Be Caesar as my husband.

So you will save my life and my throne, of which I vow to you an equal share.
With the help of your Northmen and the legions I command and who cling to me, we can defeat Constantine and rule the world together.

This petty fray is nothing.

What matters it if some lives have been lost in a palace tumult?
The world lies in your grasp; take it, Olaf, and, with it, _me_." I heard and understood.

Now had come the great moment of my life.
Something told me that on the one hand were majesty and empire; on the other much pain and sorrow yet with these a certain holy joy and peace.
It was the latter that I chose, as doubtless Fate or God had decreed that I should do.
"I thank you, Augusta," I said, "but, while I can protect her, I will not seize a throne over the body of one who has been kind to me, nor will I buy it at the price you offer.