Les Aigles de l'Empire, Tome 19 : The Emperor's Exile

Apollonius reached up and mopped the sweat from his brow. ‘Perhaps I should explain my thinking. You’re right, Corbulo has a powerful army at his back. That will be his undoing, whether he claims a victory over the Parthians or whether he is humiliated by them. If he is successful, I’d be willing to bet that every ambitious senator in the capital is going to be envious. Worse still, if he becomes the darling of the mob, you can be sure Nero will want to clip his wings as soon as possible, or else put paid to any danger he poses with some accusation of conspiracy. If he fails, Nero will need a scapegoat. Either way, Corbulo is doomed. It’s just a question of time before he is brought low. I calculated that it was better for me to transfer my allegiance to a patron whose career was still on the rise, but not dangerously so. I doubt anyone at the palace will see you as a threat for the foreseeable future. You fitted my requirements perfectly. So here I am, at your service.’

Cato gave a dry laugh. ‘You don’t seem to have much faith in my ambition. And that was hardly the most inspiring declaration of loyalty offered by a client.’

‘Maybe not. But I think you’ll find it is one of the most honest and accurate you are likely to hear.’