"Remember the script," Julius said softly to Octavius. The general nodded, getting a smile as Julius turned to one of the servants at the double doors. Trumpets played from the other side of the doors as they slowly opened to reveal the bright ballroom.
Julius walked in first and waved down at the people, quickly followed by Octavius. Both men waited for the light applause to die down as Julius scanned the room. He saw his council members split up. His other siblings, old enough to attend, were hidden in a corner. His eyes narrowed. And Bardas stood with a man he didn't know. The two were close enough to tell that they had been talking before his arrival.
