Free Cleopatra Occult by Peter Joseph Swanson Page A

in that land go into a lustful frenzy. I bet that works well for you there… better than it would for your brother.”
    She made herself laugh. “Is that what they say? The Romans sure gossip a lot, even when they have no information.”
    “We do not. We do ?”
    She gave a nod. “I once told Caesar that gossip is the art of saying nothing in a way that leaves practically nothing unsaid. Caesar laughed.”
    Mark reminded her, “Everyone gossips, everywhere.”
    “True, but now that Rome rules the world it thinks it knows everything about the world.”
    “Rome does rule a lot. Caesar is now winning victory after victory while I flounder.” Mark kicked at the sand. “And you? This is where you’re spending your exile? I would think it’s dangerous for you here too close to Rome, until our own civil wars are settled. What are you scheming for yourself?”
    “Why am I at this port?” Cleopatra chuckled sadly. “I’m only sidetracked.” She elegantly resituated her stolen scarf on her head.
    “Like the journey of Homer?”
    She glared at the beach. “Yes, I’m sure I’ll outdo him before I’m finished.”
    Mark asked, “What were you doing at the seashore? Asking help from Poseidon?”
    “I’m waiting for a boat. I seem to be taking the long road home.”
    Mark asked, “When you say home , do you mean to Macedonia?”
    Cleopatra shook her head. “I’ve never been to Greece or Macedonia and would be a stranger there.”
    “You still look as Macedonian as anybody there.”
    “That is superficial. What are we keeping pure, anymore?”
    He knew the answer. “In Egypt, while men ruled, women were the ones who carried the bloodline. So to keep royal blood pure, pharaohs married their sisters.”
    “ Power was all they cared to keep pure.”
    Mark said, “Until now. Instead of a marriage with your brother you have a war. Another round of inbreeding would have kept the peace.”
    “That was my brother’s choice and he won’t drive me out. Egypt is my only home. Today the only real power lies with Rome. The family tree must open up to Rome. My brother is finished no matter what his choice might have been.”
    Mark raised his eyebrows. “Your home is Egypt or Alexandria ?”
    Cleopatra peevishly nodded. “Yes... Alexandria . What are you testing me about? Any boat I take to Egypt would first stop at Alexandria regardless.”  
    “Lovely!” He gave his large hands a loud clap. “That is exactly where I’m headed. The palace. You will come with me.”
    Cleopatra asked, “Make me the queen of Egypt.”
    “Again? Yeah, you ruled while your brother was small but the men rule and he grew up, and now he rules.”
    “He doesn’t know the first thing.”
    He glared at her impatiently.
    She solemnly shook her head to echo the claim.
    Mark thought then shrugged. “Then Rome will just have to dethrone him.”
    “You can do that?”
    “If Cleopatra was dethroned then I suppose anybody can be dethroned. You were riding so high. How did something like that happen to you, anyway?”
    “How did I lose my throne?” She shook her head as if she was baffled.”
    “I’m sure it’s a long story.”
    “It shouldn’t be. My little brother is not all that much.”
    Mark chuckled. “I’m sure it’s a very long story.”
    “It all started when the brat walked in and threw a cheap scarab at my head. It hurt. It became tawdrier as the years passed. And the very hour it all ended, I don’t presently recall. He must have finally hit me on the head with something larger.”
    “You’ll remember this dethroning if I knock him off his seat—you can watch.” Mark made a pugnacious pose. “You’ll be safe from his projectiles when you’re in my company. Sail with me! Please allow me to make love with a queen the entire passage to Alexandria.”
    She imperiously waved him off with her hand. “I hope you’re talking poetically and only mean manners and mild flirtation , when you say make love .”
    He looked