The steps of Octavian and his army became louder. My maid was already gone, and I was standing by my window alone.

"It's time," I told to myself. I looked at the basket at my side and sighed. I walked toward my bed and lay down. I was wearing my finest clothes. I chuckled.

I took a deep breath and closed my eyes for a moment. Then I extended my arm to the basket and stroked it slowly with my fingers. I introduced my hand into its darkness. It felt cold inside. I could hear a soft hiss. Suddenly, it bit me. The Great Cobra closed its mouth against my skin. Slowly, the deadly poison flowed freely through and around my whole body.

All I could feel was burning agony running through every part of my body. With all the strength I had I took my trembling hand and placed it on my chest, nearly touching my weakened heart. It had two small, bleeding holes that burned like fire. I felt dizzy and my breathing was ragged. I could feel the effort of my heart with every beat, each one more painful than the other. I closed my eyes very slowly. I didn't regret any decisions I made. I was a strong, beautiful, proud queen. The only thing I truly regret was not spending more time with my children; I knew I would miss them more than anything.

I thought of my life and smiled at the memory; it wasn't a bad one. I had very happy memories and very sad ones too, but I focused on the good ones. I thought of Julius Caesar, my first love. And then, of Marc Antony, my dead husband, and my only true love. I thought of the day we met in Alexandria, I remembered him looking so handsome and elegant. With his face tall and a crooked smile in his hard features. Finally I remembered why I fell in love with him, his gentle brown eyes. I knew I would be with him soon, and I forgot about the pain, about Rome, and about Octavian. All I wanted was to be with him once again, and hold his hand. I wanted him to kiss like he used to, caring and passionately, with fire in his eyes.

With effort, I took one last breath and smiled for the last time. After all, I was queen of Egypt, the last true Pharaoh.

After my death, Octavian conquered Egypt. Though he killed my poor son Caesarion, he spared the rest of my children.

But in the end, I find myself happy, wandering through history along with Antony, Caesarion and all my loved ones. I am proud of what I did, for my story still lives and is told around the world. I am remembered as a true ruler, a beautiful strong woman. But mostly, I am remembered as Cleopatra, the last Pharaoh of Egypt.