#Emperor of Rome

[deadpresidents]

It has been a while since I last asked so what have you been reading recently?

Here is what I've been reading over the past couple months:

•Target Tehran: How Israel Is Using Sabotage, Cyberwarfare, Assassination -- and Secret Diplomacy -- to Stop a Nuclear Iran and Create a New Middle East (BOOK | KINDLE | AUDIO) Yonah Jeremy Bob and Ilan Evyatar

•The Lumumba Plot: The Secret History of the CIA and a Cold War Assassination (BOOK | KINDLE | AUDIO) Stuart A. Reid

•Emperor of Rome: Ruling the Ancient Roman World (BOOK | KINDLE | AUDIO) Mary Beard

•The Invention of Papal History: Onofrio Panvinio Between Renaissance and Catholic Reform (BOOK | KINDLE) Stefan Bauer

•Infallibility, Integrity and Obedience: The Papacy and the Roman Catholic Church, 1848-2023 (BOOK | KINDLE) John M. Rist

•Eighteen Days in October: The Yom Kippur War and How It Created the Modern Middle East (BOOK | KINDLE | AUDIO) Uri Kaufman

•Lincoln and California: The President, the War, and the Golden State (BOOK | KINDLE) Brian McGinty

•Who Believes Is Not Alone: My Life Beside Benedict XVI (BOOK | KINDLE) Archbishop Georg Gänswein with Saverio Gaeta

•White House Wild Child: How Alice Roosevelt Broke All the Rules and Won the Heart of America (BOOK | KINDLE) Shelley Fraser Mickle

•Madonna: A Rebel Life (BOOK | KINDLE | AUDIO) Mary Gabriel

[tmarshconnors]

"You could die right now. Let this fact guide the rest of your life."

Marcus Aurelius Antoninus was Roman emperor from 161 to 180 AD and a Stoic philosopher. 

[shamballalin]

What is Really going on with Israel and Palestine

Ishmael and Issac In case you don’t understand what Israel is doing to Palestine and Lebanon, read the following: First, from The Temple Scroll God said, “Behold, I will make a covenant. “[For it is something dreadful that I] will do [to you.] I myself will expel from before you the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Girasites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. …” In…

[joebloggshere]

SPQR - A History of Ancient Rome by Mary Beard

Wow what a powerhouse of a book.  To say I couldn’t put it down would be a slight exaggeration.  It’s not always a quick read, but that could also be because I found it so fascinating I went back over some bits, but really super.

When I read/listened to Greg Woolf’s Rome, I thought it was maybe the listening experience that had put me off the book  - https://www.tumblr.com/joebloggshere/708338576631414784/rome-an-empires-story-by-greg-woolf-narrated  - but I now I know, it was the ‘dryness’ of the writing.

Having now listened to/read two Mary Beard books, this one (half read, half listened), and Emperor of Rome - https://www.tumblr.com/joebloggshere/733257230269448192/emperor-of-rome-ruling-the-ancient-world-by-mary - I can tell you that although Woolf makes some very interesting observations and is, of course, a very well respected historian, from an ‘enjoyability’ point of view, Beard wins every time and one can see why she has the reputation she does.

SPQR is a wonderful window on Rome’s first millennium, (a much wider scope than Beard covers in her more recent book, Emperor of Rome) and really leaves you wanting to learn more.

Highly recommend

[sforzesco]

paris of troy! during those years he was a shepherd.

I was reading cartledge's book on thebes and every now and then the spartan focuses wrt to the pantheon of gods comes up. sparta has nothing to do with this except for where it does, but apollo karneios was discussed and that got my attention, which circled back to paris, and then I started thinking about the paris + apollo link

I also started thinking about narrative rejections bc paris has a funky absence in the iliad that's giving a kind of...a vibe. your parents shouldn't have had you, the story doesn't want you around, but oh boy are you there anyway, manifested into existence. no matter what, doom must manifest in flesh form. it's a narrative necessity, the actual incident (the judgement) is secondary.

The Judgement of Paris in Later Byzantine Literature, E. M. Jeffreys

weird! love it! almost (but not quite) reminds me of troilos' murder at achilles' hands lurking in the guts of the iliad. it's there, even when it's not. more importantly tho: sheep. I miss working on a farm with sheep and goats and cows and--

[darejani-artist]

• Emperors and Lucilla | gladiator II

[glossc1]

OSIRIS-ANTINOUS. antinous enters the nile human, and leaves a statue 🪷

[izzy02soph]

Generals Daughter and her gladiator 🤎🏛️

Hanno/ Lucius Verus x afab! Reader

I own none of these characters except Y/N (if you even want to consider her a character)

——————

Y/N stood amongst the opulence of Senator Thraex's grand party, her eyes scanning the lavish surroundings. The twin emperors, were seated in places of honor, their presence commanding the room, while their whores rubbed themselves desperately against their emperors. But it was the sight in the center of the room that captured her attention—two gladiators were about to fight for the evening's entertainment.

“What are they going to do Aelia?” Y/N asked her friend next to her who was coincidentally Senator Thraxe’s young wife, Aelia

“What does it look like, silly, they’re gonna fight!” Aelia said getting excited

Among them was a fierce looking dark haired man, and an older barbaric gladiator known for his fierce reputation. As the fight started, Y/N watched intently. The dark haired man seemed reluctant, trying to stop the other man, but the crowd's demands and the emperor's orders left him no choice. With a heavy heart and a fierce determination, after minutes of fighting, the dark haired man eventually impaled his opponent, the crowd in the room erupting in cheers. Y/N and Aelia giggling as they clapped, finding entertainment in these fights.

“What a spectacular fight” Emperor Geta said as he finished clapping dramatically and walked over in front of the dark haired man.

“What’s your name, slave.”

The silence in the room was deafening, so silent you could hear your guards breathing.

“Hanno is his name, Caesar. He only speaks his native tounge, Caesar” Macrinus the stable master said as he reassured him.

The emperor hummed as if he was thinking of what to say next. Finally, the dark haired slave spoke up.

“The gates of Hell are open night and day; smooth the descent, and easy the way. But to return, and view the cheerful skies, in this the task and mighty labor lies.” He said with a smug look.

“So Hanno is a poet, too” Geta said while chuckling dryly.

“Geta don’t be rude” Caracalla said in a joking manner as he sat up in his seat. All his jewelry clanked as he moved.

For a split second Hanno looked over trying to regain his composure, eyes landing on Y/N

“Can’t wait to see how you are in the arena. Hanno.” Emperor Geta said as he looked at the slave one last time before walking back to his seat

Soon after, the music of the harp started back up. Moved by his internal struggle and the raw power he displayed, Y/N made a swift decision. She turned to her guard and whispered urgently, "I must meet him. Arrange it immediately." The guard nodded and hurried to comply.

______

Soon after, Y/N found herself in the steam-filled bathhouse where Hanno was enjoying his hard-earned reward. He looked up as she entered, jewelry adorning her wrists and her necklace sparkling off the steaming water. His eyes narrowing with suspicion and curiosity. “You’re not supposed to be here" he said, his voice rough and edged with bitterness.

“So he speaks”

Y/N stepped closer, her gaze unwavering. "I saw you fight. You did not want to kill him, yet you did. I wanted to meet the man who battles not just with his body, but with his conscience."

Hanno's expression softened slightly, a flicker of intrigue in his eyes. "And what do you hope to gain from this meeting? And again why are you here?" His words were still harsh, but there was a hint of something else—perhaps a spark of interest in the boldness of the beautiful lady.

“You heard me the first time” Y/N said, in a challenging tone. She sat down on the ledge of the tub as spoke with a lowered voice. "I want to know where you came from, Hanno. Who you are beyond the fighting. I saw the conflict in your eyes tonight. You're not just a brute for their entertainment."

Hanno's eyes narrowed, though his posture remained relaxed. "You speak with conviction, but words are easy, princess. What makes you think your curiosity will change anything? What makes you think I even want to share my past?"

“You think I’m a princess? So eager to jump to conclusions. Well if it make a difference I’m General Acacius’ daughter. Now you know where I come from” Y/N said trying to read the dark haired man

“You didn’t answer me the first time, why are you here?” Hanno said, eyes darkening as he realized who’s daughter he was talking to

Y/N's lips curved into a smirk. "Because I believe there's more to you than what meets the eye. And because I know what it's like to be trapped by expectations, to have your identity overshadowed by a title. We are not so different, you and I.“ She said as she got up from where she was sitting and got ready to walk out.

“In two days time, when you’re in the arena, win the crowd. They’ll love you” She said smugly before walking out.

______

Two days later, the Colosseum was buzzing with excitement. The gladiator games were set to continue, and the crowd was eager for more bloodshed. The Emperors, Macrinus, General Acacius, Lucilla, and Y/N were all present, watching intently from their seats. All in their noble attire, the emperors gold accessories sparkling in the sunlight.

Hanno and the other gladiators were brought into the arena. As they stood there, Hanno knelt and ran the dirt through his hands, a gesture reminiscent of the late warrior Maximus. This caught Lucilla’s attention, and she recognized Hanno. Y/N, noticing Lucilla’s reaction, leaned in.

“Lucilla, you seem troubled. Are you alright?” Y/N asked with genuine concern.

“I am fine, just... a memory stirred dear,” Lucilla replied, her voice tinged with a hint of sadness.

The games commenced with a brutal fervor. Hanno and the other gladiators were pitted against the undefeated gladiator Glyceo, who entered the arena atop his fearsome rhino. The battle was fierce and chaotic, with Glyceo mercilessly slaughtering the other men. The crowd roared with approval as the bodies fell, leaving only Hanno standing against Glyceo.

Y/N nervously started twisting her rings around her fingers, praying to the gods they kept Hanno alive.

Hanno and Glyceo faced each other, the tension palpable. Their fight was intense, each strike filled with raw power. Glyceo managed to knock Hanno to the ground. Geta, watching from above, turned his back looking for someone to help him decide

“Y/N, what do you think we should do with him” Geta asked as the arena waited for an answer

“Caesar, show mercy.” Y/N said in an almost pleading tone. Finding entertainment in these fights. Geta pointed his thumb upwards. Giving Glyceo a chance to spear Hanno

“Mercy is for the weak.”

Hanno, refusing to give up, rose to his feet and continued the fight. With a final, desperate effort, he impaled Glyceo, the champion’s eyes widening in shock as the blade was pulled out of his stomach. The crowd fell silent, holding their breath as they awaited the next move.

Geta, maintaining his cruel demeanor, gave the thumbs-down signal. Hanno, breathing heavily and covered in blood, took two swords and, with a swift, cross-like motion, decapitated Glyceo. The head rolled away as the crowd erupted into a mixture of shock and exhilaration.

Y/n watched intently as Hanno stood victorious, his chest heaving, and his eyes wandered to the Emperors box across the arena. The crowd cheering was deafening. He had won the crowd. In that moment, it was clear that the games were far from over.

Y/n felt a shiver run down her spine, knowing that this was only the beginning of a much larger conflict.

______

“Row. Row. Row” The commander said as the gladiators kept rowing, the practice exhausting them, hands aching.

“Ridiculous” Hanno mumbled as the commander walked past him. The commander immediately stopped in his tracks.

“What did you say, slave?”

“I said this is ridiculous” Hanno said staring him down.

“Alright, everyone out. Except you” The commander said.

“You will row until it isn’t ridiculous” the commander said as he grinned evilly as he stood tall, hands behind his back.

“I guess we’ll be here a while then” Hanno said as he started rowing again.

______

After practice, Hanno woke up by a stinging pain in his hand, still seated in the boat. Ravi, the healer, seated in front of him.

"Calm down, Hanno. It is just vinegar" Ravi said, his voice calm and reassuring as he gathered his materials.

As Ravi worked, cleaning and bandaging Hanno's hands, Hanno couldn't help but think about Y/N. The way she had leaned in to speak with Lucilla, the concern in her eyes—it all intrigued him.

"Ravi," Hanno began, wincing slightly as Ravi applied a salve to a particularly deep cut, "Tell me about Y/N."

"Y/N Acacius? General Acacius’ daughter? Why do you want to know?” Ravi said, chuckling as if it was a funny question.

“Well go on.”

Ravi paused for a moment, a thoughtful look crossing his face. “There’s not much to it. She's the general's daughter…. But.. never mind.

“What Ravi?” Hanno said, starting to get annoyed.

“There's more to her than what meets the eye."

Hanno's interest was piqued. "What do you mean?"

Ravi continued, his hands moving deftly over Hanno's wounds. "She's a warrior, trained in the arts of combat. But she stopped fighting after the death of her mother and her father's remarriage. People know she knows how to fight, but not many bother for her hand because they know she’s strong and the general’s daughter—meaning she was taught very well in combat."

Hanno absorbed this information, a newfound interest growing within him. "A warrior who set aside her sword... I didn't expect that."

Ravi smiled slightly. "Few do. But y/n is not one to be underestimated. She carries the weight of her responsibilities with grace and strength. You'd do well to remember that. Why do you want to know though, I thought you hated the General."

As Ravi finished tending to his wounds, Hanno felt a sense of admiration and curiosity about Y/N. He realized that there was much more to her than he had initially thought, and he was determined to learn more about the mysterious women who had captured his attention.

______

Y/N was lounging in the tablinum area, her mind drifting aimlessly as she tried to relax. The events of the day had been intense, and she needed a moment of peace. Just then, Lucilla walked in, her face etched with worry and tension.

"Lucilla, what's wrong?" Y/N asked, sitting up straighter. She had noticed Lucilla's troubled demeanor earlier at the games but hadn't had the chance to ask.

Lucilla hesitated, her eyes filled with a mix of sorrow and determination. "Y/N, there's something I need to tell you. But if I tell you, you cannot share this to another soul. And right now only your father knows about this.”

“What troubles you?”

“It's about Hanno... or rather, Lucius." Lucilla says as she finds a seat near Y/N

Y/N's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "Lucius? What do you mean?"

Taking a deep breath, Lucilla began to explain. "Hanno is actually my son. His real name is Lucius. After my brother Commodus was killed by Maximus, I had to send Lucius away to keep him safe. He was and still is the rightful successor, and I feared for his life."

Y/N listened intently, the pieces of the puzzle slowly coming together. "So, you sent him away to protect him?"

"Yes," Lucilla nodded, her voice trembling slightly. "Senator Gracchus helped me arrange to meet with Lucius to tell him the truth about his parentage. He is the son of Maximus. But when I told him, he was furious. He ordered me to leave his cell, angry that I had sent him away and blaming Acacius for Arishat’s death."

Y/N's heart ached for Lucilla. She didn’t know who Arishat was or why he was mad at her father, but she had to figure it out"That's a lot for him to take in. What will you do now?"

"I went to your father," Lucilla admitted, her eyes pleading. "I asked him to help Lucius. He needs guidance and support now more than ever."

Y/N reached out, placing a comforting hand on Lucilla's shoulder. "We'll find a way to help him. He's strong, just like you. We'll get through this together."

Lucilla nodded, a tear slipping down her cheek. "Thank you, Y/N. Your support means everything to me."

Together, they sat in the quiet of the tablinum, the weight of their shared burdens palpable but bearable in each other's company.

______

I hope yall liked it! I got a request from someone to make a story for this, so I did it! Now I know it’s not all comely accurate but I’m working with what I got so take it or leave it! There most likely will be a part 2 if this goes how I want it but let me know if y’all even want a pt 2!🩷

[theancientwayoflife]

~ Sardonyx cameo portrait of the Emperor Augustus.

Period: Early Imperial, Claudian

Date: ca. A.D. 41–54

Culture: Roman

Medium: Sardonyx

[k-wame]

EMPEROR CARACALLA & His Catamites ↳ Gladiator II (2024) dir. Ridley Scott

[mackk122]

Tittle : First time (part 1).

Part.2

Pairing~Lucius Verus Aurelius x Fem!Reader

WC: 5k.

Warnings~ none :)

Summary~ Younger Sister to the twin Emperors.As you are forced to sit and watch the games, a certain gladiator catches your attention.

Notes: This is just a build up to the next part. Raw, next question…

.·:*¨༺𓆟༻¨*:·. .·:*¨༺𓆟༻¨*:·.

As I sat there awaiting my brother’s speech to announce the general, my mind wandered off searching in the crowd.

‘How could so many people sit here and enjoy these brutal games?’ I thought, I could hear the commotion but cared less of what was being spoken.

Still lost in my thoughts I jumped at a hand being placed on my shoulder- it was Lucilla.

“And where does the mind of the young princess of Rome, wander off to?” She spoke softly smelling the little bundle of flowers in her hand.

“Ah, just thinking about the games” I gave a fake smile. I had to be cautious about what I said or did, for my twin brothers didn’t take criticism lightly.

She smiled and gave a soft nod, understanding where I was coming from. All of the sudden the sound of horns and the crowd’s cheers erupted, drawing me out of my mind. The gladiators all came out, these men which have not felt peace since before their homes were taken.

I noticed very quickly a young man in the center of them, from what I could see he was a natural born leader, and very handsome. He commanded the gladiators as if it were his own personal army, when he moved they moved at his discretion. As the game went on I could barely stomach the man getting throw into the pillar. I turned away only for Caracalla to speak.

“Sister you must watch, isn’t it magnificent?” He grinned devilishly. I didn’t respond, for fear I would vomit because of the gore.

“YOUR EMPEROR IS SPEAKING TO YOU!” He shouted staring at me as if I was the crazy one.

“Brother! Our sister doesn’t mean to offend, remember it is but her first time sitting here to watch” Geta replied calming our brother down. As Caracalla turned back around amused at the center of the arena, Geta gave me a warning look.

As all of this was happening the rhino then slammed into the wall, and the two gladiators began to fight. My stomach began to turn, I prayed the man I saw earlier would not be slain.

As he fell to the ground and the bigger man stood above him asking the crowd for mercy or death, my heart sank.

The crowd began to cheer ‘Mercy’, and my brother stood to his feet, he turned to Lucilla who looked as if she was terrified for this man’s life.

“Shall I spare him?” Geta asked.

“Yes!” I shouted before Lucilla could answer her face slightly confused.

“Spare him” she spoke strongly to the Emperor.

With his body now facing the crowd and arm stretched out, he began to speak the words muffled in my head only focusing to the stranger on the ground, the crowd cheered and I looked up to see he had granted him mercy, I took a breath of relief.

“No mercy! I would rather die by the sword than receive mercy from the Roman’s!” Lucius shouted as he was on his hands and knees.

My eyes widened and I turned to Lucilla, she equally fearful for this young man. And they began to fight again, this time Lucius took victory. The crowd erupted into applause at the sight of this gladiator. He looked up into where we were sitting, and our eyes locked for a moment before he walked out of the arena.

─────── ·𖥸· ───────

“Lucilla” I said softly, catching up to her and the general. She turned to me with a soft smile but I knew something was wrong.

I pulled her into a hug, “That man, who is he?” I whispered in her ear. The manner of tone she used for him to be spared, was almost as if she’d known him.

“I’m afraid I know not what you speak” she spoke back pulling away. “Princess” she nodded and they continued to walk.

‘There is something she knows’ I thought to myself. I began to walk back to my brothers only for them to have left me at the colosseum.

“Fantastic” I breathed out.

“Ah, Princess” Macrinus spoke.

“Oh!” I turned stunned, not expecting him to be there. “Your gladiator is really something, what was his name?” I smiled.

Macrinus gave a sly look before responding, “He goes by Hanno…” he looked at me head turned slightly, “huh… princess” he said before leaving.

‘Hanno..’ I thought and a small smile appeared on my lips. ‘I will meet this man’ I thought to myself determined to speak to him.

.·:*¨༺𓆟༻¨*:·. .·:*¨༺𓆟༻¨*:·.

As Lucius sat at the table getting stitched up, his mind kept wandering to the woman, behind the Emperors.

“What is on your mind gladiator?” Ravi asked him.

“That woman… not the generals wife- the other one, she is the princess… correct?” He asked staring at him.

“Yes… and why do you care?” Ravi smiled his brow raised. Lucius gave a look before it turned into a smile. Macrinus appeared

From around the corner congratulating him.

“Keep doing well and you’ll get what you want” he spoke.Lucius stopped him before he walked away.

“I want to meet the princess as well” he said stern. Macrinus chuckled and continued to walk.

[fromduck]

No Glory

(Yandere Gladiator x Empress Reader x Yandere Emperor)

Summary: There is no glory in seeing your lover in the arms of another.

(Tw: Gore, Violence, Forced Relationship)

A/N: Guess who watched Gladiator II, hehe 🤭

-unedited-

-The Emperor’s wife is an untainted beauty.

-Despite the blood and death on his hands, the Empress remains pure from his sins.

-With soft luscious lips and unblemished skin, kind doe eyes a beautiful color.

-Draped in white robes, with gold accents. White Gold jewelry adorning her frame. Pearls hanging from her ears and entwined in her hair.

-She has a beautiful smile and kind eyes. Willing to choose mercy over shedding blood.

-Unlike her cruel husband who relishes in it.

-Anyone blessed to be within her radius marvel at her presence. Even more so when she smiles. Be careful not to stare too long, the Emperor’s watching.

-The Empress is beauty incarnate a being coveted by all people. Adored by the citizens of Rome and boasted as the most beautiful woman in the world.

-And the Emperor is a lucky man. A lucky man indeed.

-There are whispers of her divinity and where the Empress hails from.

-Some say she was given to Rome to the Emperor as a gift from the Gods.

-Others argue that she herself is a Goddess who willingly married their glorious Emperor.

-None know the Empress’ origins.

-Except for two people.

-The brutal Emperor of Rome.

-And a Gladiator who knows too much for his own good.

-A man who waits for the next fight he’ll be thrown in. Where he’ll be fighting for his life.

-For the delight and entertainment of others.

-His life matters not, it never did.

-Yet, when he wakes up, when he trains for his fights, and when he goes to sleep. He thinks of you. He lives for you.

-He knows the truth.

-You don’t belong to the Empire of Rome. Or that bastard Emperor.

-You belong to him.

-You were his long ago. When he wasn’t a war broken man torn by the cruelty of others.

-In a land far away from Rome, you both once lived together at peace.

-He’d been a gentle man once. Someone who pined after you in your youths, who’d begged your father for your hand, and had cried when he married you.

-He loves you so much.

-He had never been one for religion but if there were any gods out there, he thanked them sincerely for the life they gave him. One with you.

-Then the Romans came. And they took everything.

-They came with a hunger for blood and conquest. Ready to plunder their lands and take over them.

- They killed his family, his friends, people he had known.

-They did it with bloodthirsty grins. And the one who led them was the cruel Roman Emperor who lived for the violence.

-He killed many while on his black stallion. His sword plunging into innocent people.

-Man or woman, the Emperor didn’t care. He demanded blood and blood he would get.

-It was horrifying the strength of the Emperor as he slaughtered those around him.

- Your husband watched as he committed atrocities.

-There was no mistake, with that monster there, his and your home would be overtaken.

-Him taken a slave to fight in the pits of violence at the Colosseum.

-And you made a slave, owned by someone as an object.

-No. he wouldn’t let that happen.

-Now all he had left was you. And he would die before anyone touched you.

-So he prepared his stallion, picked up your precious form and placed you on the horse. You looked at him with worried eyes, tears slipping down your soft cheeks.

-He’d only look at you with loving eyes. Cupping your lovely face in his large hands.

-He remembered your look of worry as you questioned where would you both go. Your sweet gentle eyes pleading as you made him promise to never leave your side.

-He promised that not even death would separate you both.

-Then, he’d been clubbed upside the head. Pushed to the floor as someone began beating him with an inch of his life. He tried to get up but then another one had shown up with club and struck him in the head.

-Both Roman soldiers jeered as they continued their violent onslaught. He’d almost seen double.

-But what stood out to him was your anguished face.

-Your shrill cries of agony rang out through the air as the love of your life was beaten to a messy pulp.

-The stallion had jumped, and pushed you off of its massive body.

-You tumbled to the floor, hitting your back violently.

-With no regard for any injury, you’d quickly jumped up and tried to stop the cruel soldiers from killing your love.

-You’d shove at them yelling out for them to stop. Though to no effect as your smaller form was no match for the might guards of the Roman Army.

-One of them had only sneered at you before delivering a backhand to your face.

-You fell on your side, your nose bleeding from the impact.

-You quickly got up and clung to a guards leg as you begged for them to spare your husband.

-They ignored you and continued their onslaught.

-Until the galloping of hooves.

-There the Emperor was like a sign of death as he rode his gigantic black stallion.

-Blood coated his face and armor. None of it his.

-The war was over, Rome’s victory assured.

-And yet the Emperor was left unsatisfied.

-So he went on the prowl for more victims. All until no one was left.

-He caught sight of his soldiers torturing a large man as his wife begged them to stop.

-Any honorable leader would have stopped his soldiers and given the couple a swift merciful death. No more suffering was needed from a war already won.

-But he was far from honorable.

-As he approached it wasn’t because he wanted to stop the violence.

-He was honed in on the soft crying and pleading of the woman.

-A sound so delightful that he couldn’t help but want to hear more.

-He got off of his mighty horse. His steps confident.

-But as you turned around to face him, he felt his breathe hitch, his steps waver.

-It was as if he was in the presence of Aphrodite herself.

-There you were with tears in your big eyes and blood dripping down your nose.

-Even in filthy peasant clothes, you were the most beautiful being he had ever laid his eyes on.

-He had to had you. And have you he will.

-His eyes narrowed at your injured face. The soldiers most likely the culprit.

- “Stop.” He commands, his word alone enough to halt the violence.

-With a sob you run to your husband as he lay on the floor. You place his head on your lap. Ripping a piece of fabric from your dress, to clean the blood on his face.

-Your poor husband looks at you with swollen eyes, barely focused. Your heart broke further.

-The two soldiers quickly turn around. Sinking onto their knees to properly greet the Emperor of Rome.

“My emperor.” They say in union.

-They cower under the glare of the Emperor.

-“Which one of you hurt the girl?”

-Both soldiers look at each other confused. He wasn’t taking about the sobbing girl behind them, was he? The enemy?

-The Emperor’s glare becomes murderous. He draws his sword from his scabbard. It glints with the blood of his foes. But all know that his sword can just as easily kill who he pleases, friend or foe.

-It was at that moment, both the soldiers knew that whoever was guilty— they would be dead in the next second.

-So, both blamed each other, scrambling to have the Emperor believe them.

-“It was him my emperor, he was the one who hurt the girl—-”

-“Nay my emperor, he lies—”

-Both soldiers plead their innocence. But the Emperor isn’t known for his patience.

-With a brutal slash, he beheads the two soldiers.

-Their heads roll off their bodies.

-A huff of satisfaction leaves the emperor, soldiers who lie are not worthy of his army. He may not be honorable but he has no patience for lying snakes.

-He averts his gaze, to you, only to be met with a puddle of blood. Presumably your husband’s.

-The emperor snaps his head to your quiet sobs. He sees you dragging the large form of your husband, his arm over your shoulder, his feet dragging against floor.

-You both were trying to escape, this wouldn’t do.

-With large strides, he rips you away from your lover. The man falling gracelessly onto the floor. He tries to pick himself up but his strength is diminished. He could only watch as the Emperor, holds your hands and stares into your beautiful eyes in awe.

-He knows that look. That look of adoration as if in the presence of a goddess.

-Your husband holds the same look for you and now the Emperor does too.

-You try to escape but the Emperor’s grip is painfully tight.

-A whimper escapes your lips as the man gets down on his knees, his head bowed. He mimics the same loyalty his subjects would show him. But he is in the presence of a goddess.

- “The Gods have rewarded me by giving you to me.” He whispers breathlessly. “You are the one they have chosen for me. Rome needs an Empress. And I need a wife.”

-With the hunger of a man starved he yanks you down to him, grabbing you by the hair and devouring you into a brutal kiss.

-You cry out into the kiss, looking at your husband pleadingly to save you from the Emperor.

-But your husband is at death’s door, fighting and pleading Hades to not take him. For he couldn’t leave you to such a grim fate.

-The Emperor pulls away, his eyes filled with lust. He’ll have you, but not here in this filth.

-He picks you up a bridal style, taking you to his horse. Taking you to Rome.

-You try to fight him, but he only gives you a scolding glare. As if to say, ‘behave.’

-You cry quietly, looking at your husband’s dying form. The Emperor only sneers at him, spitting on his bloodied face.

-Your husband looks at the Emperor with rage. A rage that makes him shakily get up on his knees.

-Your hands are tied behind the Emperor’s neck, begging him to let you go. A smack to your thigh makes you shut your mouth.

-Once you’re both secured on the horse, the Emperor doesn’t even glance back at him.

-He rides off into the distance, with the blood of his people on his hands and the love of his life in tears.

-Your husband, a broken man, lets out a sorrowful scream. He promptly collapses onto his side, passing out. Pleading with the gods to not take him. He needed to save you.

-Later, he was dragged by his feet. Slave masters had found him. They bet on how much money the large man could make them.

-Him, a none violent man, was put into fighting rings were people placed bets on who would win.

-Your husband, a gentle man was turned into a former shell of himself with each blood shed that coated his hands.

-A man who once held you with tender hands was forced to use them to kill for the entertainment of others.

-He fought weaker men, stronger men, and terrific beasts. All who were in the same position as him. All for the entertainment of others.

-The life he was forced into would have broken others, but not him. Not when he was fueled by an anger. An anger for the Emperor who had taken everything from him.

-The hesitance he once had for killing became nonexistent with each fight. His worth as a slave becoming more and more valuable. And he was taken to more and more valuable places.

-Like a blood thirsty hound, he followed you. He was at the edge of death many times, yet he refused to part from you.

-He followed you to Rome, vengeful and angry. Many times he thought he’d die but once he made it to the grand city, he knew the Gods had given him another chance.

-He needed to be stronger for you. So that he would save you.

-His reputation as a vicious fighter spread throughout Rome. Many eager to see him in the Colosseum.

-And that’s where they took him.

-Now he stands in the arena, his heart beating erratically in his chest. Blood splattered on his face and armor. None of it his.

-There is no glory where he stands while his defeated opponents lay bleeding on the ground.

-There is no glory in the screams and cheers from the crowds. All chanting his name as he stands as the last man standing.

-There is no glory in his victories, where he gets to live another day.

-His eyes shift to where you sit in the grand seats of the Colosseum. You’re beautiful with your beautiful gown and jewelry. Yet you look at him with such sadness. As if he were another dream out of reach.

-His soft eyes harden when a firm hand grabs your soft one.

-The Emperor brings your hand to his lips, kissing it ardently.

-He doesn’t break eye contact with him as he does this. A clear claim of ownership over you.

-He grits his teeth.

-There is no glory when you’re trapped with that despicable man. There is no glory when you’re not his. There is no glory when the Emperor is still breathing.

-He returns the Emperor’s glare. Eyes hard with pure hatred and loathing.

-And for that, the Emperor must die.

[joebloggshere]

Emperor of Rome : Ruling the Ancient World by Mary Beard

This is fabulous. I don’t really like audio books - see Greg Woolf’s Rome - https://www.tumblr.com/joebloggshere/708338576631414784/rome-an-empires-story-by-greg-woolf-narrated - but again Audible kindly offered me some free ones just as this came out so it seemed like too good an offer to turn down and I’m so glad I didn’t.

Mary Beard reads this herself in her enthusiastic and accessible style and, even though it’s non-fiction, which I usually read at a much slower pace, (I know here I was listening but…), this one I could take in at a fiction rate.

Yes, one or two nit picks, like some repetition, but all in all, an excellent book about the first 235 years of Roman emperors.

Highly recommend.

Courtesy of Audible.

[grunge-samurai]

Me, getting ready to go watch Gladiator II tonight and awake once again my life-long hyperfixation with Ancient Rome.

[xplore-the-unknwn]

"Am I not Merciful?" - Joaquin Phoenix as Commodus (Gladiator, 2000)

Pt. 1, Pt. 2

[megalony]

Heir To Rome- Part 2

Here is the second part to my newest Emperor Geta fic, I hope you will all like it.

Feedback is always appreciated.

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@ajourneyforjoy @wanderingaimlessly99

Main Masterlist

Part 1

Summary: (Y/n) and Geta have a son, an heir, a Prince. But things get tricky when an attempt is made on the newborn Prince.

Enjoy.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Geta gave the door a quick shove until it clicked shut behind the maid who scuttled out of the room without needing to be dismissed verbally. All of the servants had come to realise that they would have to sweep in and out of the Emperor's room quickly and efficiently. Their usually slow and tiresome tasks such as changing and making the bed, tidying the room and replacing the glasses and bowls of fruit weren't important right now. Not this week.

This week, Geta didn't want any interruptions or clattering about and people milling in and out of their room. He had made it clear that this week he wouldn't be attending most of the usual daily meetings and tasks he would usually do. He wasn't attending any dull or angered meetings, he wasn't seeing to state affairs or dealing with the inadequacy of the Senates.

For this week, or as long as he could possibly manage, Geta was staying in his chambers with his wife and son and no one would even think to stop him. The only person who wasn't so thrilled about this was Caracalla, but because he was the one person who was allowed to bustle in and out of the room without question, he wasn't too irritated.

He got to come and visit his nephew on a daily basis and most of the meetings and dealings this week would be rather slack and easy going so Caracalla was satisfied.

Adjusting the newborn in his arm, Geta turned on his heels and slowly padded across the room towards the bedroom.

Seeing how he wasn't leaving the room, all he had decided to wear was a simple robe. There was no need to be formal or dress up in his usual silks or his armour and uniform when he wasn't going anywhere or going to be seen by anyone but a few odd servants. He could walk around the room barefoot with his robe half undone and there was no one but his wife to see- and admire- him.

A fondness spread across (Y/n)'s lips when she turned her head towards the door and saw a sight that swelled her heart. Her husband looked so natural and relaxed holding their son, as if it was his life's purpose that he had been waiting for for years.

She liked how his hair was slightly askew, especially towards the back where a few strands were stuck out like loose points of hay in a haybale. And his robe wasn't properly tied at the front, leaving it to slide off the left shoulder and expose Geta's pale skin to (Y/n)'s tired but fond eyes. The loose robe also allowed the newborn in Geta's arms to cuddle against his bare chest.

Fatherhood looked good on him.

"Are you hungry?" Geta advanced towards the bed with his eyes locked on his wife. He took in the way she was sat on the edge of the bed with her hands tapping on the mattress either side of her thighs like she was making sure she didn't suddenly fall backwards and lie down again.

He walked over until he was stood in front of her legs and when her thighs parted, he took another step closer until he was stood between her thighs. And he leaned down to press a gentle kiss to her temple.

Geta was sure that the maids were secretly relieved that they didn't have to stay and observe or wait around when they brought food up to the room. He was sure they were pleased that they weren't needed and that Geta barely spoke to them. He knew a lot of the servants feared his temper, something which had been mellowed down greatly since he married (Y/n).

But it was relaxing to have the maids run in and out without really disturbing them or staying to watch and wait to clear the trays. They brought food and drink and then scarpered off. The couple were left alone. The only interruption was the wet nurse when she took their son to his own room for the evenings.

"A little." (Y/n) murmured quietly while she leaned forward and placed her hands on Geta's hips while she pressed her lips to his exposed torso that wasn't covered by the loose robe. Her light touch caused shivers to run up and down Geta's chest and he did his best not to stand and jitter or squirm out of her touch.

He had been quite surprised yesterday that (Y/n) had woken feeling tired but refreshed and seemed to gather bounds of energy. He had walked the length of their bedroom more times than he cared to count, pacing around slowly but happily with (Y/n) in his arms when she needed to stretch her legs but couldn't walk unaided. It also surprised him that (Y/n) was starting to get her appetite back when the healer suggested that she might not be hungry at all and it could take days to get her appetite back.

But (Y/n) was still feeling a little queasy and she didn't dare eat too much and indulge herself only to be sick afterwards. Light meals little and often was the safest option for now.

"Good," His voice was as soft and gentle as his touch when he moved Gaius into his left arm and coiled his other arm around (Y/n)'s waist to help her up. He loved the feel of both of them in his arms at once and (Y/n)'s hands on his arms and her lips on his collar bone.

He attached his lips to her temple as they stood there, entwined together and enjoying the silence that surrounded them. Peace and quiet wasn't something that they got much of, and moments alone together like this was a rarity too. They were going to bask in these moments for as long as they could.

"There will be games at the colosseum next week in your honour, to celebrate." Geta's words were hushed against her temple and (Y/n) found herself smiling as she stayed pressed up into his chest with her lips glued to his collar bone.

She had a feeling that there would be some sort of celebration organised sooner or later. Whether they had a son or a daughter, Geta would want to celebrate and so would the people of Rome. They had already heard that there was cheer throughout Rome about the news of the Prince and the games would make the people even happier and give more cause to celebrate. It would also help to keep the peace and keep the people's spirits up.

"And what about Gaius?" (Y/n) leaned her cheek on Geta's exposed shoulder as his hand began to softly glide up and down the centre of her back. While he guided them towards the table at the far end of the room laid out with a few sweet meats, various fruits and wine.

She moved one hand down to gently glide her fingertips over the back of their son's head while he dozed peacefully in the crook of Geta's arm.

When she tilted her head back to look up at Geta, she found his brow quirked and that soft smile still playing on his features as he looked between her and their boy. They both knew what she was referring to. Geta had barely wanted to take his eyes off his son since the moment he had been born and (Y/n) was much the same, she didn't like it when he wasn't within her sights.

Leaving the palace and going to the colosseum meant leaving Gaius all day. Not having him with them, not having him in their arms or by their side or in the next room. That thought wasn't appealing to either of them.

(Y/n) grinned when Geta's lips smothered her temple as if to cover the sigh that parted his lips.

"He's too young for that kind of celebration, we won't be parted from him for long."

As much as the thought enticed Geta to take their boy with them to the colosseum, that wouldn't happen for another two years or so. Geta didn't want the people seeing their son yet, he didn't want them to gaze upon him until he was older. He wanted to shield his boy, and taking him out of the palace was too risky. He wouldn't be leaving the palace for months, maybe years, yet.

She laid her cheek on his shoulder once again and kept her hand cradling the back of Gaius's head while the pair of them stood, entwined. Neither one wanting to break this moment they had created, after all, they had all day to lounge around and eat, this moment could last a while longer.

(Y/n) could feel herself becoming lost in her thoughts until she felt Geta's nose nudging against her temple which he kissed lightly before he tilted his head down to look at her better.

"Such a pretty smile, what're you thinking?" His head angled down more so his nose could nudge against hers and he could attach his lips to hers while he made sure to keep his left arm locked to secure his sleeping son against his chest.

"Just how soft my merciless Emperor looks right now."

It was no secret that people feared both Emperors. They were seen to be uncaring, cold and merciless at the best of times. They ended more lives than they saved in the colosseum, they ordered executions and had severe punishments for anyone who disrespected them or broke the law.

But seeing Geta right now, people would think this man and the merciless ruler he could be, were two completely different people. He looked so serene, so caring and soft in this moment that (Y/n) couldn't believe how different he was when he was around her. And when he was around their boy too.

She felt him murmur "Only for you," against her lips and it made her smile widen.

She knew that. (Y/n) knew that Geta was only like this around her and their boy, and of course Caracalla depending on their moods. She knew Geta's heart would only go soft like this for her. And she knew that he would become more ruthless than the people of Rome had ever seen if anything were to threaten his family.

He would spill all the blood in the world if anyone threatened his family. They were his everything.

***

A small groan burned at the back of (Y/n)'s throat as she turned her head to the left and nuzzled her cheek into the pillow. Her nose scrunched up slightly and her lips curled as she tried to decipher what was tickling her skin and causing shivers to run down her spine towards her toes.

When her lips moved and she took in a deep breath, a warmth spread across her as she worked out what the feeling was.

It was Geta's hair. It took a moment or two for (Y/n)'s senses to figure themselves out and realise how her husband was laid, but once she did, it made her feel relaxed and as if she were melting into the bed.

He had his face tucked up into the crook of her neck, each soft breath and sigh that he made fanned against her throat and ignited her nerves now that she was somewhat alert. She could feel his nose against the column of her throat and his lips were ever so slightly parted like he was about to sink his teeth into her skin.

She could feel his left arm laid heavy across her upper chest like a barrier of protection which was also helping to pin her down. If she moved one inch away from Geta, he would feel it and shuffle closer. It was always (Y/n)'s delightful experience that if she rolled too far away from Geta, he would subconsciously move too until he had her back as close as he wanted- or needed, her to be.

She wasn't sure where his other arm was, it was probably draped over the pillow somewhere. But she could feel his chest slowly rising and pressing into her arm and side and she felt his leg that was draped over hers so his knee was resting in between her thighs.

It was almost as if Geta was afraid that she might disappear during the night. He held her so tightly even when his brain shut down and he managed to get some sleep for a few hours. But (Y/n) knew it wasn't really a fear of losing her in the night. It was comfort; he had grown attached to sleeping with her close by. He liked to have at least an arm draped around her or to have her head on his chest.

Clearly tonight it was more comforting to be wrapped around her like another blanket. (Y/n) didn't mind. It was soothing to her too.

She turned her head just a little more until her nose and lips were pressing down into Geta's hair that would surely be askew in all directions by now. He tossed and turned so much before he actually managed to sleep that in a morning, his hair looked like a birds nest.

She inhaled the soothing scents and oils that were woven into Geta's golden locks while she flopped her right hand on his arm.

It didn't take long for her brain to shut down again and she stayed with her head tilted down, nuzzling into Geta's hair.

It felt like an eternity had passed while they slept, but (Y/n)'s body jolted as if she had become possessed when a thunderous noise resonated throughout the room. Her eyes shot open and her chest bolted up from the bed as a shriek escaped her lips.

She felt the jolt than ran through Geta, the noise had clearly awoken him too and he startled up from where he had been laid over her.

His left hand pressed down into the mattress right next to (Y/n)'s chest so his arm was still caged over her chest and he pushed up awkwardly on his hip to try and sit up. While his other hand fumbled around to try and find the thin blade that was always hidden safely beneath one of the many pillows on their bed.

It didn't matter that they had hundreds of guards trained and charged with protecting them. Geta didn't want to run into the risk of someone being skilled enough to sneak past the guards and find himself vulnerable with no weapon to defend himself or his wife.

His fingers curled around the blade while he swiftly spun off his hip so he was sitting upright in the bed properly. His other hand retracted from (Y/n) when she sat up and curled her hands around the arm closest to her. Her lips merged with his bare shoulder while Geta looked wildly around the room, trying to find the source of the noise.

It had sounded so close, so deafening and booming as if a canon had been let off in their chambers.

Another thunderous noise broke out, louder this time, and (Y/n) jumped when a beacon of light shone into their room. It was the door. Their bedroom door had been flung wide open, revealing the dark silhouette of a guard stood in the doorway with the flicking light from candles and hallway torches lighting up behind him.

(Y/n)'s hands tightened around Geta's arm and she inched a little closer to him with her chest pressing up into his bare back. Her chin pressed down into his shoulder as she tried to take deep breaths to calm down her erratic heartbeat.

She could feel each rise and fall of Geta's chest that was throbbing and heaving and there was a subtle shaking setting in his system. He looked like he was riled up and about to explode.

His usually pale complexion was swiftly changing into a bright red that was swarming his face and seething down his neck. The end of his nose started to crinkle and his upper lip curled into a snarl as he stared down the guard who was visibly quaking in his boots.

"What is the meaning of this?" The dangerous tone to Geta's voice made the guard advert his eyes down to the floor for a moment.

He clearly knew what he had done. It was no secret that both Emperors hated people barging in and interrupting or disturbing them without knocking like this. If the guard didn't have a good reason then he was going to be out of a job and quite possibly sent to the cells for a few days as punishment.

The guard stepped closer which seemed to be a bad move as Geta visibly snarled when he moved towards the foot of the bed. But he didn't want to be raising his voice to be heard, he needed to be closer so he could discuss the issue at hand with the Emperor and Empress.

"Apologies, Emperor, but- but the Prince-"

Those few stuttered words were enough to enrage a fire within Geta and cause shockwaves to rattle through (Y/n).

What was wrong with her baby? Was her little boy alright? He couldn't be if the guards were bursting in here in the middle of the night with such panic. But why guards? Why not the wet nurse or the maids who were in charge of the Prince's care? Why weren't they the ones coming in here to explain whatever was wrong.

"Is he alright?" (Y/n)'s voice came out high pitched in alarm and her nails started to pierce into Geta's arm until he roughly threw the covers to one side and slammed to his feet.

His body was shaking and his jaw began to grind from left to right as he reached for his robe and slung it on carelessly as he moved to stand before the guard. He inclined his head to one side, staring down the guard who was now visibly panicking.

Geta's hands were at the point of trembling as he tied the blood red robe around his waist. He couldn't exactly be storming the halls with nothing on, it wasn't a sight the maids were permitted to see.

"Does he need a healer?" Concern and aggravation flooded Geta's voice as he waited impatiently to be told what was the matter with his son.

This was the only time that Geta wouldn't oppose to someone bursting into their room without knocking, in the middle of the night. If someone had news of his boy or something was wrong then Geta would never be upset. He wanted any news of his boy to come before anything else, he would always put (Y/n) and Gaius's health before all others.

A shiver coursed down his spine when he felt (Y/n) glue herself up against his back once she scrambled off the bed. Her hands shakily found his hips and her lips and nose meshed into the back of his shoulder, but it was as if he could feel the paranoia coming off of her in waves.

Did Geta need to find the healer? Was their boy unwell? It was no secret that there was a high mortality rate for newborns. They contracted so many diseases and often died from sickness and fever. Of course, being here in the palace meant their son had a higher chance of thriving. Clean water, the best of foods, healers on demand, no poverty and disease succumbing to the palace.

But none of that secured the Prince's health. Anything could cause the wind to change and have him take gravely ill.

He was only two weeks old. They couldn't have anything wrong with him now, nothing serious could be wrong with him. And they couldn't lose him. God forbid they lose him. (Y/n) wouldn't know how to cope or what to do with herself if their little boy passed away.

"No, no he's not ill… sire, someone tried to take him."

Geta's head ticked to the side as if he thought he couldn't possibly have heard the guard properly.

Take him? Someone had gotten into the palace and had tried to snatch the Prince? Or had someone working within the palace tried to take him? Why would anyone try and take their boy? How could that even happen?

The Prince was on the same floor as them, he was right down the hall with his nurse maid. Guards were posted throughout the palace, but more were stationed on this floor where both Emperors, the Empress and the Prince were. No one should have been able to sneak past every guard and get into the Prince's chambers.

"What?" Geta's voice dropped down to an ungodly level as the redness continued to spread across his features and he found his hands balling up into fists at his sides.

"Where is he?!"

"Still in the nursery, Empress."

That was all (Y/n) needed to hear. Her baby hadn't been snatched during the night and taken somewhere far away. He was still here, they hadn't managed to get away with him.

(Y/n)'s hands dropped from clutching Geta's arm and her legs were moving before she even knew what she was doing. The slight cramping in her abdomen didn't slow her down and the fact that she was merely in her night gown didn't cross her mind at all. It didn't matter. The only thing that mattered was reaching her boy and making sure he was alright and unharmed.

One hand reached down to scrunch up the bottom of her gown so she didn't trip over or get her feet tangled and her other hand gripped the wall to use as leverage to propel herself through the doorway. She shot through their adjoining chamber and out into the hall, barely hearing her husband's distant call of her name following behind her.

Fury spilled over inside Geta as he reached his hand out and crashed his palm against the guard's shoulder, causing him to stumble backwards.

"Get the General." Each word was sneered with venom before Geta hurried to try and match pace with his wife who was already out the door.

He was surprised how fast she managed to move considering it was the middle of the night and she was still recovering after only having Gaius two weeks ago.

Each breath that raged past Geta's lips caused his chest to heave and he felt like he was starting to go lightheaded. A growl rumbled deep within his chest as he barrelled into the dimly lit corridor that was now ablaze with people moving in all directions. Stirred by the commotion of the night.

His hand reached out to rest on (Y/n)'s shoulder when he finally caught up with her just as she slammed open the door to their boy's chamber.

The words "Where is he?" Seemed to tumble from both their lips at the same time. (Y/n) scanned her rabid eyes around the room until she found the wet nurse who was to stay with the Prince at all times unless he was with the nurse maid. They were both charged with looking after him unless he was in his parent's presence. It was their job to nurture him, but not to protect him from attacks like this.

(Y/n) looked over the nurse who was a few years older than herself. Her hair was tousled in all directions, her frame was shaking and she looked as pale as a pitcher of milk. There was a look in her eyes that resembled terror and it made (Y/n)'s stomach clench. Did she think they were going to punish her for any of this? Did she think she was somehow at fault for any of this?

The nurse seemed to understand what (Y/n) wanted without her needing to say a word at all for the elder lady lifted her trembling arms in (Y/n)'s direction. She bowed her head down when (Y/n) hurried forward and took her son into her own arms.

Tears began to stream down (Y/n)'s face as she bound her baby to her chest and took a step back towards Geta. Her eyes fell closed and her head tilted down until her lips and nose were softly pressed against the newborn's head. She could feel each whimper and cry he let out vibrate through to her heart that was pounding against her ribs so much it felt like they were beginning to fracture.

Her boy was shaking too. His little arms were bashing against (Y/n)'s chest as he writhed and wriggled in her arms, clearly distraught at the commotion that was happening around him. His features were screwed up, his lips were wet from crying and wailing and he was beginning to sniffle now too.

(Y/n) moved her hand to cup the back of his head and she began to glide her thumb across the small tufts of hair while her other arm encased him to her chest. She tried her best not to squeeze him too tightly, she didn't want to hurt him but she wanted to soothe him and stuff him into her heart to keep him safe.

She felt Geta's hands reaching for her again. One hand gripped her shoulder so he could glue his chest up against her back and his other arm carefully encased around (Y/n)'s so his hand could cradle the back of their son's head.

He tilted his head down so his lips were pressing against the side of (Y/n)'s temple and he tried his best to control his breathing and regulate his system that was starting to overload. But Geta couldn't help how riled up he felt. He employed these people to protect his family, not to allow people to get close enough to try and harm them.

His chest heaved against (Y/n)'s back and a fire burned within his eyes that began to roam around the room, checking for anything that was out of place and any sign of what had really happened in here tonight. But something caught Geta's eye and caused his breathing to stutter.

His lips broke apart from (Y/n)'s temple and his hand tightened around her shoulder as he leaned to the left and peered down at the marble floor near the crib.

Blood.

There were droplets of blood on the floor. A small table had been knocked over. Blankets and towels and bowls were scattered across the floor, showing some signs of a struggle. The window was smashed. Had that happened during the struggle or was that how someone had gotten in? If so, how did they know that this was the Prince's room?

Geta didn't feel like he could breathe at all when he leaned his head over (Y/n)'s shoulder and moved both arms around her waist so he could reach over for their boy. His hands skimmed across the newborn, checking the silks draped around his small frame to see if any specks of blood could be seen. He checked his arms, his face and neck and across his chest, but there was no sign of any scratches or cuts of even the beginning of a bruise. He looked okay.

A frown furrowed on (Y/n)'s features at the sudden urgency in Geta's movements but when she cast her eyes down and noticed the blood on the floor, she shivered.

"Are you hurt?" Her eyes locked on the nurse and she tried to assess whether the elder woman had any abrasions or cuts too.

"No, my lady. T- they tried to take him from the cradle, I called for help… the guard wounded one of them."

One of them. That meant that there had been at least two or maybe three people who had tried to take their son. Just the thought had (Y/n) shivering and cowering back into Geta whose arms tightened around her waist in some small sense of reassurance.

"Where are they?" Geta turned his head to look at one of the guards who was stood just behind the door like he was lying in wait for anyone else to try and break in and sneak up on them.

"They absconded-"

"You let them get away?!"

(Y/n) couldn't help the way she flinched in Geta's arms that tightened around her like binding ropes. His voice was guttural and echoed off the walls along with their boy's whimpers and cries. She felt the deep breath Geta took to try and control his temper that was starting to drift out of his reach. And the feeling of his lips smothering her temple again was soothing for both of them.

How could they let them get away? How could they wound them but not badly enough to be able to catch them? They were supposed to be trained, lethal, without mercy. They were supposed to keep everyone safe. Letting attackers get out of the palace didn't count as keeping them safe.

"What if they come back? They- they could have killed him!" (Y/n) could feel the panic rising within her and it caused her stomach to twinge and ache and a horrible crushing feeling tightened within her chest.

Her knees began to tremble and she felt herself doubling over slightly, still with her baby boy encased safely in her embrace. If they couldn't keep him safe then what were (Y/n) and Geta to do? They would have to keep him with them at all times. They would have to watch over him at every moment to try and ensure his safety and that he came to no harm. They couldn't have this happening again.

"Sit down-"

"No." (Y/n) shook her head and writhed in Geta's arms when he tried to move her towards one of the chairs.

She didn't want to sit and wallow in here. She didn't want to sit and panic and listen to their pathetic excuses over how they failed to do exactly what they were trained and paid for. It wasn't right. It wasn't fair.

"Y-you're supposed to keep him safe." She sneered each word at the two guards stood near the door before she pulled out of Geta's embrace and stormed out of the room. Her son still safe in her arms.

Geta mumbled something along the lines of "Go and rest." Towards the wet nurse because she had been through an ordeal. She could go to the kitchens and find herself some wine to settle her nerves or retire to one of the rooms for the rest of the night. She wasn't needed at the moment, the Prince wouldn't be leaving his parent's sights.

His hands began to tremble when he raised them to run along his face to try and calm himself down.

The moment he lowered his hands and looked towards the two guards stood trembling at the back of the room, he felt like he was going to combust. They were staring back at him as if they hadn't done anything wrong, as if they weren't culpable for any of this. And it infuriated him.

"Emperor, we tried-"

"You tried? You let them get away, it's by no great mercy that my son hasn't been slain in his sleep."

It felt pretentious that they could stand there and try to tell him that they had tried. They clearly hadn't tried hard enough. They hadn't done anything to stop the perpetrators from escaping. They had barely done enough to stop the Prince from coming to any harm.

"He is my heir!" His words echoed off the walls as his seething voice had spit foaming past his lips.

That was why this had happened. Gaius was the heir, he was the one who would take the throne next. He would be the next Emperor after Geta and Caracalla passed, whenever that may be. He was the succession, he had secured Geta and Caracalla's place on the throne as now there was an heir that no one could dispute.

But if any harm came to the heir then the succession might not be secure. Taking him meant after Caracalla and Geta passed, the throne would be in jeopardy.

Well Geta would not allow any harm to befall his son.

"He will succeed us and take the throne, anyone who tries to harm him is a traitor. And traitors don't get to live." He wouldn't have anyone getting away with this. Once the perpetrators had been found, they would be dealt with accordingly. By Geta himself.

He would make an example of them to ensure this didn't happen again. He wasn't having anyone else think they could try their luck at harming the Prince. They might try and harm Geta and (Y/n) or Caracalla. An example had to be maid to deter any other subjects from trying this too.

Both guards found themselves nodding, but their gazes were set on the floor so they didn't have to face the Emperor's wrath. They still didn't know whether they were going to receive a form of punishment for this.

"He will inherit all of Rome. You are supposed to protect him; see to it that no more harm comes to my son."

With that being said, Geta made sure to keep his gaze set dead ahead of him, not bothering to look towards either of the guards who had disgraced him. When Geta found out exactly which guards had failed at their posts, he would make sure they were dealt with sufficiently and replaced as soon as possible.

The feeling of the cold marble floor against his bare soles was somehow relaxing and calming and it stopped the fire within him from spreading too far and wide.

He raged back down the hall and stormed into their chambers once again and he cast his eyes around the room. There were now two servants stood in the room, looking rather like statues with how uncertain and useless they seemed.

"Out." The click of Geta's fingers pointing towards the door was enough to make them scarper.

They weren't needed. He wasn't sure why they had even rushed in here. What did they think they could do? Did they think he and (Y/n) wanted them to stay and pour wine and talk with them? They didn't need anything except the protection that their guards were clearly failing to give.

Once they were gone from his sights, Geta turned and slammed the door shut with such force that the pillars and walls began to tremble in fear of facing his wrath. He spun on his bare heels and started trudging towards the bedroom, but as he did, he noticed that candles had been lit all around the room.

The servants were good for something, then.

He could feel his heart aching and clenching in his chest when he walked into the bedroom. (Y/n) was sat on the end of the bed, her feet anxiously tapping against the rug, her lips smothered against the top of their sons head who had finally ceased his crying. And she was slowly swaying back and forth, whether that was to calm her down or Gaius, Geta couldn't be sure.

"They almost took him." Her words were so quiet that Geta almost missed them but when he heard, his shoulders slumped and he sighed. He advanced towards her until he was stood in front of her so that her knees were bumping into his each time she tried to rock back and forth.

"I'll make sure the guards find whoever did this; Acacius will find them. They won't get away with this."

When a tear trickled slowly down (Y/n)'s cheek, Geta knelt down until he was in front of her with his chest pressing against her knees and his hands gently cupping both of her thighs. He leaned forward and pressed a slow, tender kiss against her thigh before he tilted his head back to look up at her. And one hand tenderly reached up to brush along the back of their son's head.

"Geta, he- he has to stay with us."

(Y/n) couldn't let him go. Not after what had happened. She didn't want their boy to be in a different room to them, let alone be out of their sights for longer than a few seconds. They had to protect him, they both knew why someone had tried to take him. Their boy had to be protected.

"He's not leaving my sight. Neither of you are." Geta's hand moved from the back of their boy's head to reach up for (Y/n) instead. His thumb swiped across the few tears starting to trickle down her face again and his fingers caressed and tickled the back of her neck.

He wasn't having either his wife or son leave his sights after this. They were both going to stay with him until he knew it was truly safe to trust the guards with protecting them again. With protecting what was most important to Geta.