Watching closely from his capital at Treves the steady disintegration of the Prefecture of Italy, Constantine made two important moves in regard to it. First he sent a friendly letter to Licinius suggesting that emissaries representing each of them meet near Vindobona® on the northern frontier to discuss matters of common importance. And when Licinius sent a favorable reply Dacius, now a general and known everywhere as the personal representative of the most powerful among the four Augusti ruling the Roman Empire, was dispatched to Vindobona. In addition to the fact that Dacius and Licinius had both been centurions and thus in a sense spoke the same language, Constantine had not forgotten that Licinius had been a friend of his father and had warned him to flee on the night when Galerius had planned his death.
“At first Licinius would not commit himself to an alliance between you,” Dacius reported upon his return to Treves. “He is afraid of an attack by Daia.”
“Then you had to play the second card?”
Princess Constantia
“Yes. As your representative, I offered him Princess Constantia in marriage.”
“And he agreed?”
“He was as eager as any bridegroom, when I described her to him,” Dacius said dryly. “After all, she is a very beautiful girl. But will she agree?”
“Constantia is my father’s daughter and knows her duty as a prin
Vieraia cess in the royal family. Besides, she will become an Augusta when she marries Licinius.”
“She may gain by it, but I doubt if you will,” Dacius said. “Licinius is a poor ally; he’s so afraid of Maximin Daia that he will hardly make a move. Besides, Maxentius has been making overtures to Daia, suggesting that they join together against you and Licinius.” “It’s a logical move.”
“Licinius’ spies report that Maxentius offered Daia help in gaining all of the East for himself, if Daia will keep Licinius from attacking Maxentius, when he goes against you.”
“Then Maxentius must have decided to attack through Baetia, hoping to arouse the Germans against me. This information could be more important than anything else you discovered, Dacius.”
“I am sure it is,” Dacius agreed. “With Licinius’ fear of Daia keeping him anchored in Illyricum, you will be free to rid the world of a viper named Maxentius.”
Read More about Augusti of the East prudently
