"Rest assured, Lady Taryn. While I do not deny that I am among those vying for power in the Emperor's eyes, I can assure you that Rome has no interest in conquering provinces already under the control of others." Nero said easily, smiling as she met first Taryn's eyes, then Raisa's. There's no hint of deception in her expression; and for someone as flamboyant and showoff-y as Nero, hiding any kind of emotion would probably be a bit difficult.

"And since you are now allies with my dear cousin, going against you would mean going against her as well. I would be a fool to do that."