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VILLA JUNIA, MONS PALATINUS
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Two figures are standing by the Atrium at the peak of night, silently whispering words between them:

"Surely, you can't be serious?" Marcus asked his brother in horror.

"Why not? We were the first entitled, remember? Who knows what tricks he played behind our backs to steal ous of our possession and duty?" the other man replied.

"Brother! You know Father's decision was made on merit, not treachery!" Marcus argued.

"Treachery. And deceit. That's the only way he could be named before you, Marcus! You are the eldest! It's your responsibility to lead the Family! I cut my head it was that worm, Servilius, poisoned his mind!" the other man said, disgusted.

"I don't mind. I don't like Politics anyway... You know me, Brother, I have no stomach for murder and dagger plays!" Marcus said, grossed. "I would make a bad Pater Familias; Father knew that, as well as he knew our cousin's courage and political nature."

"Nature? He is a lier. He is a murderer. He is guilty and everything he does drags the Family with him to the buttom! He should - nay, hemust be put aside! Don't you see he's dangerous to the Family's reputation? Tell me one of our ancestors ever kicked out of the Senate. I for once recall none! But you; you are an honourable man, Marcus. You are fit to be Pater Familias. You should be Pater Familias..."

"Just what are you proposing, Decimus?" Marcus Brutus finally asked, suspicious.

"If he were to die; you are named his heir. Are you up to the task?" Decimus approached Marcus and touched him on his shoulders.

"What are you suggesting? Murder Lucius??? But he is family, Decimus, family! Not some petty thief or useless prole! He's a Brutus like me and you!"

"Me? Murder Lucius? You misjudged me, Marcus! I am simply saying that he *may* die; he's in war, isn't he?"

"Then *should* he die -and be aware that if he should, I will investigate it myself, Brother - we can discuss again. Until then, know that I will have no more of this. You understand me, Decimus? Lucius is family; and I am not about to kill my own kin for personal gain - and neither should you if you know what is good for you."

"Of course; of course, you are right. I am simply saying that we should do what is best for the family." Decimus said. But Marcus would have no more of this and grossed and greatly terrified that word would reach Lucius and he would have them both killed for treachery against his auhority, he fled to his own villa, near the slummy Subura...

TBC