After the tense and revealing conversation with Arsinoe, Cleopatra and her small entourage exited the ancient stone halls of the palace. The air outside was thick with the scent of the Nile and the ever-present tension that seemed to cling to the streets of Alexandria like a veil. The sound of their sandals against the mosaic tiles echoed faintly, subdued beneath the weight of what was to come.
"It will be difficult to leave Alexandria right away," Apollodorus murmured, his voice low and cautious as his eyes darted toward the narrow alleys and shadowed balconies above.
"I agree," another of the Queen's loyal guards added in a hushed tone, his hand resting instinctively on the hilt of his sword.
One by one, the others nodded. They all sensed it—the invisible net slowly closing around them. Even without words, it was clear: they were being watched.
