. But, owing to the wishes of my son, I spared your life. But it seems to me that you have been behaving in ways that are unacceptable for a Roman tribune, despite the clemency I have shown you.”
“But, sire!”
“Do NOT make me speak of events at Coria, for which I have witnesses.” Severus coughed violently and a chair was set behind him. He sat down and continued. “You are lucky not to be paying with your life.”
Claudius hung his head, his eyes sweeping over the empress and Adara.
“You are
