Caesar Licinianus Rubellius

“Who was to rule the jap half of the Empire?” Constantine requested.

“The younger Caesar, Licinianus,” Rubellius stated. “With regents appointed by the Senate till he attains his majority.”

“The son of Licinius!” The acquainted pink haze of uncontrollable anger exploded earlier than Constantine’s eyes and he halfrose in his chair. Each muscle in his physique immediately tightened and the strain in his chest made it tough for him to breathe, whereas his coronary heart hammered in opposition to his ribs with a power that threatened to burst it from his physique. Solely an incredible effort enabled him to grip the arms of his chair and achieve management of himself.

“The boy is 13, Dominius.” Rubellius’ phrases gave Constantine time to suppose. “Which implies that the East would have been ruled by regents for one more eight years, or longer.” “Lengthy sufficient to destroy the church there,” Constantine stated hoarsely, “as it will be destroyed right here within the West, too, if the Senate had its means with a younger and pliable Emperor. Then the entire Empire could be pagan as soon as once more.”

“That appears to have been one of many principal functions of this conspiracy,” Dacius agreed.

“How might you repay my belief with such a betrayal?” Constantine demanded hoarsely of Crispus. “Absolutely you noticed what the scoundrels meant?”

“They stated it was finest for the Empire.” The phrases tumbled out in a confession. “They jogged my memory that you’ve got given up a lot of your energy to the Christian bishops that quickly Rome will likely be run by them and all who don’t worship their god will likely be destroyed for what they name heresy.”

“What of me? Would you could have put me in jail, or executed me?”

Dacius spoke earlier than Crispus

“That appears to be the purpose the place the scheme started to crumble.” Dacius spoke earlier than Crispus might reply. “Crispus refused to be a part of any plan that didn’t will let you abdicate voluntarily after the Vicennalia. He refused to sanction using power, the truth is, you most likely owe your life to him, for a lot of in Rome would welcome your assassination.”

“Is that this true?” Constantine requested Crispus. “You could have my go away to name witnesses to disprove these expenses in opposition to you, in case you can.”