"So you came looking for me after everything had already settled. You and I, the only two remnants of the Blade of Balance. Oh, perhaps your teacher as well, though considering his age, I doubt he could even reach the place I sent him." Lucilla gave a self-mocking laugh. "We are now the entirety of the Blade of Balance. Admit it—we have lost. If I were you, I would not waste precious time on someone about to die. You should leave Rome overnight before they catch you."
"Perhaps." Zhang Heng neither confirmed nor denied it, then asked, "What about you? Why aren't you leaving?"
"Because I am Aurelius's daughter, Lucius's wife, and Augusta of the Roman Empire. I will not run. Besides, with my status, people would recognize me wherever I went." Lucilla said, "They will not move against me for now, because I am Commodus's only blood relative. They must take that into consideration."
"So you plan to end your own life like this?" Zhang Heng pointed at the small jade bottle on the floor.
"As I said, we lost this time, and I accept that outcome. But I will not place my life and death in someone else's hands, living in terror every day while waiting for that day to come. Rather than that, I would rather die with dignity now." Lucilla lifted her chin. "Do not underestimate a woman's resolve. Cleopatra VII had her asp, and I have mine."
"Admirable, but I need to correct one point. You lost. We did not." Zhang Heng said. "I have not lost yet."
"Have you lost your mind because of what happened tonight?" Lucilla frowned. "You were not even qualified to take part in this war. What right do you have to speak of victory or defeat?"
"Some things may