It is 9 A.D and the Roman Empire, finally cured from the years of murderous civil war, lies in peace under the rule of Caesar Augustus. In the midst of this tranquil peace, Decimus Julius Virilis has retired from the Roman legions. After years of slugging around in the mud and fighting in one legion or the other, he has seen most of the Roman Empire, and commanded men in battle numerous times. Retiring as a Tribune, Julius and his servants move to Rome to begin their retirement in relative luxury. He soon finds himself immensely bored with the soft riches of the elite. His active mind needs a stimulus; a reason to exist. So when his distant cousin, Caesar Augustus comes to him in the night with a request, he jumps at the chance. There's a plot from within to tear apart the empire; rumors are circulating about a letter that would reveal the true identity of the mastermind behind the death of Julius Caesar. Surrounded by danger, can Decimus finds the scurrilous liars and conspirators before it's too late? Set in the time of the Roman Empire, While The Emperor Slept is the second book in B.R. Stateham's 'Decimus Julius Virilis' series of historical mystery novels.