Maria was beginning to become slightly alarmed. The liter was taking an unusually long time to reach their destination and when she had last glanced out through the gauze curtains, her surroundings had seemed slightly strange. At first she had merely attributed this to the fact that she was unfamiliar with the city and it was, after all, the largest in the world. But as time passed, she became more and more concerned.

“Susannah, do you know where we are?”

The girl nodded her head. “Yes. We are near the Royal enclosure. Apparently there is some sort of commotion taking place near our normal route and this was the safer method to reach home. Alexandria is known for riots. How bothersome they must be!”

Maria leaned back, satisfied with this explanation and picked up one of the scrolls she had taken from the Library. She read for several moments before the liter stopped abruptly. Maria peaked her head out of the curtains and saw that this was most certainly not home. It was a small garden of some sort, situated within view of the sea and within a stones throw of the Royal Enclosure. It was clearly a public place, but was oddly deserted this day, save for soldiers who seemed to be placed at regular intervals throughout the garden.
A slightly effeminate man dressed in a bright blue robe appeared, as if from nowhere and offered Maria his hand through the curtain.
“Madame, A gentleman would have a word with you. If you would follow me please.”
Maria smiled graciously and took the man’s hand, her other hand going to her bosom, where she knew a small knife was concealed. She fingered the handle through her robe, ready to use it at any moment. The man did not seem to notice, but continued to smile and chat about the pleasant weather in Alexandria this time of year.

He led her through several small patches of forest before they came to a hedge-maze, which seemed to be pressed directly against the walls of the Royal Enclosure. He continued to smile at her and motioned that she should enter, alone.

She entered the maze hesitantly, noticing that a crimson cord had been placed on the ground in front of her. She picked it up and began to follow the cord as it led her through the maze. She followed for several minutes until she rounded a corner and saw a small group of men. The man holding the cord was in his mid thirties with thick blonde hair and strong Greek features. He wore a simple robe of pleated linen that seemed to accentuate a strong musculature. His was mostly unadorned, save for a large pectoral amulet. Several soldiers in similar garb flanked him on either side, the only difference being the obvious bulges created by the armor they wore beneath their robes and the grizzled appearance that denoted that these men were not for show. As Maria approached, the blond man’s face became clearer, as did his identity. She had seen his face all over the city in statuary. She dropped the cord and bowed deeply, waiting for him to speak. Several second elapsed before he spoke.
“I understand that you are Maria Marius?” His eyes seemed sharp and his Latin was impeccable. He too dropped the cord, only to have a slave recover his end before it touched the ground.

“I am, my Lord Pharaoh” Maria remained in her quasi-prostrated position.

A smile spread across the man’s face. One of the upper echelon of Rome’s religious organization would surely know the difference between Pharaoh and King. Is this woman playing with me? Intriguing
“You may address me as Highness. I am not Pharaoh, only King. But I expect that to change.”

Maria looked up and smiled devilishly at this. this is going to be more fun then I imagined.

“I understand that we have a mutual friend? The Propraetor Favonius Cornelius Pola?” Said the King as he tapped Maria on the shoulder gently, motioning for her to stand up and then leading her to a small table nearby, adorned with fresh flowers and several exotic food items.

“Yes. He is a dear friend of mine. As is your Patron, the Princeps Senatus, Catulus Aemilius.”

“Ah, Yes. Aemilius. I’ve met the man a few times, but we correspond frequently. Quite gregarious that one!”

“Yes, He can be. But he is a great man.”

“As great as Pola?” Asked the King as a nearby slave offered him a goblet of wine.

“Rome is rife with great men, Highness. But they are all very different. Some work within the parameters and the others do not know that they exist.”
Ptolemy raised an eyebrow at this, but immediately understood the lady’s meaning.

“I understand you correspond with the Propraetor frequently? Would it be too much trouble for you to pass certain information along to him? The trouble he is experiencing in Rome makes it difficult for me to contact him directly.”

Maria nodded “I have couriers who make weekly journeys to his position. I would gladly see to it that any missive you send would reach him and him alone. I trust that you wish discretion in this matter. Otherwise we would have met in more formal surroundings?”

Ptolemy smiled at this and nodded “Rome’s reach is far. Even I must take certain precautions in my own capital. For now, at least.”

“And the riots in the city? Created for this purpose?”

Ptolemy laughed at this a bit. “I am the King of Egypt, Madame, Beloved of my People and of Isis and Ptah. I would never dream of manipulating the citizens of this great city.” He paused for a moment and seemed hesitant to speak. “However” He continued, “The Lord Chamberlain Sinuhe can be most encouraging, when he is commanded.”
Ptolemy turned to one of his nearby slaves and was handed a thin scroll dipped in wax to seal it. He placed it in Maria’s hand and smiled, again.
“Madame, in two days time I am to receive the new Ambassador from Parthia. We have planned a proper banquet and reception. I wonder if you might be my guest?”

“Highness, I would be delighted to join you.”…………………