After his brief conversation with Athena, Nathan withdrew quietly.
The rest of his day passed without much disturbance. He kept his movements minimal, spending only a short while checking in on Crassus and his family. They were holding up, and with Medea watching over them with her usual quiet vigilance, Nathan allowed himself to relax just enough to focus on what lay ahead. She would keep them safe, of that he was certain.
As the sun dipped below the horizon and the shadows of Rome grew longer, the city settled into its nightly rhythm. Lamps were lit across the streets, soldiers changed shifts at the barracks, and the air grew heavy with the scents of oil, wine, and smoke. By the time night fully embraced the capital, Nathan made his way toward the imperial quarters. Caesar had ended his public duties for the day, and Nathan knew this was the only time he could meet him in private.
