Cleopatra VII: Daughter of the Nile

3 JANUARIUS, MORNING

I could feel my insides shaking. Would this sister try to poison me? Yes, I believe so. As for my other older sister, Berenice—never! She and I adore each other even though I am eight years younger.

I took the cup and raised it toward Tryphaena as if toasting her, but really I was watching the liquid, looking for oil floating on its surface, or powder sticking to the sides of the cup. If I suspected poison and tossed it into the pool, she would have her guards behead me on the spot. If it was indeed poison, one sip and I could die....

My eyes closed as I took the first sip, as if savoring such an excellent taste, but really my thought was, Isis, I am afraid.... My stomach turned with nervousness, or was it from a fearsome death beginning in me?