Contains spoilers for this episode and earlier episodes.
Antony wants the governorship of Gaul, a position that would keep an army within reach of Rome. Cicero understands the threat and resists, even when Antony makes his wishes unmistakable. Octavian's growing strength provides Cicero with another possible ally. Agrippa comes to Rome carrying messages from the young Caesar, and Cicero eventually commits himself against Antony. He leaves the city before a clerk reads his furious denunciation in the Senate. Antony's response is to beat the messenger to death. As the conflict becomes military, Brutus and Cassius continue seeking money and soldiers in the east, hoping to return with an army of their own.
Vorenus's refusal to compromise with rival gangs brings violence into the Aventine. An argument with Pullo then exposes a deeper betrayal: Pullo admits knowing about Niobe's affair and killing Evander. Vorenus turns on his friend, and their fight ends with Pullo leaving alongside Eirene. By the time Pullo returns seeking reconciliation, Vorenus has gone north with Antony. Lyde reaches the tavern with news that changes everything, revealing that the children survived and are enslaved. At Atia's house, Octavia spends time with Jocasta while the new servant Duro waits for a chance to kill her mother. His secret visits to Servilia expose his employer, and he puts poison in the dinner prepared for Atia.