#general acacius fluff

[lokischocolatefountain]

Battlefront | At Your Service

Fandom: Gladiator II Pairing: General Marcus Acacius x Empress!Reader Rating: M Word count: 5.3k words Summary: General Acacius returns energized by battle when an unexpected guest makes themselves at home in his tent. Warnings: Historical inaccuracies, some historical accuracies, poor description of battle strategy. A/N: Listen, I know Rome never had a single reigning Empress. But seeing loyal husband Marcus Acacius has made me eschew historical accuracy. If Ridley Scott can have characters reading newspapers before their invention, I can have Marcus Acacius being devoted to his powerful Empress wife. I'm thinking of making it a lose series with snippets of these characters' lives together. Like my Married Javi series. So lmk if there's anything you want to read about them.

“What are you doing here?” 

The sounds of battle still rang in his ears. The strategies he’d laid out playing out in his vision as he sought to identify problems he could have failed to spot. His heart was restless, every beat reminding him how high the stakes were, reminding him that every young man there was his responsibility. And then you appeared. 

Like the brain cooled the body, the sight of you cooled him. 

“You dare ask what I do at my own battlefront?” You asked, an eyebrow raised. He stood in place as you took small steps towards him. He rushed ahead, calling attention to his broad shoulders that narrowed down to his waist. Your pace was wholly inadequate for his liking.

“This is not the battlefront, Caesarea,” he said, stopping in front of you and taking your hand in his. “These are my private quarters.” He bowed and placed a kiss on the back of your hand, looking up at you from behind soft brown eyes you did not believe capable of inspiring fear until you witnessed him in battle. 

“You forget your place, General. You have no authority to deny me entrance to my husband’s quarters,” you teased. His eyes darkened at your words and the implications they bore. Your relationship had been a delicate one since the two of you left childhood behind. But it was only more so with you on the throne and him the General at your command. 

“If you wish to assert your marital rights at this moment, know I will have to as well,” he warned, his hands itching to be upon you. Unlike his soldiers, Acacius had gone many months without the touch of a woman. Some high ranking officers brought their wives and some indulged in whores. Not Acacius.

“What man asks to claim his marital rights? I believed I belonged to a man who knew what was his and conquered it.” 

It was all he needed to close the distance between you. In an instant, your fearsome general, covered in the blood of enemies and grime of their land he claimed, pulled you to his chest. His large hands engulfed your face. His lips came crashing against yours, desperate and sloppy. You instinctively reached up to one, caressing his rough hand with your soft one. Teeth clashed against each other. Saliva dribbled down his lips, transferring the dried blood on his face to yours. Smearing you with evidence of his devotion. To you and to Rome. 

His hard iron armor covered in leather and embossed with gold dug into your chest in his desperation to feel you. One hand slipped to your neck, holding you in place with the force of a soldier and authority of a husband. His other hand slipped to your hip, rough as he guided you towards the thin mattress on the floor.

“I must have you…” he growled into your ear as his hands groped around through your clothes. He grabbed every part of you he could think of, squeezing as though planting flags on a territory he’d already claimed.

You nodded, the gold and gems that dangled from your ears glinting under the light of the torches that illuminated his quarters. 

“Good,” he muttered, pushing your coat off your shoulders, catching it before it fell to the ground and discarding it on a chair. The clips and fasteners that kept your linen, silk, and wool too intricate for his impatience, he tore through anything that did not yield. Delicate fabrics met their end at the hands of the ravenous beast he became at the battlefront, revealing delicious skin underneath. He needed this. Needed to plunge into your tight, wet hole and spend the aggressive energy that coursed through his veins.

He took whores, but that was before he wed you. Married men took other women both back home and especially when at war. As long as they were whores or any other women lower than his wife’s status. It was expected, encouraged. But he was married to the Empress. Anyone he took would be a disrespect to her. Sure, many mocked him behind his back as the Empress’ wife. It did not bother him. Not anymore. 

When men depended on one’s instructions to survive each day, they ceased to question his manhood. Further, it was hard to question a man’s ability when he lead the mightiest army the world had seen to victory. 

You were beautifully exposed in front of him, your veil, stola, and palla lying in defeat on the ground. Only your tunica, exposing your legs and the shape of your breasts. His lips claimed your neck, biting and sucking on everywhere he knew you favored the way he expertly mapped and attacked the vulnerabilities of enemy territory.

Every bit of skin he touched lit a fire in your belly, replacing the weeks of agonizing solitude with only your inadequate fingers for release. 

Buried in your neck, he inhaled your scent, of your sweat combined with the roses and attar from Arabia. He licked, grunting when your gold necklace tainted the taste of your skin. Reaching behind you, he tugged at the fastener, growling when it proved too delicate to be undone by his large fingers. You let out a laugh before slapping his hand away and undoing the offending jewelry in one swift moment. He liked you bare. Needed to rid you of any object that interfered with his preference be it fabric or lustrous gold and gems.

You were an oasis in the desert. For a man surrounded by young men with nothing but rage and fear coursing through their veins. No bath fully cleansed him of enemy blood, mud and grime. Grace to the gods, you were not a woman repulsed by his gory state of being. 

You whimpered as he forced you to the ground, laying you out on his small mattress before climbing atop. The pteruges of his armor tickled your thighs as he hovered above you.

“Marcus…I have longed for you every night,” you whispered, your words clenching his heart. You did not have the luxuries that other royal women enjoyed. The wealth and adoration came with a sword at your neck and the weight of all of Rome and her people. Rare was the opportunity to only be a woman in the arms of your husband.

“I think of you day and night. My duty to my Empress by day, my duties to my wife at night,” he said, peppering kisses along your jaw. You sighed, curving away from him to expose more of yourself for his kisses.

“Do your duty then. And allow me to do mine,” you said, reaching below to caress his thigh. 

He searched under his pillow and retrieved his dagger. He tucked the tip of the cold blade under your strophium. You gasped as he cut through the layers, your breasts spilling from their restraints. Hands that for months only knew the reins of his horse and the handle of his sword relished in the softness of your breasts. He was no barbarian. He knew to treat a woman with gentle touch and loving words. 

His appetite, however, was quick to defeat the gentle Acacius who was allowed his Empress’ hand in marriage. Your breasts filled his hands perfectly, like the gods had shaped them for his sake. For his touch. For his children to feed from. The image formed in the back of his mind, his child drinking from your full breasts as your belly grew with another. His cock twitched at the thought and he acted, forcing your legs apart with his knees.

Fear joined a familiar ache in the pit of your stomach as he slid the blade down your chest, resting it near your core. Your nails dug into his arm and your core throbbed with need. You yelped as he cut through your subligar. The night air caressed your cunt forcing you to feel how wet his bestial acts made you. Your hips bucked up in search of him, desperate to fill the void he’d left in his absence. 

He traced the dagger further below and rested it on your thigh. His eyes exuded a hunger you’d seen only in the exotic beasts that devoured gladiators. “Stay still,” he said and placed a soothing hand on your trembling thigh as the other reigned terror on its counterpart. With your nod of understanding, he moved the blade closer and closer until–

You shrieked as the cold blade sat at the edge of your opening. Before you could comprehend, he brought it up before your eyes and licked the blunt edge. His eyes closed and a moan rumbled from his chest as he tasted your arousal. 

“You drip for me, melilla.” 

“I have been aching for you,” you said through trembling breaths, thinking of every night you touched yourself in his memory. He had made your body his, rending separation tartarus on land. The closest your cunt had felt of him was the ring from his pinky he placed on your middle finger before his departure. 

He tossed the dagger aside and it landed with a clang. Your cunt clenched at the sound, thrilled by his animalistic want for you. He cupped your core in his hand, parted your lips and plunged two fingers inside you. It was already much more than you had in his absence, his thick fingers filling you better than your own. 

“Please,” you whimpered as he worked you open, your cunt dripping around his fingers with each stroke. He was always gentle with you, but not this time. You didn’t want him gentle. In peacetime, he bowed to you as your loyal subject. In war, when he overflowed with masculine power, you wanted him forceful. Wanted him atop you, taking you with the same ruthless power he did enemy land. You wanted to be unburdened of the weight of your empire if only for a moment. Be husband and wife, not General and Empress.

His hand slipped under your head, grabbing your hair between his fingers. You hissed at the sting of his grip on your hair and reached for his arm instinctively. He withdrew his fingers, pushing them between your lips when you whined to be filled. As you tasted yourself, he aligned his cock up with your weeping entrance. You choked out a sob as he split you open with his cock, your walls burning at the stretch. Tears clouded your vision, but you blinked them away to see your dearest, handsome even in war. Your bejeweled fingers weaved through his dark curls, needing to touch the familiar parts of the man you’d so long yearned to reunite with. 

His own hand and a few whores was satisfactory when he was a lone general who did not know the taste of a woman he called his own. He doubted he could find someone else to satisfy his desires now that he had you. His men found this sentiment strange as they chose to relieve their stress with whores and slaves. 

None of those fools had the fucking Empress waiting for them at home. 

“Look at you…” he rasped, luxuriating at the vision. You were divine. All goddess-like in your beauty even lying on his thin mattress, hair strewn across his pillow and your hairpins coming undone under his grip. No dingy military camp was worthy of a visit from such an ethereal creature. But you were no simple Lady content to stay in the palace surrounded by your riches. He doubted he could stop you from visiting him even if you weren’t the Empress but only his dear wife.

“You like me this way,” he said instead of asking. He did not need to ask. He had seen how you looked at him when he wore his armor. No stranger to combat, the blood and gore did not seem to rattle you. His other campaigns found you in the camps for celebrations. Too many times, he had to keep you at arm’s length out of respect for your station. Now that you belonged to him…

“Always… Always liked my General so. Always wanted to pounce upon you and fight those girls you chose over me.”

He snorted at the jealousy that returned to your visage though he was now all yours. “My severed head would have joined the barbarians had I defiled the Princess, my dear.”

“You should have abstained,” you said, the smile that played at your lips all he needed to know it was but a jest. 

“And deprive you of the fruits of my experience with the female form?” He taunted, angling himself to stroke the particularly sensitive place inside you. Your lips opened in a small circle, whatever witty remark you’d concocted now dissolved into a pathetic moan.

He pawed at your breasts, his large hands and the loss of etiquette making you feel mauled by a beast. You pushed up from the ground and into his hands, sobbing as he tugged your nipples, adding to the pain of penetration. He took you in long, hard thrusts, your needy cunt pulling him back in each time he withdrew. Each stroke soothed the pain he bestowed, eased by how he had you leaking around him.

“I need, I need… please,” you begged, too occupied by your lust to find better words.

“Anything you want, Carissima,” he whimpered, bending down and claiming your lips. He smelled of war. Of mud and blood and something vile that should repulse you. He did not kiss like he usually did. Did not explore you and drink your sweet sounds. He took you, forced your lips apart and invaded with his tongue. He bit and drew blood, the taste of iron adding to the familiar taste of your beloved.

“Anything,” he growled, filling you deeper. “I will make you feel me between your legs for days. Make you wince in pain when you ride your horse,” he said, his hot breath and the threat making you shudder. “Would you like that? Like the people who bow to you smell me on you? Make you strategize with my seed dripping down your legs under your dress?”

“Macrus, want…please” you blubbered, your intelligence leaving from his vicious ravaging. Your thighs burned from how wide he spread you to fit himself between your legs. It was an agonizing stretch without the aid of any oils, without his lips easing you open for his thickness. But none of it mattered for you ached more with longing. 

Fully immersed in you, he placed his forehead against yours, his eyes closed as though he were meditating. He was heavy, his large frame that mowed through enemy men and swung weighty swords through necks now being used to contain you. He took your breath away not only with his stature but with his beauty. You liked to believe him sculpted by the gods to put you in his thrall. To tame the wild princess into the tempered Empress Rome needed.

You needed him to move, to fuck you so thoroughly you would feel him with every move you made until you could reunite once again. But you did not have heart to push him. Not when he looked like a devotee at the shrine of his goddess. 

All men thought of in the midst of war was the people they left behind. It did not change when one rose to command the entire Roman army. He opened his eyes, sighing with relief when he found you still there beneath him. He had dreamt so many times lying all alone that he was home with you. He dreamt that the war had ended and he was sat by your side as you read scrolls from senators and discussed fucking sanitation of all things. He dreamt of you returning to his arms, of your kisses and your tight cunt holding him inside you. You were never there when he woke up. 

He pinned your wrists above your head, desperate to contain you so he wouldn’t be separated from you again. 

This was no dream. Even dreams of you didn’t feel as elysian as your true form. He fucked you in short thrusts, grinding against your clit as he did. You dug your heels into his lower back, your hips rising up to meet his thrusts. He cupped your cheek in one hand and you melted into his touch, confounded by his contradictions. He brought your hand between your bodies and you took his direction, rubbing your clit as he returned to a brutal pace. 

He grabbed your hip for purchase, his other hand mauling your breast. His balls slapped against your skin, the lewd sounds of skin against skin sounding through the camp. 

You cried his name as he rammed into you over and over until you could no longer find an ounce of regard for propriety in you. Word would’ve spread that you were here. Everyone knew the General to be fiercely loyal. Now they would know it was their Empress in the tent moaning like a whore taking their General’s cock. You clenched tight around him at the scandalous thought, wrapping your arms around him to anchor yourself to reality. 

He pulled you up off the ground and onto his lap, bouncing you up and down his cock as you kept yourself wrapped around him. You grabbed his hair and pressed yourself against his chest. His dark brown eyes bored into yours, soft even as he fucked you with animalistic vigor. You kissed him, his growl devolving into a mewl like a lion tamed. Your heart beat against your ribs, longing to escape its confines to find the man it belonged to. 

You trailed kisses across every bit of exposed skin. The patch above his jaw where his beard never grew called out to your lips and you rewarded it with kisses. He returned them, his strong aquiline nose pressing against your cheekbone. 

Full of him, the world disappeared from your thoughts. Your hips moved of its own accord, taking him deeper as he bounced you up and down his cock. 

“What d’you think they would say?” he taunted, breathless from the exertion. “Their unshakable Empress being used by her husband in the camps. Your perfect hair tangled, your jewels on the ground,” he growled and you simply mewled, the shame coursing through you only aiding him as he hammered into you. 

“Answer me,” he commanded, punctuating the words with harsh thrust. You opened and closed your mouth, eyes trained on his fiery ones as he demanded what he made you incapable of doing. A sob emerged deep from your chest, the only sign you were present in your body. 

He let out a mocking laugh. “All of Rome bows to your rousing speeches yet you become mute with a cock stuffing you full.” 

You whimpered his name, or you thought you did. You couldn’t be sure of anything in this state. Your thighs shook from the force of his thrusts and your hip hurt where his fingers dug in. Sounds you did not know yourself capable of producing escaped your lips. The fire in your belly blazed wilder and your vision blackened. You felt the pressure wind tighter and tighter. You threw your head back in pleasure, whimpering when you felt his lips on your neck. He lapped at your skin, devouring your natural taste and your sweat. He nipped and bit, mumbling words of praise you couldn’t make out in your dazed state. 

His name mixed with curses flowed from your lips as pleasure hit you like lightning. You felt your back hit the floor, your legs folded up as he rammed into you. Your hole spasmed around him as he continued taking you for himself but you lay limp, spent. His warm sticky spend spurted inside you, dripping out onto your thighs and his thin mattress as he buried himself deep before collapsing on top.

He tucked his head in the nape of your neck, panting as you both came down to Earth from the heavens. His body weighed heavy on you, as did his armor. He took the breath out of your lungs but you did not want to be without him. It was the antidote for your aching heart.

“That was quite the welcome, General,” you said, placing a kiss on his cheek. “I did not receive such treatment the last time.” 

“You were the crown princess when you last visited me in the battlefront.” 

“Ah. You needed me on the throne before serving me this way?” You teased, knowing full well how it pained him to restrain himself from having you before he won approval for your hand in marriage.

“I needed the Emperor to not have my head for defiling his daughter so,” he said, rolling you over and pulling you down by your arms against his chest when you attempted to sit up. You giggled as he placed kisses all over, delighted by how playful he became once he took his aggressive energy out on you.

“He should not have given his General his daughter’s hand in marriage if he was worried about that.” 

“Mmm, I don’t know dear. The princess was quite insistent she would only wed the General. Threatened to be caught in the General’s bed if denied.”

“Yes. I hope you are grateful,” you said, giving him your hand adorned in rings, the one he gave you from his little finger gleaming brighter than the rest. He took your hand and kissed it, his eyes so soft with love and devotion for you that you could hardly reconcile them with the hunger they exuded just moments before. The words were merely a jest, but he was indeed grateful. 

He was celebrated for his prowess in battle. For the many victories he brought Rome. Many men deluded themselves into the belief that this entitled them a victory of the princess’ hand. Not Acacius. Though your hearts reached out for one other through the years, you were the only one with the courage to act upon it. The one to show the Emperor why only he would be the right companion to a woman on Rome’s throne. For that, he would forever be grateful.

“How goes the battle?” you asked, getting up and depriving him of your warmth. He grabbed a scrap of fabric that was once your tunica and tossed it at you. You caught it and whispered a thank you before cleaning yourself up.

“Who is asking? My Empress or my wife?” He asked, propping himself up with his hands.

“Would your answers vary?” 

“They would.” 

“Give me both answers, General. Husband.” You asked, wrapping your furs around you and sitting back on his chair. 

“Caesarea,” he said, finally rising up. Something shifted between you. Your voice had altered from its girlish relaxed state. Wool covered your body. You were perched on his seat while he stood in front of you in submission to your authority. “We anticipated many deaths from illness but have been spared such tragedy by the grace of the gods. The Eastern front has advanced into the barbarians' territory and they have retreated. However, I expect them to recuperate and retaliate. Our men are advancing faster to take advantage of their momentary retreat. The Northern front is not faring well. Not as we’d hoped. We have received intelligence that the barbarians have armed even women and children to attack.”

“What is your next course of action?” 

“We’ve sent troops up North and we need more men to replace them. I was hoping you would grant approval for a few more men from our reserves.” 

“How many?” 

“One century and a centurion to replace the ones I sent north, and twenty cavalrymen.” 

“And how soon do you need them?”

“We can not hold out longer than seven days. Or we stand to lose ground in the East.” 

“I’ll see what I can do. Seven days are… It is not enough time. I must send word with Decimus and the men would take time to arrive.” 

“I understand.” 

“I hope you have told the men you’ve sent North to limit casualties. We are to rule over these people once you have conquered their land. I imagine killing their wives and children wouldn’t endear them to us.” 

“I have, yes. They are under the leadership of a good man- Faunus. He trained under me. I know him to be determined and level headed. Has children of his own as well.” 

“Being a father doesn’t stop many men from killing children. They simply learn not to see those children as children at all.” 

“I have seen that too.” 

“I trust your judgment, Marcus. Let us hope you are right about Faunus and his men. What of the rations? Are they adequate?” 

“I hear more grains are coming our way from the last harvest. If true, we will not be in want of food.” 

“It is, indeed. Is there anything else my General needs?” You asked, an eyebrow raised. 

“No. Nothing that needs your immediate attention.”

“Well, then tell me what answer you would give your wife. About how the war is going.” 

He smiled, his eyes softening and his shoulders relaxing at the permission to change role from General to husband. He stepped closer to you and caged you in with his hands on the armrests. He leaned down and placed a kiss on your lips and felt you relax. As he spoke, he peppered kisses across your face, enjoying his effect on you. “I would tell you that the end of the war is closer than it was the last time I wrote you. That I long for you every hour I spend in this wretched place. I would reassure you that I am unharmed and ask you to prepare our home for my arrival.” 

“Are you?” 

He tilted his head in question, making you clarify yourself, “Unharmed. I need to see.” 

“Is that why you have come so far? To ensure I am unharmed?” 

“Perhaps. I did not want my men to believe their Empress had forgotten them. I come bearing gifts. Letters from families who have not accompanied officers. Fresh fruits and nuts. Toys and books for the children. Some hearings to handle as you said in your letters. To boost morale.” 

“You have already succeeded with me there, my dear. My morale is higher than ever,” he said, nipping playfully at your ear and making you giggle. “Back to bed now,” he said and you obliged, wrapping your arms around his neck and allowing him to carry you. 

“A happy General makes for happy soldiers.” 

“Perhaps I’m not happy enough,” he said, laying you out on his bed, gentle unlike the man he was a while ago. “You must do more, my dearest. For the sake of the poor soldiers.”

You giggled and pulled him down to your chest, sighing when his weight settled on you. You traced the gold plating on his armor with a finger idly, saying, “Oh, iff it is for the soldiers…” 

He laughed with you and the two of you lied together, quietly taking each other in. Other high ranking men in your army had the privilege of bringing their families to the barracks, but not your husband. You hadn’t the duty to keep your home but to keep your empire. Though opposition to having you on the throne had begun to dwindle, you did not feel secure in your position. You couldn’t afford peace of mind. There was disease and conflicts awaiting your attention. Plebeians to care for without angering the patricians. Marcus unburdened you of all worries about the war for you knew he would bring victory to Rome. But you worried as wives did about whether their husbands would return at all.

“I will be here for four days,” you spoke up, needing a distraction from your burgeoning fears. “I must see to a few disagreements. Inspect the troops. Maybe I will even polish your swords like a good wife ought to.” 

“Oh? What else will you do?” 

You squinted, thinking of what else the women in the barracks did for their men that you knew to do. You couldn’t cook. Didn’t know to wash clothes. Did not yet have children to raise. You could spar with him, but that was frowned upon and not at all wifely.

“Clean your quarters?” 

“My quarters are clean, Princess,” he laughed softly. You pushed at his chest playfully but he didn’t budge. It had been a long time since you could push him around physically.

“I am not a Princess anymore.” 

“I meant it as a term of endearment, not as your title.” 

“Surely there is something I can do. I will have time aside from my duties to our people.”

“When you do, mea vita…” he whispered, hot breath tickling your ear. “Lie back here and open your legs for me.” 

“Whatever for?” You teased, wearing an expression of confusion as you pretended to think of the answers. 

“To do your duty to your husband. To please me,” he said, parting your coat and cupping your sex in his hand. He swept his ejaculate that dripped down your thighs and pushed it back inside you. He wanted it to take. Wanted you full and round with his child when he arrived in Rome victorious. It was their duty, yes. But he wanted children for more than duty and legacy’s sake. He wanted to experience the joy he witnessed in his men when they shared stories of their fatherhood. He could recall a time when he fought only to sate his bloodlust. Since you became more than his friend, more than his Princess, he began fighting to return home to you. He wanted one day to fight with his children in mind. 

He pumped his fingers in and out of you with practiced ease. You trembled, sensitive from his rough use, but did not pull away. You needed this.

“Have I not pleased you enough?” You asked, only half teasing. You did not have much experience with carnal pleasure. There were a few men and several women in your past. But the men were not interested in teaching you to please them. It wasn’t entirely their fault, of course. You did not want to please anyone before Marcus. It was a source of insecurity. You’d seen how women swarmed him since he developed from a little boy who sparred with you to a broad shouldered man with a deep voice. What if you were inadequate?

“You are simply too delectable, my dear. Each time I believe myself satisfied, I only want more of you.”

“I have duties to Rome. I can’t always be in your bed.” That was another insecurity you had. That he would find you lacking in wifely duties as compared to other women, those who did not have Rome on their shoulders.

“We barely had each other a week before I was sent here.” 

“Mmm… She sounds cruel, your Empress. Separating you from your new wife so early.” He could see how you sought to bury your fears with humor. Duty to Rome and your love plagued you despite reassurances of his unconditional support. The elders often turned their nose up at you, found you lacking as a woman. Though you’d proven yourself both in battle and in administration, old men set in their ways refused to accept you as Empress. Many already whispered about you not having conceived a child. 

“She is not cruel. My Empress,” he said, smiling. He wouldn't have you doubting his trust in you, be it as Empress or wife. Everyone was you tartarus, but he would only be your peace. “She is just. She is brave and kind with intellect as sharp as the tip of my sword. The right person to lead Rome into prosperity.”

You melted into his arms and he held you close to his chest, heavy with the weight of doing right by the Roman Princess who lent little Acacius her sword when he couldn’t afford one.

⌘ ⌘ ⌘

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[rainy-day-gracie]

- wedding night (1) -

A Venus & Mars mini series

pairing: general marcus acacius x virgin!wife!reader

content warning(s); dual pov, arranged marriage, implied age gap but nothing specific, period typical misogyny (Ancient Rome), mentions of violence/warfare, mention (1) of sexual violence (not against reader), mentions of pregnancy, attempted bedding ceremony, reader has hair that can be pinned back, steamy kisses, crazy amounts of sexual tension, discussions of consent because consent is sexy mandatory, virgin!reader, SOFTTTTT marcus acacius, romantic and intimate as hell, grievous historical inaccuracy because it's fucking fanfiction, canon divergent because duh

a/n: this has been living in my head for weeks now, along with every new photo we get of general marcus acacius because of course. this can be read as a prequel to bloodlust, or read entirely on its own. the reader insert is written as the same character in each fic.

this will be part 1 of the wedding night, and part 2 will include smut :)

---

You considered bolting as the sun rose on the morning of your wedding day. Stealing one of the nobleman's horses, putting as many miles as you could between yourself and the General's country house.

But, from what you've heard about the General, there would not be a corner of the earth that he would not find you in.

Your palms were clammy with sweat as the handmaidens pinned your hair back into a style of a bride. You wondered how they couldn't possibly hear the quick, panicky beating of your heart as each moment brought you closer to what you considered a life sentence.

General Marcus Acacius is venerated like a god in Rome, and anywhere else. Men boast about his wartime accomplishments as if they were their own, and ladies whisper about his scarred face like they would a demon within the walls.

So many rumors swirling around the Emperor's most esteemed general.

His hands were permanently stained red with blood, he burns the heads of his enemies in sacrifice to the gods, he kills men with icy calculation, takes women with fiery passion.

You could only imagine what kind of monster was waiting for you at the altar.

---

Marcus was in no good spirits on the day of his wedding, the marriage forced on him almost as much as it was forced on his...

Gods above, his bride.

The idea of having a bride was almost as foreign as you yourself were, since never once had Marcus even considered marrying anyone. With all the bloodshed and near-death experiences, he never exactly considered himself a man that was meant to be a husband. Or a father, for that matter.

Marcus tried not to shudder at the end of the aisle as the chorus began singing, sounding all to close to a death march.

At the sound of the choir, you entered into the wedding hall, for all gods and men to see.

His bride.

The world seemed to be brighter, the flowers bloomed more beautiful, and Marcus' vision turned clearer as you stepped into his sight.

For a moment, he forgot all about the blood of men on his hands. The shame that burdened him was cast off. Maybe he wasn't completely condemned to the Underworld.

The very possibility of you being his bringing him more relief than any wine or fine lady. The possibility of you being in his life was... redeeming. Redefining. Remaking.

One look, and he made a vow, but not to you. To himself.

If any harm were to come to you, he would unleash the fury of the gods upon them. He would protect you to the end of his days. Honor you, and serve you, however you may wish.

---

Fear coated your every nerve as you beheld your soon-to-be husband.

Nothing could have prepared you for just how mighty General Acacius was. Tan, broad, and mighty, dressed in fine white robes similar to yours. His bare hands were strong, made for swinging axes, throwing punches, and taking what he wanted. At the altar, he seemed to be near brooding, speaking his vows quietly, his voice like a roll of thunder.

You managed to keep your voice steady while you spoke your vows, but there was nothing you could do to keep your hands from shaking as the priest brought out the rings.

The general reached for your hand, and you were unable to keep from trembling.

His touch was warm on your skin, his calloused fingers surprisingly gentle as he slid the gold wedding band onto your finger. You found the nerve to meet his brown eyes, finding something utterly unreadable as he held your gaze. Could it be... fondness?

Gods, he was beautiful.

His touch steadied you, though you still exchanged rings with a thundering heart.

"In the sight of Gods and men, you are now Husband and Wife. You may kiss your bride, General."

The priest's words echoed in your head.

Husband and Wife.

The general leaned forward, an unspoken question in his warm eyes.

Swallowing, you gave a near imperceptible nod.

For such a harsh man, such a dominating man, his kiss was utterly... soft. Tender. Almost coaxing.

After a moment, he pulled away first, and you could've sworn he lingered, cherishing the air between you... before turned to the cheering wedding party.

In an instant, he changed, switching from the gentle kiss of a lover to a commanding force, a man that drinks in praise like fine wine.

A mighty man, indeed.

---

Marcus tried his best to not feel too wounded that his new wife was completely terrified of him.

He felt the thundering pulse in your hand as he slid that ring on, and he wondered if you saw the wedding band as a chain, a set of shackles. It's all too true for other women in Rome.

You barely spoke to him during the wedding feast, only giving small nods and forced smiles in between sips of wine. He had a good feeling you were resisting the urge to swallow it down in one gulp.

Marcus couldn’t help but study you— at first innocently, taking in the curve of your lips, the shine of your eyes, the polite smile you gave when someone offered congratulations.

Damn his dirty mind. As the night went on, and the celebrations continued beyond what he would’ve liked, he tried, and failed, not to eye your body as a means of distraction from the rowdy feast.

It started with your neck. He traced the slope of it with his eyes, marking every freckle and curve. He prayed to all the gods that you would want him to leave his marks on you.

Downward, he peeked slightly at your breasts whilst cursing himself. Of course, they appeared perfect beneath your wedding stola, and he wondered what manner of sounds you would make when he took them into his hands, into his mouth.

And then… Gods, those hips—

“Time for the bedding ceremony!” Emperor Geta jeered, pulling you from your seat with a firm jerk of your elbow. His eyes were greedy, scheming. “Let us see what is underneath that—“

Your face flushed with either embarrassment or fear or both. And that was all Marcus needed to see.

“There will be no bedding ceremony.”

Marcus lowered his voice to a deep warning, the kind that has sent men running for their lives.

Geta scoffed, still holding to your elbow. “It’s a wedding, Acacius, it’s your wedding. Don’t you want to show off the prize of your latest conquest? Distribute the winnings? Strip down that—“

Marcus stood, towering several inches over Geta’s slimy face. “I said… there will be no bedding ceremony.”

Geta kept his hands on you, and Marcus’s vision tinged with red hot fury.

His voice was a rumble, a threat in itself. “It’s my wedding, is it not? And I say there will be no bedding ceremony.”

People were watching now, the feast gone silent at this standoff.

Marcus knew how to pick his battles, cut his losses. But when staring down Geta, the most powerful man in the empire, he realized that for you, he would pick every single one if it meant he kept you safe.

The moments that passed were crackling, the tension between the two men sucking all the air from the celebratory hall.

Geta saw something in Marcus’s unyielding gaze, something that told him he would not win this fight, and decided the bedding ceremony wasn’t worth the scrutiny.

As the Emperor walked away, Marcus took your hand, and led you to your marriage bed.

—

You couldn’t find the words.

The general nearly trembled in rage on the walk to the bedchambers, but still, he maintained that odd gentleness, holding your hand as if it were the most delicate thing in the world.

Servants opened the grand doors as you entered, showing a large room with a massive four poster bed and elegant tapestries lining the walls—

Then the doors shut. And you were left alone with the legendary, bloodletting general.

And you still couldn’t find the damn words.

You knew what came next. The husband will take what is now his.

In this case, you expected your husband to take you in the same way he took lands for the empire— violently, mercilessly, with the intention of forging new legacy, through a son of Rome.

“Before you ask, my General, I wish to assure you that I am untouched,” you blurted, quoting what your mother taught you to say before you were to be… intimate. “I am pure, though I can only hope to be worthy—“

“Darling wife,” the general said quietly, so different from the commanding force from the feast. He held your hands in his, leaning down and kissing your knuckles in reverence.

You went silent, shocked at the soft fondness in his tone.

He peered at you with curiosity, and almost amusement. “The only thing I wish from you is for you to call me by my name, not title. No general, no lord, but my name. I hear it so little nowadays that I will look forward to hearing it from your lips.”

“As you wish… Marcus,” you breathed, eyes locked on his.

Marcus let out a little sigh, like he was relieved. “It’s much prettier when you say it.”

You drop your head in bashfulness, more confused by the moment. The way he spoke so kindly, so fondly.

“You know what is meant to happen tonight?” Marcus asked, almost hesitantly. You nod, undeniable fear curling in your stomach. “I need you to understand something, my darling, so listen very carefully.”

He pulled you toward the bed, sitting you both down on the silken sheets. His eyes on yours were discerning, and intent, like he was searching for something within your stare.

“I will never, ever, force myself upon you. Not in this life, or the next, or the next. I know what you might’ve heard about me, and much of it is true, but never would I take a woman without her permission. You belong to yourself, and if you never should like me in your bed, I will honor that to the end of my days."

You blinked at him in confusion. "So, you do not... you do not want me?"

Marcus exhaled sharply, looking down at your intwined hands. "That... that does not matter."

"Why not? A husband has the right to take what is his--"

"No man has any right to take a woman's body for himself, husband or not. What... what do you think is to happen tonight?"

Heat rises to your face, embarrassed at the question. By the look on his face, he was embarrassed, too.

"I don't... I don't know how it works, but some of the other wives at court say that the consummation of marriage is one of the more... painful duties of a wife. What you are meant to do to me... it's painful," you murmured, and quickly begin stammering. "B-but is it a great honor to serve you, my--"

"May I kiss you, darling?"

Some candles had been left burning, illuminating him in a warm glow. Marcus's eyes were soft, a rich, chocolate brown in the light of your bedroom, and something about them made your core flutter like one of the candles.

"Yes... yes, please."

Marcus smiled softly, and moved his hands to the sides of your neck. They were scarred, and calloused... and so warm.

His lips met yours almost hesitantly, like he was holding himself back. They were tender, tasting of sweet wine. Fingers curled lightly into your pinned hair, pulling you closer as his chest pressed against yours.

You moved your mouth with his, suddenly feeling the need for... more. You didn't know what, but you just knew you needed it.

His tongue slipped against yours, and the groan that left his throat left your pussy throbbing.

"Marcus--" you gasped, losing your breath as his lips traveled down to your neck. You could've sworn he moaned in response, sucking at your pulse point, leaving it a delicious shade of red--

"Do you want me to keep going?" He gruffed, trailing light kisses along your throat.

Oh, gods, how you wanted him to. "Yes, but..."

Marcus withdrew instantly at your seemed hesitation, pulling his mouth away but keeping his hands in your hair.

"I'm fearful," you admitted, holding his tunic to keep your hands from shaking with both desire and nerves. "Not of you, but... the rest of it."

Marcus nodded, swallowing. "We could continue kissing, if you like."

You laughed lightly, the nerves mellowing for a moment. "I'm not sure I'm prepared to have you in that way, but I know that I want to. I know that I... I want you."

Marcus's soft eyes shone with fondness, but had a wicked edge to them, like he was plotting something.

"I know I want you as well, darling. I promise, I will make sure you are prepared to have me... perhaps even over-prepared."

Your brows furrowed with confusion. "What do you mean?"

The general smiled. "I'll show you what I mean."

Part 2 here!

[missadangel]

The Heart of Rome (Marcus Acacius x OC)

All Chapters List

I. Heal the Heart 

Odi et amo. Quare id faciam, nescio. Sed fieri sentior et excrucior.  I love you and I hate you.  Why I do this, I have no idea.  But I feel it happening and I’m in agony. [Catullus]

Following the conquest of Egypt and its incorporation into the Roman Empire, there was a growing interest in its ancient culture. Over time, many in Egypt began to express a desire for greater autonomy and control over their own affairs. Dissatisfaction with Roman control over Egypt became part of the Egyptian psyche.

This is precisely why, immediately following the death of Emperor Septimius Severus, preparations for revolt began in Egypt. His emperor sons, Caracalla and Geta, were mainly focused on quarreling with each other, drinking, and enjoying themselves, while their subjects faced starvation. They organized games, watched gladiators fight, and took pride in their activities. Even when informed of the revolt in Egypt, they continued their indulgent ways, showing little care for anything beyond their own pleasures and daily pursuits.

The Egyptians were, of course, aware of their limitations; they knew they could not be as strong a soldier as their emperor father. They were confident that the day would come when, with the help of the Greeks, they would overthrow the Roman governors in Egypt. After all, they had been preparing for this since the death of Severus. Among them were also Jews, all eager to establish the sovereignty of ancient Egypt. However, there was one crucial factor they did not consider or pay much attention to.

General Marcus Justus Acacius.

They say, you can feel the ground shake when he walks on it. He makes his opponents feel certain of their own death at the very moment he draws his sword. A daring commander with few who could stand up to him. It is unclear whether this is an exaggeration or not, but it is still rumored that he cut a lion in half in the Colosseum.

A beast in every sense of the word.

More than that, he is a leader who manages his legions very well and spurs them on to achieve success during the war, a man who has not yet tasted a failure and has well-earned the title of general in every way.

Since it was obvious that no one else could succeed in suppressing the rebellion, he was immediately sent to the region with the intervention of his Empresss Julia Domna, the mother of the two emperors.

Just like she guessed, he had succeeded in putting down the rebellion; of course, no doubt, as soon as his name rang through, the rebels, along with all the inhabitants of Egypt, knew that they were already defeated.

Some were forced to surrender, those who resisted and fled were found and killed by the Roman soldiers, but not all. The general didn't kill the surrendered ones, he took them as captives which was pretty fair for a beast. In contrast to him, the ones who fled were not, they were so desperate that they didn't know what to do and they started attacking everything and everywhere like rabid dogs.

They even attempted to violate the laws of war and mapped out a plan to kill the General and his soldiers, and even all the medics, in the night at their camps. It was a suicide mission, but they were on the verge of success.

"Has anyone seen the General? He’s not in his tent!" A burly soldier entered, gripping his sword, which was stained with the blood of the rebel he had just killed. He quickly searched through all the tents, wearing a look of concern on his face.

The clinking of swords echoed in the darkness as the soldiers cut down the last remaining rebels to death with their swords.

Soon, the soldier ran to his General, relieved to see him, but he was wounded in the abdomen moments ago. As he gently pressed his hand to his injury, a small amount of blood emerged, shining like rubies under the moonlight as it dripped from between his strong fingers onto the grass. His attackers were no longer alive, they were all lying on the ground, were literally cut to ribbons. They attacked him in his sleep when he was wearing nothing but his tunic, catching him off guard. He nodded to the soldier, demanding assistance as his white tunic transformed into a crimson hue. He had been wounded many times before, countless times, but this was nothing like before and was undoubtedly the worst injury he had ever sustained. "I think I… got…," he groaned; it hurt much even when he spoke, feeling like beneath the wound, his blood was boiling. "…poisoned." These were the last words spilled from his lips before his enormous body slumping to his knees, collapse altogether to the ground.

The woman with waist-length with black hair was dragging you along with her as she walking across the meadow, you were struggled, couldn’t control your feet, as if the ground was sliding under. She had her hands outstretched at her sides, even though her back was turned, it was not difficult to see her smile by the sunlight reflecting the curve of her chin. She abruptly ceased her movement and bent down to gather a few herbs in a meadow. She plucked them, gathered them in her palms, and kissed them. You heard the whispers between her lips and the harmony of the wind rippling through your ears. It was clear that she was blessing these herbs. When she turned to you, you staggered backwards, hypnotized by her face, so beautiful, mesmerizing, her eyes hypnotizing yours, it was impossible to look away, no escape from them.

Perhaps even more surprising than anything else was that her face and eyes were identical to yours. It really was truly astonishing. She handed you the plants like they were rare jewelry. You could see her arms shone in the sun, and her skin looked like fine marble. It was impossible to believe that it could be human skin; it must have been that of a goddess, but why did her face resemble yours?

'Heal the heart, child,' her voice sang through the meadow like a gentle breeze. You couldn't move your lips, but she heard you anyway.

‘Heart?’

A warm wind blew, and the silhouette of the woman came closer, startling you. Her hazel eyes were turning green under the sun. As she slightly opens her lips, you locked your eyes on them and waited eagerly for the answer.

‘The heart of Rome,’ almost whispers, ‘Serve it,’ a little loud now like commanding, ‘Heal it...’ again whispers then gently puts the herbs on your hand.

A strong wind blew, and the silhouette of the woman danced with the wind. The sunny sky burst into a starry night as the wind embraced the silhouette and rose to the sky, to the stars. You felt the ground under your feet, but your eyes were drawn to the enchanting sky.

As the wind finally gave way to the silent night, you looked at the herbs you were holding in your hand. These kind of herbs you were used to seeing almost every day, but what you were not used to seeing was that they were sparkling like diamonds between your fingers. It was as if you could feel their healing power on your skin.

Abruptly, you heard the voice again, echoing across the meadow. Your ears were once more caressed, blessed, but this time, the words were different.

‘Cure him…’

You barely heard your name being called and your body was shaking, slowly opened your eyes, you saw a familiar but worried face.

‘Wake up, please, you need to get up now,’ the concern in the man's voice brought you back to reality, the effect of the dream disappearing like a cloud of dust between the stone walls and dissipating into the air.

‘Uncle?’

You had rarely seen this face of your uncle who had taken you in when you were an orphan, who cared for you, protected you and raised you well more than any other father or mother ever would.

You sat up from the firm mattress you were lying on, ‘I thought we were travelling tomorrow night?’

‘No, no, that's not why I woke you up,’ he put your big dark cloak over your head. ‘You need to hide.’

You were startled to hear shouting and footsteps coming from outside the wooden door of the room. This was not the sort of noise you would normally expect to hear in this Valetudinarium (hospital, clinic) at this late hour. 

‘What is going on?’ You rub your eyes with your fingers, trying to figure out the situation.

Your uncle tucked your hair deeper into your cloak.

'The Roman soldiers are gathering all the medici (psychians). I have to go with them.'

'Roman soldiers? I thought they left after they put down the rebellion, and slaughtered thousands. Besides, they must have a medicus in their camps, why would they-?'

He grabbed you by the shoulders, his anxiety evident.

'I heard that some rebellious individuals killed the Medici in their tents, and then-'

A soldier's voice was heard from one of the nearby rooms. You both turned your heads in that direction, startled, and then looked at each other again.

'Their general was targeted. The rebels attacked him in his sleep. He managed to fight back, but he was poisoned. Now, they want me to save him.'

“Poisoned? But Uncle, he might already be dead! If you can’t cure him, they’ll blame you or punish you!”

“Don’t think about that now. You need to hide. Remember, as a woman, you aren’t allowed to be here. You have to conceal yourself and wait for my return.”

The soldiers’ voices were heard nearby.

"No, I’ll come with you. If it’s aspis venom (a venomous snake found in the Nile region), we’ll use the same techniques as we did with the boy last time. It would take too long to make the antivenom alone. Let me help you."

"It’s too dangerous for you, my dearest, to go among the soldiers. Even if you wear men’s clothes, we can’t hide the beauty of your face."

You walked over to the cauldron in the fireplace and ran your hands over the soot that had accumulated beneath it.

"It worked before," you said, rubbing a bit of soot on your cheeks.

"That was only at the market. This time it’s more dangerous. I’d never forgive myself if I couldn’t protect you there."

"I was going to give this to you tomorrow, as I promised last time, but there's no time now. If anything happens to me, you will open it. Everything about your true family is in here."

You took the envelope from him with shaky hands. It had been sealed by the former emperor himself, and you wondered what was written inside.

Your uncle grabbed your shoulders and shook you to ensure you understood the importance of the letter. "No one should ever see this. Do you understand me? No one! After you open it, hide it. Do not let anyone see it. But don't lose it; hide it as if your life depends on it. You'll understand why."

You nodded firmly and swallowed hard, tucking the letter into the bag hanging around your neck. You hid it at the very bottom under the medicine bottles, causing them to rattle in the process.

"Aya, you’re going to have to choose," he said, looking at you intently before leaving the room.

"Choose what, uncle?"

"To run or to stay. It’ll all make sense when you read the letter," he said, glancing down the hall before grabbing your wrist. You were confused, but you knew you had to think about this later.

"We have to get out now; soldiers are outside. Quick!"

'I was going to give this to you tomorrow as I promised last time, but there's no time now. If anything happens to me, you will open it. Everything about your true family is in here.'

You took the envelope from him with shaking hands. The previous emperor himself had sealed it. You wondered what it meant.

Your uncle grabbed your shoulders and shook you, making sure you understood how important this letter was.

‘No one should ever see this. Do you understand me? No one! After you open it, hide it. Do not let anyone see it. But don't lose it, hide it like your life depends on it, you'll understand why.’

You nodded firmly and swallowed hard. You tucked the letter into the bag hanging around your neck and hid it at the very bottom under the medicine bottles, making them rattle in the process.

‘Aya, you’re going to have to choose,’ he looked at you before leaving the room.

‘Choose what uncle?’

‘To run or stay. It’ll make sense when you read the letter,’ he checked the hall and grabbed your wrist. You were so confused but you had to think about this later.

'We have to get out now, soldiers are outside, quick!'

The soldiers had gathered all the medici they could find at the army camp headquarters near the tents. There were seven of them, but they were unable to find a solution for the General's injury. As you and your uncle were next in line, a burly soldier of higher rank approached you both. You kept your head down, avoiding eye contact. Everyone was in a rush, nearly all mobilized to save the General's life. Your gender didn't matter to them at that moment. Just as you were about to follow your uncle into the tent, the soldier raised his hand to stop you.

‘Only the medicus.’

‘My aide, sir, let him in. He's as expert as I am.’

As your uncle is their last hope, he let you in but did not follow you inside, standing guard outside the tent. The General's squire stood next to him, looking at you with tears in his eyes. It was a heartbreaking sight. The sorrow had enveloped everything inside the tent, and you could feel it deep in your bones.

The General lay on a mattress in the west corner of the tent. He was unconscious, but you noticed his lips moving as if he were murmuring. You stepped forward to take a closer look at his face, which you had been so curious about.

His face was exactly as you had imagined, yet somehow different. He had numerous scars, as if he had been born with them, and his light brown skin embraced them. His mustache and beard were partially gray, and his nose and chin were perfectly shaped, as though Prometheus himself had spent extra time crafting this man. His face was stunning, causing your heart to race. You had never felt this way about any other man, though you had never had the opportunity to do so.

You were somewhat disappointed to see his eyes closed. You longed to know what they looked like and were eager to see his expression when he opened them. You were momentarily surprised by the desire to touch his face. For an instant, you forgot why you were there. Meanwhile, your uncle had picked up the sword with which the General had been wounded and was examining the blood on it. You moved over to help him, keeping one eye on the General, who lay there with his imposing build and half of the white tunic he wore stained red.

Your heart constricted with pain, and the dream you had came vividly to mind.

‘Cure him.’

"We need to check his wound!" Your uncle's loud voice startled you, and you squinted at him, feeling ashamed.

As your uncle gestured for you to come closer, you saw that the wound was not deep, but the skin around it was turning pale from the venom, and the edges were curling inward.

"He doesn't have much time. Let's start making the antivenom now," he said, swallowing hard. The situation was worsening, and you knew you had to cure him no matter what. Perhaps this was why the gods had shown you this in your dream; they had warned you in advance that your life depended on it.

The process of making the antivenom took slightly longer than you had anticipated, but you persevered admirably. Your uncle cleaned the wound to neutralize it while you sweated through your clothes. Finally, when the antivenom was ready, your uncle carefully applied the antidote to the wound, but he was exhausted, his fingers shaking. You stepped in to help despite feeling weary yourself. Your eyelids felt heavy, but you managed to see your task through to the end.

The soldier from earlier entered the tent to check on the situation. You bowed your head and stepped back.

"We've cleaned the wound, and once it's neutralized, we applied the antidote. We just need to wait now," your uncle informed him, wiping sweat from his forehead. "We need to give him some time and ensure he drinks water soon to avoid dehydration."

As the soldier examined the wound, you turned your head to look at the squire boy, who had been sobbing just moments ago but had now already fallen asleep. Poor boy, you thought.

The soldier then ordered you to leave the tent and wait outside.

You felt your arms and legs go numb with fatigue and collapsed to the ground, sitting cross-legged and trying hard to stay awake. Your uncle was in the same state, but he still struggled to resist sleep. In the end, he couldn't keep his eyelids from closing.

You woke up to the sound of soldiers shouting and arguing. Turning your head, you couldn't make out what they were disagreeing about, but their noise was overwhelming.

"You better go in and make sure the General drinks some water. He needs to stay hydrated," your uncle said firmly, likely keeping an eye on the soldiers outside.

The tent was empty except for the General. A soldier from earlier was outside, reassuring the other soldiers. You approached the General to check on him. His forehead was covered in sweat, and his body was fighting off venom. You quickly grabbed a damp cloth and pressed it gently against his forehead. Then you touched his lips with your thin, fragile fingers. An intense feeling grew inside you. As a secret medicus, you had touched the faces and bodies of many men and women to heal them. However, touching this man's face and lips felt different from the others.

You took a deep breath to steady yourself. This was nonsensical.

You opened his lips carefully and dipped a rag into the fresh water in a copper pot. You pressed it against the General's dry, pale lips, squeezing it gently through his mouth.

After doing this several times, you decided you had done enough. Just as you were about to withdraw your hand, the General's strong hand suddenly grasped yours with a firm grip. You were shocked and winced in pain, causing you to open your hand with pressure, and the rag fell to the ground.

You swallowed hard, your heart racing as you gazed at his face. He opened those eyes you had been so curious about and looked at you with a cold, calculating stare, squeezing your wrist so tightly that you felt it might break at any moment. You suppressed a scream and moaned in pain. 'Sir, I'm trying to help you!' You sounded as if you were crying, then he groaned in pain, throwing his head back and closing his eyes.The effort must have exhausted him. His chest rose and fell rapidly as he breathed quickly.

When he finally released your wrist, you threw yourself backwards for dear life, rubbed your wrist with your other hand and stroked it, praying to the Gods to take the pain away. You could have sworn to Jupiter that if he had squeezed your wrist any harder, you would have heard a cracking sound coming from your bones.

How could he possibly be so strong even when exhausted, so close to death?

As the pain receded, you took a deep breath and forced yourself to calm down. Your thin wrist was marked in red, like poppies, as if the shadows of his fingers were engraved on your skin.

You glanced timidly over your shoulder; he was still lying there with his eyes closed. But you had just made a terrible mistake—he must have heard your voice and realized you were a woman. Only the gods knew what he would do when he regained consciousness.

You had to leave immediately. Wrapping your wrist in a clean piece of cloth, you tucked the sleeve of your dress into it to hide the bandage. As you stepped out of the tent, your uncle grabbed your arm and pulled you behind it.

“Uncle, the general opened his eyes for a moment and heard my voice. He might remember when he wakes up,” you whispered, hoping no one had overheard you.

“Gods have mercy upon us,” he murmured, glancing down. Then he grabbed your shoulders. “It’s time to go. You need to leave now. Follow the path through the woods. Some soldiers are having a disagreement about something; I think they have found out—”

“You! Medicus! Come over here!” one of the soldiers shouted at your uncle. He gestured to you with his eyes, silently urging you to go.

“You too!” you gasped as you realized that the soldier was waving his hand at you.

“Sir, he should stay with the General…” your uncle interjected, stepping in front of you to protect you.

“I said come, both of you, now,” the soldier replied, his tone unmistakably commanding.

As you took tentative steps towards the group of soldiers forming a circle around your uncle, your heart raced as if it were about to burst. These were the soldiers who had just argued, fought, and you found yourself wondering whether they had been injured, but you could see no visible wounds on anyone.

On the contrary, they gazed at you with curiosity, and only at you.

“That’s nonsense, Dimitrus; this boy can’t be a girl,” said one soldier, pointing at you with a small knife in his hand.

Your uncle stood beside you, his worst fears realized, his face taut with worry. As the soldier, whom you guessed was named Dimitrus, approached, your uncle stepped in front of you. But the soldier easily overpowered him and shoved him aside. With a scrutinizing gaze, the soldier examined your body from head to toe. You bowed your head and clenched your fists, your heart pounding in your chest as your breathing quickened. He yanked down the hood of your cloak with his large hands, drawing the attention of other soldiers who now gathered nearby for a better look.

When he saw your hair tied up at the back of your head, his grin widened. He drew a dagger from its sheath, and as you caught sight of your uncle's worried face behind the soldier's formidable arm, you began to pray to all the gods.

Dimitrus grasped your bun and quickly cut the hair tie with his dagger, causing your golden-brown wavy hair to cascade over your shoulders. The soldiers laughed and whistled, while Dimitrus looked at them with a cocky smile before turning back to you.

“Such long hair for an aide boy, huh?” he chuckled.

“A girl, indeed,” replied another soldier, looking at you in disbelief.

“I told you I could smell a woman from a mile away,” he laughed, his voice booming.

“Please,” you pleaded, feeling powerless. A wave of despair washed over you.

“What is going on here?” The burly soldier approached, eyes wide with astonishment at your new appearance. Dimitrus grabbed your hair, pulling you closer to him. He then seized your chin and turned your face towards Octavius.

"Look at her! You didn't even notice that the medicus brought a girl with him, Octavius? In our camp? And you're supposed to be the general's right-hand man!" 

You struggled to move, but he was too strong. 

"Hey, I can’t see her face clearly!"

You closed your eyes tightly as someone threw wine in your face. Dimitrus roughly wiped your face with his big fingers.

“Gods, no ordinary beauty,” he said, looking at you like a hungry wolf. He leaned in closer, inhaling the scent of your hair, making you feel nauseous. You tried to look away, but your eyes met your uncle’s desperate gaze.

“That's enough, Dimitrus. Let her go. Is this what you all think while our General lies there, fighting for his life?”

You rushed to your uncle's side as his hands released your hair. "He's already dead; I've never seen anyone get up after being poisoned," he says, as if he were looking forward to his death.

Octavius unsheathed his sword with a sharp "schwing" sound. "How dare you! Say that again and I'll cut your tongue off!" he barked.

Dimitrus' followers drew their swords as well. Octavius looked at each of them with anger and disbelief. He had been betrayed. "You treacherous filthy rats! I'll kill you one by one!" He waved his long sword at them.

Dimitrus grabbed your uncle by the collar. "Start with this one then. Who knows what he gave the General instead of medicine?"

"Aye, he must be punished!" shouted one of them.

"Punish him, Octavius!"

They were all yelling at him by raising their swords, you were thinking a way out but there wasn’t any.

"If you won't, I shall," Dimitrus pointed the end of his sword at your uncle.

"No!" you shrieked, but your uncle stopped you, raising his hand.

Then, as Octavius raised his hand and was about to lunge at him to prevent him, Dimitrus plunged his sword through your uncle's stomach, the poor man groaning in pain and falling to his knees, and as you ran towards him, he drew back his sword, his blood splashing in your face with the force of the draw. Your body began to shake, and you felt paralyzed as you watched his lifeless body collapse to the ground.

"Dimitrus!" Octavius roared, ‘You've gone too far! What do you think our general will do to you when he awakens?’

You fell to your knees in shock, your body rigid and still, your face expressionless, yet tears streaming down your cheeks.

"General? You failed to save him; you let that medicus get into his tent; you must share his fate! I will let the emperors know that this is all your fault! And I think we must put the general out of his misery-"

Out of nowhere, an axe flew at Dimitrus, piercing his chest. His body shook as he reeled back, then collapsed to the ground, lying backwards and dying in a pool of blood. Everyone looked at him in astonishment and panic. Blood gushed from where his chest had been split open, and when he stopped breathing, he lay there as his eyes remained wide open.

They turned their heads to see who had thrown the axe and were shocked once again. The general could hardly stand near his tent, his eyes filled with rage and his gaze burning with fury. Octavius quickly ran to his side.

"General! Thank the Gods you're finally awake!" 

"What's going on here, Octavius?" His voice was like a roar.

“Sir, Dimitrus and others have attempted to mutiny.” 

Acacius shot a deathly glare at the other soldiers, who immediately kneeled with their swords turned upside down. 

“No, sir, we did not.” 

“Forgive me, sir, it was Dimitrus's doing.” 

“Sir, please forgive me.” 

You gently closed your uncle's eyelids with your fingers as they all pleaded for forgiveness. With your back turned to the General, you felt indifferent about your fate; you no longer cared whether you lived or died. It seemed to you that your whole life was already over.

"If any of you ever dare to do anything like this again," he said as he walked near Dimitrus’ body and pulled the axe from his chest roughly; you were startled by the crunching sound coming from his bones.

"I Marcus Justus Acacius, will make sure that he meets the same fate as this scum!"

He put them in their place, and they all nodded in fear. They stood up at his gesture while bowing their heads, unable to look him in the face. 

“Now get ready; we must sail at dawn!” 

“Yes, sir!” 

They quickly sheathed their swords and hurriedly spread out.

Acacius staggered slightly as watched them move, his wound still painful, but he tried hard not to show it. 

Octavius touched his arm. "Sir, the Gods have spared your life, but please rest a little longer." 

"Who is this man?" 

You were certain he was referring to your uncle, even though your back was turned to him. 

"The medicus who cured you, sir. Dimitrus got mad and killed him because he thought he couldn't save you."

"As if we haven't lost enough healers tonight. He was clearly mistaken. This man managed to cure me, and I am standing here because of him." He turned to Octavius. "Make sure this man's body is returned to his family. Inform the governor about this; they should make all the necessary arrangements for the rituals."

Octavius nodded, "Yes, sir, I will." 

They both turned their gaze toward you. "What about this one?" 

Your body was frozen; you felt as if the time for your execution had come. You never expected your last moments to unfold like this. 

"I think this is his aide or slave, sir. Dimitrus discovered she was a woman and that medicus was hiding her," one of them said, bowing his head in shame. You swallowed hard. 

Acacius' pain returned, and he groaned. Octavius gently grabbed his waist. "Sir, please rest. You need to regain your strength." 

"Sir!" Acacius' squire rushed over, placing his arm under Acacius' shoulder. 

It was time for him to turn away from you.

"Since her master has died, take this girl to the other slaves. I don't want any more chaos or mishap," he said in a firm voice.

You wiped the tears from your eyes with the back of your hand as their footsteps faded away. Two soldiers grabbed your arms and lifted you off the ground while others carried your uncle's body. As you turned your head and glanced over your shoulder, you caught a glimpse of the General's curly gray hair and well-shaped nose before he disappeared into his tent.

Your body was filled with rage. What you heard only heightened your pain and deepened your hurt. A slave? How could he say that? The one who had healed him was now considered worthy of being a slave?

As the mid-morning sun began to reflect off the walls of Rome through the haze that filled the harbor, the city was preparing to experience one of the most significant days in its history. Everyone who noticed the navy ships approaching from afar—citizens, subjects, foreign diplomats, merchants, civil servants, and porters—gathered at the entrance of the city. They were waiting to welcome General Acacius and the victorious Roman soldiers. On the deck of the large ship at the forefront of the fleet, the General sighed deeply as he looked out over his city, thanking Mars for his triumphant and healthy return.

The journey from the port of Alexandria to Rome took ten days, and it was a challenging experience for you, traveling alongside captives known as slaves. Most of these individuals were Greeks and Egyptians, and the joyous shouts echoing through the streets of the Roman capital meant nothing to them. On board the ship, they were repeatedly told that the slave market in Rome was quite prestigious. They were assured that young girls would be well cared for by certain families, urged to stop their tears, and encouraged to pray to Jupiter so that wealthy families would notice them and buy them at high prices.

You were not like those slaves; you were not a prisoner of war, and your family was neither enslaved nor poor. Your uncle was a renowned and esteemed medicus, part of an affluent family. He and his wife found you on the banks of the River Nile when you were three years old—that is what they told you. The gods had not blessed them with a child, so they loved you as if you were their own. You knew he wasn't your biological father or uncle, but you were very happy with your life and didn't ask too many questions until he revealed the letter the night before everything changed.

As an orphan, you were raised by your uncle, who taught you about Egyptian medicine. You assisted him in countless surgeries, helping to bring many people back to life, including the general himself. Through this experience, you gained enough knowledge and skill to become an expert in the field. However, no one would refer to you as a medicus because you were a woman. Your talents were too remarkable to ignore, yet despite sharing your skills with those on the ship, no one believed you. Even if they did, there was little they could do to change the situation.

As you looked through the small cracks between the ship's planks, your gaze drifted over the seemingly endless sea. You couldn’t shake the thoughts of the dream you had the night before.

‘Cure him.’

Wouldn't it have been better if you hadn’t cured him? Perhaps your uncle would still be alive. Maybe you wouldn’t be sitting on this ship now, resigned to your fate, wondering and worrying about what will happen to you. Is this your reward for healing the great Roman general?

That man ruined your life, and you only did yourself a disservice by saving him. Perhaps the gods were testing you, but what was the lesson?

You observed the shadow of the general’s fingers beneath the cloth wrapped around your wrist. The color reminded you of violets bathed in moonlight from days ago. Now, it was an unmistakably bright hue, and the pain had lessened significantly.

As the ship rumbled into port, you realized that it was time to accept your fate. In the dark and damp bilge of the ship, you and a girl close to your age called Decima took turns using the same swing as a bed, you liked each other and in desperation you became confidants, friends. She was in her early twenties and had a lovely charm about her, while you, in your late twenties, had a stunning beauty that really stood out. Her father was a rebel, probably killed by the General's men, and she was taken as captive. You told her almost everything except the letter that you’re hiding in your bag.

As soon as you stepped into the harbor, the discrimination began. The general and his men moved in the opposite direction, while the slave trader standing in front of you ordered you to go elsewhere.

You frowned as you caught sight of his face in the distance, peeking over the shoulders of the crowd. He looked healthy; his body had managed to overcome the venom of the past few days, and his wound had healed. You remembered how you had spent hours with your uncle trying to cure him and how you had struggled to create the antidote while your arms and wrists ached with pain.

Suddenly, the General's face lit up with a warm smile as he waved to his citizens. To your surprise, all your anger momentarily vanished. You turned your head away; looking at him would only cause you pain. He wouldn't recognize you because he couldn't clearly see your face, not just yet. Besides, to him, you were just a slave—nothing more.

However, Octavius recognized you from a distance. He was the only one who had witnessed your hard work. He was an honorable man, he disliked seeing you among the slaves, but he felt powerless, as it was the General's order.

In the evening of that day, after the slaves were taken to the baths and then to the market for sale, you and Decima were brought by the slaver to a separate cell. From outside, the lively sounds of the market could be heard, where slaves were being sold one by one. There was a great deal of interest in these new slaves from Egypt.

The slaver appeared at the door of your cell with a man who looked to be older and wealthy. Decima immediately stood up, but you remained still. The slaver gestured with his hand, turning Decima around in the center of the cell to show off her arms, face, and feet, while squinting at you.

“Look at these strong and beautiful young girls, sir. I wouldn’t show you any poor slaves; they are both virgins and very beautiful. The great Venus has bestowed her beauty upon them. They would fetch a lot of money in the market, but I thought I would show them to you first, sire.” He was being very flattering, but the man's eyes were fixed on you.

“Doesn't she have any manners? Why isn't she standing up?” “You're right, sir, she must be a bit sick from traveling. She will,” he gestured to you with his hand. “Come on, get up, girl.”

You rolled your eyes and got up, he squeezed your arm hard to warn you first, then did everything what he had done to Decima, opening almost every part of your body for the other man to see. It was incredibly disgusting, you felt like an animal being sold at the cattle market.

"The other one is younger, but this one is beautiful, a rare find," he said, grabbing your arm and looking at you hungrily. "How much do you want for her?"

Your eyes meet with Decima in a silent exchange, as it was time to go your separate ways.

"Eight thousand sesterces, sire."

He pursed his lips in thought, his fingers touching your hair while you closed your eyes, praying for a miracle.

"Ten thousand sesterces!"

A familiar voice of a man echoed through stone walls. You all turned your heads to that direction."General Marcus Acacius offers ten thousand sesterces for this girl!" Octavius appeared, his imposing figure clad in armor that clanked with every step. He tossed a large coin pouch to the slaver, who caught it, a wide smile spreading across his face.

"Sold, of course," he said, counting the coins with a happy expression.

Octavius then firmly grabbed the other man's arm, which was still close to you, lifted it, and pushed it away. He frowned. "This girl now belongs to General Acacius, sir. You must not touch her," he warned firmly.

As the general entered the city in his chariot, the people shouted his name. He waved his hand to them, and the streets were filled with a great enthusiasm as everyone gathered to honour the general and his soldiers. The chariot carrying him soon passed under the triumphal arch of Septimius Severus and turned towards the Curia Julia, the Senate building, where the emperors must have been waiting for him. The general's smile faded. He was tired and not looking forward to seeing them, but he would not go to his villa before visiting the emperors.

As General strode purposefully up the marble stairs, Geta and Caracella leapt down from their golden imperial thrones in excitement. As soon as Geta saw him, he opened his arms wide.

‘How can I reward Rome's greatest general?'

'By letting him catch his breath first,' Caracella smiled widely.

Acacius stopped in front of them and nodded, 'My Emperors.'

'We have been eagerly awaiting for your arrival, general,' Geta clasped his hands together, looking at him with admiration.

'Speak for yourself, brother. My legs ache from sitting for so long,' Caracella said, then laughed loudly. 'But it was worth it, indeed!'

‘Indeed!’ They both laughed once more, but Caracella looking at his brother a bit strange way.

It was hard to tell if Caracalla wanted to embrace Geta or if wanted to take his life right then and there. The relationship between the two of them was quite distorted.

The general rolled his eyes, he was used to these two whiny emperors half of his age bickering at each other all the time, he sighed in frustration at having to put up with them when he could easily take both their lives with a single stroke of his sword. Unfortunately, this unpleasant situation had only just begun.

‘We heard that you were poisoned, how did it feel?’ Geta looked at him with wide eyes and smile.

The news must have reached the emperors before the general had even boarded the ship.

'Painful, your highness,' Acacius stated, a shadow passing over his brown eyes as he remembered the pain again.

'I'm sure it was, it must have been an interesting experience.’ Caracella crossed his arms; smiling just like his brother.

‘Cobra or viper?’

‘Aspis, highness, the viper type.’

‘Oh, I won!’ Geta jumped for joy and gestured to Caracella with his hand, imitating a snake.

Caracella ignored him looking at the General.

‘The rebels must have quite a sense of humour, poisoning a Roman General carrying Medusa on his chest with a snake, quite ironic,’ he touched Medusa on General's armor with his index finger.

Acacius frowned while looking at him, ‘They certainly do, they murdered all our medici mercilessly, fortunately the great Asclepius sent his help, my men brought another medicus from city was able to cure me, it is thanks to him that I can stand here in front of you, highness,’ Acacius remembered the memory when he was unsure whether it was a dream or not but he could not get out of his mind the fingers that touched his lips, the owner of those hazel eyes that came to his aid when his throat was dry from thirst. But it couldn't be medicus he thought, it had to be someone with thin fingers, someone with beautiful eyes he had never seen before. Maybe, since he was too close to death, it was a dream or a goddess has appeared to him, he couldn't be sure.

The first thing he remembers is opening his eyes and grabbing her wrist with his survival instinct. He thought it was a strange looking young man in a hood, maybe another rebel had come to kill him again, but then he heard her voice and thought his goddess had come to heal him. He was in so much pain and seeing hallucinations that he couldn't tell if it was a dream or not. But couldn’t get rid of those thoughts since days.

The emperors didn't seem to care much about the medicis the general was talking about, or how he had recovered, and Acacius seemed bored as they continued to joke with each other.

‘Mother,' Geta ran to her as he noticed the Empress approaching, extends his arm for her.

Julia Domna took his arm as she coming towards Acacius, whispering something into Geta’s ear, without taking her eyes off the General.

‘My lady,’ Acacius nodded to her.

Domna's smile was like Caracella's, you could never guess what she was thinking.

‘General, how good it is to see you return triumphant once more. Rome salutes you, and I embrace you,’ she approached him with open arms and put her hands Acacius’ board shoulders.

Caracella sat back on his throne, a bored look on his face.

‘My Lady, the honour is mine,’ the general said, bowing his head.

‘We shall sacrifice 1000 bulls to honor our triumphant mother!’ Geta clapped his hands excitedly, ‘Let's have a great feast tonight!’

‘Highness, let's give the General some time to rest, he must be tired from the battle,’ Domna removed her hands from the General's shoulders but kept her eyes on him.

Caracella let out a high, shrill laugh that echoed through the white marble columns. Geta sat on his throne and scowled.

‘Acacius, walk with me,’ the Empress turned round, gestured to him.

Acacius sighed, he didn't want to be alone with her, but he had to. Domna walked ahead of him, hands clasped behind her back, he followed her slowly.

‘My sons are glad to see you again, even if they have no idea how fortunate they are to have you serving them.’

'It is my duty to serve Rome.’

She paused and smiled, watching the water in the pool shimmer in the sunlight, the glow reflecting off her bright skin, her expression was difficult to read.

'I think you have a talent for survival.’

She sounded dissatisfied. 'After all, you trained under Maximus, you must have learned a lot from him.’

He looked away, 'I owe where I am today to the remarkable fighting skills he taught me, he was an honourable man, the greatest general Rome has ever seen,' Acacius' eyes were fixed on the great Temple of Venus between the eastern edge of the Forum Romanum and the Colosseum.

Domna looked at him with a feeling between admiration and concern.

‘He, like you, lived to serve Rome, even if he had to kill Commodus,’ she said, and even little children could catch the obvious implication in her voice.

Acacius held his ground, his eyes roaming the curves of the statue of Venus.

‘But unlike him, you are loyal to the emperors, I can be sure of that, can't I?

He turned his head towards her, but did not look at her. His eyes were now on the two spoilt emperors who were talking animatedly to each other between the columns. 'As long as Rome is prosperous for all her subjects, I will be loyal to them, my lady.'

Domna laughed loudly, 'Ah, that's why I want you in the Senate, how long will you refuse?

'I am only a soldier, politics is not my business, nor should it be. Consuls in the Senate -'

‘Those old foxes live in abundance and do nothing, the person who has done Rome the greatest service should be in the Senate.’ Domna glanced over her shoulder at her sons. 'I am concerned that Macrinus has no equal in the Senate and that Caracella dominates him, perhaps if you are in there, you will gain his trust.’

'Your Highness...' He looked at her shaking his head as no.

Domna looked at Acacius, this time with a serious expression on her face, 'For the sake of Rome you must be especially careful with Caracella, as her mother even I find it hard to get my way with him, he is not like Geta, he is a hard-headed child.’

Acacius looked at Caracella whose back was turned, of course he knew this very well, for a moment he thought that he was the real threat to Rome, not the enemy soldiers or the others.

‘Anyway, you should go to your villa and rest, you will have time to think about this alone,’ she said with a forced smile, then turned around to go to her sons.

After praying in the temple of Venus, Acacius walked out, and as he descended the steps of the temple, he felt a stinging pain where his wound had been, the poison had completely gone from his body, but it had left its trace behind.

Octavius was lost in thought as he has leaned against the side of the carriage waiting for him, quickly stood up when he noticed him.

‘Sir.’

‘I see you don't miss your home, as you're still here,' Acacius said as he descended the last step. He got into the carriage and climbed in to sit beside him. Acacius was quite tired so he lay down on the seat, the fact that he felt so comfortable with Octavius was because of their long friendship, he was his most trusted man, more than just a friend, like a brother.

'Are you going to tell me what's troubling you?’ Acacius covered his face with his arm, but he could feel the tension in him.

'Sir, the girl.’

'Oh, I see, a girl? Have you fallen in love with a girl?

'No, that's not it,' Octavius felt embarrassed as he remembered your face. 'That poor girl, It doesn't seem fair that she should be with those slaves, sir, you are an honourable man, but your order-'

Acacius lifted his arm from his face and looked at him, the cart swaying as it moved along the stony roads.

'The girl that medicus hid? Why do you care so much for her? Is there something I should know?’

'After all, they worked so hard together to cure you, perhaps you should have at least let her go home.’

‘Together? What do you mean?' Acacius sat up, his eyebrows furrowed.

Octavius bowed his head.

'Sir, I made a mistake, it was my fault for letting them into your tent, I don't know how I could have been so careless even after the assassination, forgive me...'

Acacius raised his hand.

'Slow down, we will talk about your mistake later, you are saying that girl entered my tent and cured me? How?’

'I didn't look closely at her face and I didn't know she was a woman maybe because of her outfit but I made a terrible mistake, I should’ve known, forgive me sir.’ He bowed his head once more but it made Acacius more angry.

'You haven't answered my question, Octavius,' his voice was loud.

'Yes sir, she did her best to cure you, sir, the girl and Medicus worked hard to produce antivenom all night.’

Acacius was surprised when he realized that he hadn't dreamed that night. He was glad to learn that the owner of those eyes was a real person. But then he thought that she might be on the slave market by now, about to be sold to someone else.

‘Stop the carriage!’ He yelled.

The coachman immediately did as he was told and pulled hard on the horses' harnesses, the horses howling and stamping their hooves on the ground.

'Sir?' Octavius raised his eyebrows in surprise.

'Go and find the girl, I want to see her at my villa tonight, do you understand? Acacius tossed him a pouch full of coins.

Octavius smiled, ‘Yes, sir.’

please comment, reblog and like if you enjoyed so far thank youu,

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[letstalkaboutshtufff]

A Love that Burns

Marcus Acacius x f!reader

A/n: You don’t understand the chokehold this man has on me ughhhhh. Anyway I hope you guys enjoy, I wrote this very fast!

Pairing: Marcus Acacius x wife character (I usually do x reader but I really like the name Aurelia so I used that!)

Warnings: fluff, angst, arranged marriage, Curse words, mention of fire, minor injuries, burns. A bit of suicidal ideation. Allusion to smut hehe. 18+ to be safe please. No minors!!

Summary: General Marcus Acacius’s new bride is troublesome, he doesn’t seem to mind though. After an incident occurs she pulls away from him and he can’t figure out why.

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“He’s going to be furious…”

“Such a shame…do you think he’ll throw her out?”

“He might… we always knew she was trouble but this time she’s gone too far��”

“Poor dear, I doubt even her father will take her back…”

The roaring flames had long since died down, leaving now only crackling embers and dark clouds of smoke. How much time had passed you didn’t know. You hadn’t moved from the ground, knees planted on the hard stone, eyes glued to the scene before you.

What was once a grand structure, beautifully carved and molded for someone equally as impressive was now nothing more than a pile on the ground and it was completely your fault.

How had wanting to get a book out of your husband’s study and lighting a candle to see had gone so wrong?

You should’ve listened to your conscious, it told you that you shouldn’t go into your husbands private building but you knew he had an extensive selection and while you were newly married, barely even a few months he was your husband and you didn’t really think he would mind.

In the short time you were married the general had been accommodating and civil, more than civil actually, he had been doing his best to make you feel comfortable. That being said you did barely see him at times due to his duties and when you did it seemed all you did was cause him trouble.

Like that time you accidentally visited the animals one early morning when you were bored and didn’t shut the door behind you. Acacius had been abruptly woken up by the clucking of chickens ascending the staircase and running around the halls like it was a party. You had been redder than a pomegranate when you realized your mistake.

Or that time you lost your wedding necklace and spent hours wading in the lake where the laundry was washed thinking it fell there. You’d never forget the feeling when Acacius strode through the gates in tow with fellow commanders for a meeting but everyone froze seeing the comical sight of you, a highborn lady dress pulled up and soaking wet. That time made you want to drown yourself right then and there.

Oh and how could you forget the time you wanted to show your appreciation by baking his favorite dessert according to the maids and thought adding some cinnamon you’d bought in town was a good idea. Not even bothering to wonder why the kitchens didn’t have cinnamon in the first place… turns out the reason was a good one, the general had an allergy.

This time it was his face that was redder than yours… you didn’t face him for days after that..

There were so many moments like that but somehow each time he didn’t get angry like you expected. He didn’t yell or scold you.

When you bit your fingers nervously watching the servants try to catch the chickens he slowly walked out, surveyed the scene in what you could guess was mild disbelief and perhaps a bit of amusement, looked at you then turned back to go back to sleep.

When you were soaked in the lake he quickly regained the men’s attention, led them inside then a few minutes later reappeared with some haste. You didn’t get a chance to protest when he stepped in and pulled you out by your arm. Still he didn’t yell, he did start to scold a bit though because you were shivering, but when you suddenly yelped and squirmed reaching in your dress and pulled revealing a flopping fish with your necklace around it he lost all his words. You celebrated while he just started in disbelief.

And when you literally poisoned him you sobbed beside him as the healer frantically gave him several mixtures and an injection of some sort. You apologized over and over like a parrot. When he could finally breathe again, he closed his eyes exhausted but said, “Don’t cry, it tasted great..”

All those times he was so kind, unlike any other man you’d met before. To think you had been so afraid of the arranged marriage and now all you could think was how he deserved someone so much better.

He was older and saw you as a child you were sure of it. You wished you could act like the other wives, but you just couldn’t.

Your eyes glazed watched the flickers before you as if in a trance.

You’d burned his favorite place in the villa. A building constructed years ago that served as his study, his place of comfort, his safe space. He’d showed it to you when you first got married. You’d been amazed at how beautiful it was on the inside.

You could see on his face how this place made him relaxed compared to the rest of the villa.

And now it was gone..

The whispers of the servants were muffled around you but you caught them all the same.

You couldn’t find the strength to move, maybe you should have at least moved back, away from the falling ash and debris but you couldn’t.

You ruined everything, just like always…

There was some more muffling amongst the crackling, some sounds you didn’t register, couldn’t register… then a sharp yell. A tone you didn’t recognize.

“Why is she-!”

There was pressure on your shoulders but still you couldn’t look away.

All gone… all your fault…

You think you heard something loud but couldn’t understand it.

The pressure increased… so did the shouting but still you couldn’t look away.

It wasn’t until you saw the burnt pile get smaller that you realized you were being pulled- no carried away.

You felt so disoriented, everything in your vision jerking and you realized whoever was moving you was running.

The scene was still in view but further away, your eyes not daring to look away. You did however register that you abruptly stopped moving and were sat on something upright. The pressure returned to your head then arms then body.

Yelling, someone was yelling in your ear but it wasn’t until the pressure reached your face and you were forced to look away from the scene.

Eyes, wide and frantic, searched yours. Lips opened and shouted something you still could not understand. But the face you knew all too well. The one you wronged, the one you did a horrible misdeed to. Acacius.

You inhaled loudly, more of a gasp then coughed. Suddenly you felt everything crash into you at once, from when you were numb a moment ago now you burned in pain, lungs on fire, skin itchy and stinging, eyes feeling like the sun itself were upon them. You coughed and sputtered uncontrollably, breathing a foreign concept to you.

His strong hands at your back and arm. Almost cradling you was a strong contrast to his shouts that you could now hear louder than ever.

“Breathe, easy, easy- Dammit why did no one move her! Call the healer now!” He barked behind him.

Angry he was angry. Of course he was, even gentle and kind men like him had limits, limits that you’d crossed by battlefields.

Hot tears came, still you coughed, you wondered how long you could continue like that before losing consciousness, there were already spots in your vision. The sobbing now made it worse.

“Shh shh breathe it’s alright, just breathe for me wife, all is well, shh look I’m here, you’re safe” he pulled you into his lap holding you firmly in the hopes you’d calm down. He kept whispering to you, pleading and eventually the coughing stopped. You wondered how much more smoke it would’ve taken to kill you…

“That’s it, you’re safe, shh just breathe, I’m here” more tears emerged as you registered his words for the first time. How horrible you felt to have this angel of a man cradling you and comforting you when you just burned down his sanctuary.

It would have been easier on your heart had he yelled and thrown you aside.

“The healer is here!” Someone called out, your eyes were closed on his chest but you heard everything around you.

Swiftly you were lifted in his arms and carried to his chambers. The healer immediately got to work peeling back the fabric you only now noticed was dark as ash and singed in many places. Acacius stood behind her as close as he could without getting in her way. You watched as his eyes scanned your form, concern etched as he took in all the burns and scrapes. Your heart couldn’t handle it, he deserved a woman 100times better than you. You shut your eyes of the heartache ignoring the healer telling you to stay awake, moments later you were unconscious.

**************************************************

Stinging pain roused you, you wanted to cry out because your body was screaming at you. You were alone in the room, but by the moonlight shining through and how exausted you felt you didn’t think you had been unconscious long. Fresh tears escaped and you didn’t bother to wipe them.

You sat up in raw agony realizing just how many injures you sustained. Your skin was covered in loose bandages and shiny from salve. Sitting so close at the time you didn’t feel anything but clearly you were affected.

Shouting from below had your head whipping to the window.

With great effort and pain you stood on shaky legs and approached the opening peeking your head outside, you squinted and saw figured in the yard.

You choked out a sob when you realized what was happening. Acacius was yelling… yelling at the servants and guards for not moving you. Yes they put out most of the fire but didn’t bother with you. You hardly blamed them, you were a burden, an embarrassment of a lady to the great house hold. Perhaps they wanted you to die, actually it would have been easier if you did.

You couldn’t bare to listen to it anymore, guilt eating you alive. For some reason you had to see it again. To confirm what you had done…

You ignored all the pain and like a ghost descended the staircase.

When you reached the bottom you sucked in a breathe before walking forward where the smell of smoke was still heavy and thick.

And there it was, like a brand on your heart the scene of your crime. There were no more embers, just wood and ash. You walked closer until you stepped on something.

You moved your sandal revealing a silver medal covered in soot. You remembered how proudly it hung on one of the walls. And now it was beneath rubble and dirt.

Two hands found your mouth as you let out a cry.

“Heavens What have I done?” The strangled voice sounded stranger to you.

“What have I done, what have I done” you whispered achingly.

“Aurelia!”

You choked again hearing his voice, you couldn’t bring your self to look just yet.

“Aurelia what are you doing!? Why are you up!?” He rounded you hands finding your shoulders.

Acacius waited for your answer but you had none, only fresh tears. He barely hesitated before reaching down and scooping you up.

“I can walk-“ you tried to say but it was unintelligible through your tears, you didn’t want to burden this man ever again, not for anything.

He glanced at you for a moment but continued his quick pace to the bedroom. He laid you gently on the bed, his concern growing at the endless tears.

“Are you in pain? Let me call the healer back-“ he was already halfway out again.

“No-! no I’m fine I’m fine don’t call I’m fine!” You cried out but tried to collect yourself to not worry him more. The truth is your body was on fire but you would never burden this man again.

He hesitated but listened and approached you again, “Then what is it? Are you afraid? Everything’s alright now, your safe”.

You bit your lip to keep in the cry. How could he be so kind?

“Aurelia? Tell me please, what is it?” He kneeled beside you a helpless expression on his face.

“I-I I’m so- im so sorry, I’m sorry- I don’t know how- I was in there for a b-book and lit some candles I don’t even know how it h-happened I-I-“

Your breathing was becoming erratic again but once you started apologizing you couldn’t stop

“I’m so s-sorry Acacius I’m so sorry” you buried your face in your hands.

“Aurelia shh it’s alright, don’t cry, it’s nothing that can’t be replaced, don’t apologize, you need to breathe alright?”

You barely heard him, but you needed him to know how sorry you were, even if you didn’t deserve forgiveness.

“I’m so sorry, I’m sorry” you continued.

“Aurelia-“

“I’m s-sorry”

“Aurelia stop you’ll hurt yourself more!” He kneeled on the bed pulling you closer to him, worried that if you didn’t calm down you would go into another coughing fit.

“Shh it’s alright, I’m not angry, all that matters is you’re safe. Please calm down, can you breathe slowly for me? Look, follow my breathe…”

“That’s it, breathe in and out just like that, good girl…” he held you close and you felt your eyes begin to droop, exhaustion taking its toll. He sighed when your last words were a whispered apology.

***************************************************

The next day you were miserable, the burns although mostly shallow still caused great pain. Mentally you were a wreck, replaying the events over and over.

The healer told you you needed to rest for several days so that’s what Acacius made sure you did. He visited often but you couldn’t bring yourself to speak hardly a thing out of shame. Most times you just pretended you were asleep.

A week passed and you were allowed to get up as normal just to take it easy. Acacius had gone out for some business luckily because you didn’t think you had the strength to face him.

As you descended the stairs you tried to ignore the whispers of the servants. They all thought the same thing you were repeating in your mind.

Burden

Shameful

Useless

You sighed shakily nearing the now cleaned land where the structure once stood. His kindness made you feel horrible. You wish he would yell and scream at you, for you deserved all the bad words

You spent the day aimlessly wandering and thinking until you tired yourself out and retired to your chambers.

A jar of salve was left by your bed from the healer for the pain but you didn’t open it. You deserved every single sting and ache.

The next day you hardly felt like getting up so you didn’t. Food was brought, you didn’t bother eating it, instead you gave it to the birds outside the window.

In your solitude you came to a resolve. You would resist every urge, every inkling of your old reckless self. Acacius deserved someone who was 100 times the woman you were but since you were bound all you could do was at least not give him any more trouble. Another week passed, Acacius had been gone for some military business and it was easier that way.

It had been a whole nother week when Acacius finally arrived back to the villa. He dismounted his horse with a sigh. He did not want to be gone so long but he could hardly deny the emperors requests.

Tiredly he walked through the gates, scanning for signs of you. It was unusual to not see you flitting about.

A servant approached and helped him remove his cape.

“The Lady, how is she?”

The servant frowned a bit, “My Lady has been… resting these past weeks. We’ve not seen much of her.”

He frowned at that. Her wounds were not so terrible to have her bedridden so long. So what was wrong with his wife?

He nodded to the servant and made way directly to her chambers.

He knocked on the door listening for her voice.

“Come in” you called expecting a servant with food.

You were sat on the bench by the window staring out.

“My Lady..” he said almost hesitant.

Your head whipped to the side, eyes widened seeing your husband.

“A-Acacius… I didn’t know you were back…”

He walked inside and shut the door behind him.

“Are you well? The servants tell me you haven’t left the room much..” he stepped closer taking you in. Your sunken face, the way your eyes weren’t lit up with that sparkle he loved.

“I’m alright, thank you..” he frowned, not quite satisfied with the answer.

“Your wounds are healed?”

You nodded quickly.

He nodded then cleared his throat in the awkward silence that followed, “Then why haven’t you been out?”

You thought of what to say for a moment, “I… no reason, just resting I suppose”

Another answer that didn’t satisfy him but he decided not to pry. If you didn’t want to speak he wouldn’t make you uncomfortable.

“Well I’ll be in my chambers should you need anything…”

“Thank you..” and with that he left shutting the door behind him. You bit your lip forcing the tears not to come. How dare you cry when he’s the one who should be upset. Get it together.

Several more days pass and Acacius was growing frustrated. You barely left the room, choosing to take your meals inside even when he was home. He only caught glimpses of you here or there on the occasional walk around the garden but even that was becoming rare. Where was his wife who was always flitting around singing something off tune or getting into trouble. He recalled the time he awoke to clucking outside his door, and the time he found you skirts tied comically splashing in the lake, then of course when you so happily baked for him flour marks on your face. He smiled fondly at the memories, then frowned.

Why had you suddenly changed so much? Had he done something? He knew the fire shook you up but perhaps he said something unintentional? Did you overhear him yelling at the staff and resented him for it? He was going mad.

It took another few days before his patience finally ran out and he all but burst into your room.

“A-Acacius?! What-“ you startled dropping the book in your hands.

“Tell me what it is” he demanded a bit out of breathe.

“W-what?”

“Tell me what’s wrong or what I’ve done to upset you into seclusion”

“Acacius you’ve done nothing wrong I swear…”

“Then what is it? Why have you been avoiding me? What has upset you so much that you’ve locked yourself away?”

You didn’t expect this, so you really didn’t know what to say.

“I… I think it’s better this way…”

His eyebrows furrowed a bit trying to make sense of what you just said. “I don’t understand, what’s better?”

You fiddled with your hands and had a hard time making eye contact so you chose a lovely spot on the floor instead.

“It’s better that I don’t…. cause problems..” heavens was that a lot harder to say out loud than you thought.

This definitely took him aback.

“What?”

Oh no was he upset now? He surely looked it.. maybe you should have explained better.

“I-I mean… I’m always causing you trouble and getting into situations that I shouldn’t… I figured it would be better if I spent more time here….”

He was quiet for a while, his face undeniably confused and upset.

“And you decided this all on your own?” He said in a tone that you were a bit nervous about. Calm but hidden anger.

“I-I… yes..”

“So your plan is to live out the rest of your days between these four walls?” He couldn’t hold back a scoff. His annoyance seeping through his usually calm demeanor with you.

“….It’s better-”

He clicked his tongue in annoyance “Better? Better for who exactly?”

“Acacius all I do is cause you trouble! I’ve been embarrassing you since we wed, the entire household thinks I’m a burden and they’re right, I cannot-I will not burden you anymore especially after-…” you couldn’t bring yourself to mention the fire. With a shakey breath you gathered yourself and continued.

“I just don’t want to upset you anymore…” you confessed.

The silence was deafening, your heart squeezing so much you were afraid it was going to burst.

“You know out of everything that’s happened between us I think this is the only time I’ve been truly upset.”

You eyed him swallowing dryly taking in his clenched jaw and crossed arms.

“Acacius…”

“You don’t get to decide this all on your own, and you especially don’t get to decide how I feel.”

“…”

“Have I ever been cross with you? Made you feel as if you’ve shamed me?”

“Well no but-“

“Then why?” In two strides he was upon you looking down.

“Why did you suddenly decide that I would like it more if you hid yourself away?”

“Because if I’m here not causing you problems then wouldn’t it be easier for you…?” You wrung your hands together, anxiety heightening with every moment.

“Fuck that”

You jumped a bit startled that those words came out of his mouth.

“W-what?”

“Cause me problems”

“Acacius-“

“Break things, scream shout, bring the whole villa down if you wish it but you will not lock yourself up like a prisoner. You’re my wife, I’d like to actually have you around.”

“You… you’re just saying that because you’re too kind Acacius… but my heart can’t take it anymore. I did something so awful and I know you must be upset…”

“Is this about the fire then?”

“…”

“Things can be replaced, nothing that burned cannot be bought again or rebuilt.”

“B-but you loved that place. It was your sanctuary”

“I did love it, but it’s gone now and I hardly think about it, it’ll be rebuilt soon enough not that it really matters. What matters is that you’re safe and sound.”

“How can you be so kind? So patient so-so perfect” he scoffed at the last one in mild amusement.

“Acacius it’s true! I’ve never met someone so gentle and sweet”

“Gentle and sweet..I’ll be sure to add that to my title right after general or Rome”

“You joke but it’s the truth…” you look down at your sandals.

He sighed before lifting your chin up with his warm fingers then caressing your face, wiping away your tears with his thumb.

“Tell me something wife, have you seen me act that way with anyone else?”

“Well…” you thought about it. He was civil with everyone.. stern a lot, with servants and his men and well everyone else…

“And why do you think that is hm?”

“Well… I assume it’s because you see me more as a child…”

“A child.” He repeated.

You nodded.

“Aurelia you are never allowed to assume anything ever again”

“What?”

“You truly think that’s how I see you? That I treat you kindly because I pity you?”

“Well…then why?” You asked genuinely confused.

“Why treat my wife with care? Why worry for her? Why speak gentle words? Why shower her with gifts? Tell me Aurelia why does a man do those things for a woman?”

“I… I assumed-um well I believed that you were just..”

“Just what? Doing that out of duty? Is it so impossible to imagine that I love my wife and want her to be happy?”

“….” Your eyes widened larger than the sun. You hardly believed the words. So you asked him in a whisper.

“W-what did you s-say?”

Instead of answering he leaned forward closing the distance with a soft kiss.

“Does that answer your question?” He breathed in the few inches between your lips.

You shook your head no and leaned in. You felt the smirk against his lips. After several moments you pulled back to regard him.

“I never imagined you’d feel the same way…I still don’t think I believe it…”

“Like I said, you’re forbidden to assume things from now on wife”

“I… I’m sorry…” his hands settled at your waist, his smell flooding your senses.

“Make it up to me…”

You felt the heat rise in your cheeks but didn’t want to disappoint. You wrapped your arms around him pulling him into a deeper kiss full of emotion.

“Never allow such thoughts in your mind again, and you’re wrong, you’re not a burden. Yes I’ll admit you have a habit of getting into unique situations but I don’t mind, in fact I look forward to what surprises await me each day.”

“Do you really mean it? Even if I do awful things…? “

“Yes I mean it.. although I will draw the line at one thing, never do anything to put yourself in danger. When I saw you by the flames I-“ he paused sucking in a breathe.

And that moment you heart finally caught up with your head because no man could fake the emotions on his face like that.

You hugged him whispering an apology into his shoulder.

“You’ve apologized enough for a lifetime, come, dine with me, you’ve lost weight…” you nod letting him pull you by the hand out the door.

You heard some voices and frowned, anxiety creeping up again.

Ever the perfect man he caught on immediately.

“What is it?”

“The servants… it’s been hard to be around them… you might accept me for who I am but they haven’t…”

“I wouldn’t worry about it”

You cocked your head a bit at his amused tone, “why?”

“Because I fired them all”.

“Acacius!”

“Don’t protest, it’s done. I blame myself for not realizing what heartless people resided in my home. Besides I think you’ll like the new staff a lot better..”

You descended the staircase still confused why he seemed so smug until you heard voices you hadn’t heard in months.

“My Lady!”

“My Lady we’re here!”

“Oh how we’ve missed you!”

You couldn’t contain the loud gasp when your eyes landed on the familiar faces below. The staff that practically raised you was beaming up at you with joy.

“Oh my- Marika! Cicero! Diana! Felix! Ahh you’re all here!” You practically jumped from the staircase onto the group of your favorite people in the world.

Acacius couldn’t help but chuckle as the group enveloped you pulling you in, hugging and kissing you. Hardly the kind of servants he was used to but now he understood why you were so saddened to leave them behind. After your embraces you pulled back.

“What are you doing here? Is Father here?”

“You mean you don’t know?” The words would have worried you had everyone not been smiling ear to ear.

“Know what?” The general has employed us all here.

“W-what?!” You snapped your head to your grinning husband.

“B-but how did you- father must’ve been- h-how!?”

He laughed and descended the last couple steps, “I can be very persuasive if I need to be dear wife.”

“Oh- oh I don’t believe this!” you couldn’t contain your joy and parted from the group to jump on your husband who stumbled a bit but caught you of course. You kissed him then and there not caring who was watching- well in fact you didn’t care because everyone in the room were people you loved and felt safe with.

He was a bit surprised but when you pulled back his face was quickly morphed into fondness and satisfaction that the gleam in your eye was back.

“There she is..” you sighed happily hugging him once more then ran back to the awaiting group.

Well actually you made it halfway before pausing, turning around with an unsure look, and walking slowly back to him.

He tilted his head curious, “Acacius… will you… will you allow me to properly thank you… tonight? If that’s- if that’s something you’d like… or-“ your face that lovely shade of red he’d come to admire.

“Something I’d like?” He scoffed and for a moment you were afraid until you saw the expression in his eyes.

“Well I didn’t want to assume… you’ve forbidden it remember.” He smirked leaning down by your ear so only you could hear him.

“Listen well wife. This is the only exception you may always assume...” You shivered feeling his breathe caress your ear.

Gentle and sweet and now you had a new word to add, although you couldn’t quite find the right one just yet. But oh were you ever so eager to find out…

***************************************************

Is it getting hot in here guys?? No? Just me? Anywayyyy hope you enjoyed. I threw this up in one sitting so forgive all the mistakes. I finally saw the movie and wow, who knew they could fit so many hot men on one screen.

Also can anyone think of a better title lol😅

[orcasoul]

Marcus Acacius Imagine #1

Warnings: Fluff, age gap, smut (under 18's DNI!)

Word Count: 665

Older husband Marcus Acacius who never expected to marry again almost two decades after his wife ran away with a servant. Who had long ago given up on the notion of love and poured all of his energy into serving Rome. Who, at a large celebration in honour of his retirement felt the whole world slip away as your father introduced you to him. Who became instantly besotted with your delicate smile, your gentle mien, and the shyness you exhibited around him. Who spent the whole evening in deep conversation with you, drawing you out of your shell and learning as much as he could. Who the very next day arranged your marriage to himself with your father.

Older husband Marcus Acacius who felt the gods had truly blessed him as you walked towards him in your bridal attire, looking like Venus herself. Who felt your smaller hand shake as you took his and instantly became overwhelmed with the urge to ease your nerves and to protect and shield you from every bad thing this world had to offer. Who knows that your youth and naivety has not prepared you for the real world and as long as you have him to care for and safeguard you, you'll be fine. Who will spend the rest of his life ensuring you will want for nothing from this moment on. Who's not foolish enough to believe that you love him as he does you - by the few interactions you've both had it's clear you do care for him, but love can take time for some people - and he will make it his mission to gain your love.

Older husband Marcus Acacius who, being an experienced lover knows just how to both sooth your wedding night anxiety and excite you at the same time. Who trailed his lips over your shoulder as he released the clasps of your dress, the fabric flowing to the floor around you. Who stared in reverence at your naked flesh, your subtle curves and the swell of your breasts, professing that you are the most ethereal creature he has laid eyes on. Who tilted your chin up to meet his eyes and saw both lust and apprehension staring back at him. Who allowed you to take your time undressing him, getting lost in the feel of your soft fingers as they trailed over his many scars. Who's heart almost burst with joy as you tiptoed up to press your lips to his.

Older husband Marcus Acacius who laid you on the bed, smoothing his hands down your body, from your neck, over your breasts, past your navel and finally settling over your sex, cupping it gently. Who began to rub circles over your clit with the heel of his hand while pushing a finger inside your aching core, soon followed by a second. Who grinned in triumph as you came apart beneath him, your flushed face looking both awed and fascinated at what just happened. Who, only once you had become pliant enough entered you slowly, pushing in all the way to the hilt. Who watched your eyes roll back as he increased the intensity of his thrusts inside your warm, wet walls, drawing moans and gasps of his name from your pretty lips. Who made sure you came one last time before spilling his seed inside you.

Older husband Marcus Acacius who held you in his arms as you slept, studying all the fine lines, beauty spots and freckles on your face and shoulders, smoothing the silky skin of your back and relaxing in the warmth of your body pressed to his. Who has never felt more at home than his is right now, embracing the woman he adores and has waited his whole life for. Who hopes that his seed has already taken hold and will soon have you swelling beautifully with his son. Who will love, worship and protect you and any children you give him until his dying breath.

[4ever-feral]

The only manspreading I will accept. Also the blue jeans black tshirt combo is *chefs kiss* 😮‍💨

[joelsrose]

Weight of Worry

fluff !!!!! here is my masterlist xxx

You sat in the living room, your leg bouncing in that telltale rhythm Joel always noticed—the one that gave away your stress, your anxiety, or whatever this tangled knot in your chest was tonight.

The door creaked open, followed by the familiar shuffle of his boots and the rustle of his coat finding its place on the peg. Comforting sounds, ordinary sounds, but tonight they only seemed to tighten the knot further.

“Darlin’?” Joel’s voice called out, warm and familiar, the way it always did to announce his arrival. “I’m home.” He spoke just loud enough that wherever you were—upstairs, in the kitchen—you’d know he was back. The ritual was so Joel, so everyday, it almost softened the edges of your anger. Almost.

But you stayed where you were, rooted to the couch, arms crossed tightly over your chest, silent and still. There would be no light footsteps rushing to greet him, no joyful fling of your arms around his neck as you did every other day. Not today.

Today, the weight in your chest kept you anchored, the warmth that usually propelled you to him dulled by something heavier, something unresolved.

Anger simmered beneath your skin, sharp and unrelenting, its heat warding off any comfort his familiar presence might bring. The shuffle of his boots, the warmth in his voice—things that usually softened you—only fueled the fire burning inside.

“Baby?” Joel’s voice echoed softly down the hallway, each step bringing him closer. “You in here?”

When he rounded the corner and his eyes landed on you, his face broke into that familiar, easy smile—the one that could disarm you in an instant, if you let it. “Oh,” he said, his eyes crinkling with warmth—those damn brown eyes, you thought, the ones that only ever seemed to soften like that for you. “Thought maybe you’d be nappin’.”

He wasn’t wrong—most patrol days, he’d find you curled up in bed, catching a little rest to make the hours pass quicker while he was gone. Otherwise, your mind would spiral, racing with worry, wondering if he was okay.

He always was, of course—but still. That nauseating, uncomfortable feeling never truly let you be. And every time, without fail, you’d wake to the soft press of his lips on your forehead, his rough hand smoothing back your hair with a tenderness that unraveled you. Then he’d slip off for a shower, and you’d finally be able to breathe again, the tight knot in your chest loosening just enough with the reassurance that he was here—safe, if only for another night.

It was a routine so familiar, so intimate, that it made you ache now. Damn him for knowing me so well. But he did—he knew every habit, every rhythm, every quiet quirk that made you you.

And tonight, you saw it—the way his eyes lingered, studying you a little too long, his brow furrowing ever so slightly. He already knew something was off. You could practically see his mind racing, flipping through every possible thing he could’ve done to piss you off this much, the subtle tension in his jaw betraying his worry.

“Uh-oh,” Joel murmured, his brows knitting together as he studied you, his posture shifting into something almost cautious. Slowly, he lowered himself onto the couch across from you, his hands resting heavily on his thighs—a man bracing for impact, steadying himself for whatever storm was brewing.

“Baby,” he started softly when your silence stretched on, his voice careful, like he was trying not to spook you.

Don’t look at his thighs, you cursed yourself, but your gaze betrayed you, following the movement anyway. The way his broad hands rested there, so casual, so maddeningly him. Focus. You’re mad, remember? You snapped your attention back to his face, determined not to let him derail you with a single damn movement.

His lips parted, his head tilting just slightly, the way it always did when he was trying to piece something together. He exhaled a short, frustrated sigh when you didn't respond. “Alright,” he said, his voice dropping to that low, steady tone laced with concern. “What’s goin’ on? You’re killin’ me here, darlin’.”

You let him stew in the silence for a moment, watching as his concern deepened, the faintest crease forming between his brows. Then, with deliberate calm, you delivered the blow. “Maria told me.”

His expression froze for a beat, confusion flashing in his eyes. “Told you what?” he asked, his voice careful now, almost wary.

“Extra patrols, Joel? Seriously?”

The realization dawned on his face, and to your utter disbelief, he laughed—a low, relieved chuckle as his hand scrubbed over his stubbled jaw. “Jesus, baby, you had me thinkin’ it was somethin’ serious.”

“Oh, it is serious, Joel,” you shot back, your voice sharp with anger and the ache that had been festering all day. “You should be scared, Miller. Scared of me.” The words wavered, caught between fury and the tight knot in your chest.

Damn, you were cute when you were mad, he thought, biting the inside of his cheek to stop the smile creeping onto his face. He knew if you caught even a hint of it, you’d only get madder, and that wasn’t something he needed to deal with right now.

His smile faded as he sighed, shifting forward, his elbows braced on his knees. “Tommy needed another hand. It’s just for a couple weeks, sweetheart—”

“Joel.” His name broke from your lips, your voice cracking under the weight of it, and his entire demeanor changed. The tension in his shoulders softened, his expression falling into something tender, something aching. He leaned closer, his eyes searching yours, as if trying to unravel the emotions you couldn’t quite put into words.

“Hey.” Joel stood now, his movements slow and deliberate, before settling beside you, his solid frame pressing against yours. His thigh brushed against yours, warm and unyielding, a grounding presence that was both maddening and comforting in equal measure. His scent enveloped you—leather, woodsmoke, and that indefinable something that was purely Joel, stirring emotions you weren’t ready to face but couldn’t ignore.

His hand found your thigh, the roughness of his palm a stark contrast to the tenderness of his touch. It was steady, reassuring, but it sent a ripple of heat through you that made your breath hitch. “I know it worries you, baby,” he murmured, his voice low and soothing, each word sinking into your skin like a balm, even as the ache in your chest refused to relent.

“Worries me?” you echoed, the tremor in your voice betraying the storm inside. “It terrifies me, Joel. Every time you leave, I just… I can’t…” Your words faltered, choked by the lump forming in your throat as you folded your arms tighter across your chest, desperate to hold yourself together.

Joel leaned in, his voice dropping to that low, steady murmur that never failed to disarm you. “Sweetheart, look at me.”

You tried to resist, keeping your gaze fixed firmly on the floor, determined not to give in. But then his hands—those warm, calloused hands that had weathered so much, healed so much—slipped to your sides. The touch was gentle but insistent, tugging you closer with a quiet strength that left no room for argument. Slowly, purposefully, he drew you onto his lap, your knees bracketing his hips, leaving you no escape from the weight of his presence.

His thumbs traced slow, deliberate circles against your thighs, the motion grounding yet impossibly intimate. His eyes, dark and steady, locked onto yours, searching your face with a quiet intensity that made your breath catch. Your resolve wavered, your thoughts scattering like leaves in the wind. Why was that so hot? you thought, biting the inside of your cheek to keep your focus. Focus, you reminded yourself again, even as his touch made it impossible.

His hands settled firmly on the sides of your legs, his grip steady, reassuring. He tilted his head slightly, his gaze never leaving yours, and in that moment, it felt like he could see straight through you.

“I’m gonna be okay,” he murmured, his voice low and even, the rasp in his tone sending a shiver down your spine. “I’m always okay, ain’t I?”

The certainty in his words, the quiet confidence in the way he spoke, was disarming. He wasn’t just trying to reassure you—he was making a promise. And God help you, with his hands on you and his eyes holding yours like that, you almost believed him.

“It doesn’t stop me from caring,” you whispered, your voice trembling under the weight of the emotions you’d been trying so hard to keep in check. The words barely escaped, more breath than sound, as you turned your face away, blinking back the tears threatening to spill over.

“I know, baby,” Joel murmured, his voice soft and steady, grounding you even as your heart felt like it might break. His hands found your face, calloused palms cradling your cheeks with a tenderness that almost undid you. He tilted your head back gently, his thumbs brushing away the tears that had escaped despite your efforts.

“My sweet girl,” he said, his tone so low and warm it felt like a blanket wrapping around you. A small, crooked smile pulled at his lips, the kind only you ever got to see. “You worry too much, y’know that?”

Your heart softened despite yourself, the corners of your resolve melting under the warmth of his words. “Can’t help it,” you muttered, your lips forming the faintest pout, enough to coax a low chuckle from him.

“Aw, come on now,” he teased, his voice dipping into that familiar, honeyed warmth that wrapped around you like a soft blanket. It was the kind of tone that always managed to undo you, no matter how hard you tried to hold on to your irritation. His lips quirked into that lopsided grin, the one that sent a flutter through your chest every single time.

“Can’t stay mad at me forever, can ya?” he drawled, tilting his head as his eyes softened, a hint of playful mischief dancing in them. God knew you couldn’t, not when he looked at you like that, like you were the only thing in the world worth his attention.

“Gimme a kiss, hmm?” he murmured, his voice dropping just enough to send a shiver down your spine. He leaned in ever so slightly, close enough for you to catch the faint scent of him, that intoxicating mix of leather, woodsmoke, and Joel. His hand reached up to tuck a stray strand of hair behind your ear, lingering just a moment longer than necessary, his touch so gentle it made your heart stutter.

You huffed, crossing your arms as if that might somehow shield you from the effect he had on you. You were determined to keep your resolve, but with the way he was looking at you—those soft, teasing eyes that held just a hint of mischief—you knew you were already losing.

“Just one,” he murmured, leaning in slightly, his voice dipping low, warm and coaxing, like he knew exactly how to undo you. “For good luck?”

With an exaggerated sigh and a shake of your head, you finally gave in, leaning forward to press your lips to his. The kiss was soft at first, tentative, but the moment his hands tightened on your sides, pulling you impossibly closer, something shifted. It was as if he couldn’t stand even the smallest fraction of space between you. A low groan rumbled from his chest, vibrating against you, and the scratch of his beard only heightened the warmth that spread through your body. His lips were soft, plump, and impossibly familiar, like they were made just for you.

When he pulled back, his voice was low and filled with a quiet affection that made your heart flutter. “That’s my girl,” he murmured.

Before you could even catch your breath, his grin widened, his tone shifting to something lighter, playful enough to make the corners of your lips tug upward. “Now,” he drawled, tapping your butt lightly with a smile that could only be described as infuriatingly charming, “What do you want for dinner?”

[andy-15-07]

The Wedding

Pairing: Marcus Acacius x female reader

Word Count: 1381

Pedro Pascal Masterlist

Warnings:smut

The air crackled with anticipation as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the Palatine Hill. In the heart of Rome, amidst the grandeur of the imperial palace, preparations for the wedding of General Marcus Acacius and his beloved Y/n were in full swing.

Y/n, resplendent in a gown of ivory silk that shimmered like moonlight on water, waited nervously backstage. Her heart pounded a frantic rhythm against her ribs as she gazed at her reflection in the polished bronze mirror. Her hair, a cascade of raven tresses, was adorned with a delicate wreath of lilies, their fragrance a sweet counterpoint to the nervous flutter in her stomach.

Marcus Acacius, his armor polished to a blinding sheen, stood before the altar, his gaze fixed on the entrance, a mixture of anticipation and apprehension etched on his rugged features. He had fought countless battles, faced death countless times, but nothing, not even the roar of the Coliseum, could prepare him for the tremors that shook his very core as he awaited the arrival of his bride.

Finally, the doors of the basilica swung open, and Y/n emerged, a vision of ethereal beauty. Acacius's breath hitched. She was more breathtaking than he could have ever imagined.

The ceremony was a blend of Roman tradition and personal vows. The air was thick with the scent of incense and the murmur of prayers. Emperor Geta, his face etched with a genuine smile, officiated, his voice resonating with gravitas.

"Marcus Acacius," Geta began, his voice booming through the basilica, "do you, before these witnesses, take Y/n to be your lawfully wedded wife, to cherish her, to honor her, and to love her faithfully until death do you part?"

Acacius, his voice strong and unwavering, declared, "I do."

Geta turned to Y/n, his gaze filled with warmth. "Y/n," he intoned, "do you, before these witnesses, take Marcus Acacius to be your lawfully wedded husband, to cherish him, to honor him, and to love him faithfully until death do you part?"

Y/n, her voice trembling slightly with emotion, replied, "I do."

Geta, with a flourish, declared them husband and wife. The crowd erupted in cheers, and the strains of a joyous hymn filled the basilica. Confetti rained down, showering the newlyweds in a cascade of color.

Later that evening, within the opulent chambers of the imperial palace, the air throbbed with a sensual tension. Y/n, her wedding gown discarded, wore a simple chemise of the finest linen, its delicate fabric clinging to her curves. Marcus , his armor exchanged for a toga of midnight blue, watched her with a gaze that burned with a primal hunger.

He approached her slowly, his hands reaching out to cup her face, his thumbs gently tracing the contours of her jawline. "You are more beautiful than I ever dreamed," he whispered, his voice husky with desire.

Y/n, her breath catching in her throat, leaned into his touch, her fingers tangling in the thick strands of his dark hair. "And you, my husband," she murmured, her voice a silken caress, "are more than I ever dared to hope for."

Their lips met in a searing kiss, a desperate, yearning embrace that ignited a fire within them. Marcus pulled her close, his body pressed against hers, molding perfectly to her curves. He tasted the sweetness of her lips, the faintest hint of wine lingering on her breath.

He carried her to the four-poster bed, its silken sheets invitingly rumpled. He laid her gently upon the soft mattress, his gaze lingering on the gentle rise and fall of her breasts, the delicate curve of her hips.

He shed his toga, revealing his broad, muscular chest, his body honed by years of rigorous training. Y/n reached out, her fingers tracing the lines of his muscles, the calloused texture of his palms.

He lowered himself onto the bed beside her, his body radiating heat. His hands roamed over her, exploring every inch of her skin, eliciting shivers of pleasure that rippled through her.

He kissed her again, a slow, sensual exploration that left her breathless. His tongue traced the contours of her mouth, teasing, probing, igniting a fire within her that threatened to consume her.

He moved lower, his lips finding the sensitive skin of her neck, his breath hot against her skin. She arched against him, her body pleading for more.

He unfastened the delicate straps of her chemise, the silken fabric falling away to reveal the full glory of her breasts. He cupped them in his hands, his thumbs circling their peaks, eliciting a soft moan from her lips.

He lowered his head, his lips finding the tender flesh of her breasts, his tongue swirling around the hardened nipples, sending jolts of pleasure through her entire body.

Y/n cried out, her hands gripping his shoulders, her nails digging into his skin. He looked up at her, his eyes burning with desire, and saw the raw, unbridled passion reflected in her own.

He moved lower, his hands exploring the silken expanse of her thighs, his fingers tracing the delicate curves of her hips. She gasped, her body arching against him, her legs instinctively opening for him.

He entered her slowly, tenderly, his body filling her completely. Y/n cried out, her head thrown back, her fingers digging into the sheets.

He began to move, his strokes slow and deliberate, deepening with each thrust. Y/n moaned, her body arching against him, her hands gripping his back, urging him on.

The room filled with the sounds of their passion – the soft cries of pleasure, the rhythmic thud of their bodies moving as one. They reached for each other, their bodies entwined, their souls intertwined.

The world faded away, leaving only the intensity of their shared pleasure, the raw, primal connection that bound them together. They moved as one, their bodies a symphony of movement, a testament to the power of their love.

Finally, they reached their peak, a wave of ecstasy washing over them, leaving them breathless and spent. They lay entwined, their bodies bathed in the soft glow of the moonlight, their hearts beating in unison.

He pulled her close, his arms wrapped around her, holding her tightly, as if he feared losing her. "I love you, Y/n," he whispered, his voice hoarse with emotion.

Y/n, her head resting on his chest, replied, "I love you too, my husband."

They lay there for a long time, content in the aftermath of their passion, their love a beacon in the darkness, a promise of a lifetime of happiness together.

The next morning, the sun streamed through the window, casting a warm glow across the room. Y/n stirred, her eyes fluttering open. She found herself nestled in Marcus's arms, his chest a warm, solid wall against her back.

She smiled, remembering the night before, the intensity of their passion, the way he had made her feel like the only woman in the world.

She turned in his arms, her gaze meeting his. He was already awake, his eyes filled with a tender amusement.

"Good morning, my love," he murmured, his voice rough with sleep.

"Good morning," she replied, her voice soft with affection.

They lay there for a while, simply enjoying each other's presence, the silence filled with the unspoken words of their love.

Finally, Marcus leaned down and kissed her, a gentle, lingering kiss that sent shivers down her spine.

"We should get up," he said, his voice a low rumble. "We have duties to attend to."

Y/n reluctantly pulled away from him, her fingers tracing the lines of his jaw. "Yes," she agreed, "but I wouldn't mind staying here with you forever."

Acacius chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Perhaps another time, my love," he said, his voice laced with a playful warning.

Y/n laughed, her heart light and carefree. She knew, with a certainty that settled deep within her soul, that their life together would be filled with joy, passion, and adventure.

As they prepared to face the day, they knew that their wedding night was just the beginning of their journey together, a journey filled with love, laughter, and the promise of a lifetime of happiness.

[trulyumai]

benevolence

—pairing: emperor geta / wife! reader

—synopsis: you were hurt and geta was determined to find the man responsible.

—warnings: mentions of hitting, violence, grabbing. geta trying to be patient.

a/n: this was a request; thank you anonymous!

Enjoy!

Brown sandals slapped against the floor. With ease, the emperor moved quickly. For the man was furious; choosing to seek out his wife to see if the rumors were true.

General Acacius, to hear such a rumor from his own general? How unbecoming.

The man had seeked the emperor out with hushed words, whispering to him the betrayal that had occurred. Geta wasted no time to seek you out. 

His guards stood behind, albeit a little more distanced, as the man stormed through the temple, mumbling incessant curses and threats. They didn't dare get into the ginger's way as he strode across the building, shoving anything and anyone out of his way. 

It couldn’t stop raining today, and he knew exactly where to find you. 

The chamber balcony. 

Always watching— staring into the valley with wonder as rain would soak your being. He would always be furious with you when this occurred, yelling that you would be sick. Sick over your own doing, watching a silly weather phenomenon. You would only smile, invite him to join you with wet hands and a sappy expression. Most of the time he would decline, calling it foolish and dumb. But sometimes (usually when he was drunk), he would allow himself to grace your presence. Feel the rain drench his clothes as you lean into his warmth, kissing up his arm and up his shoulder. 

He adored it. 

Slamming his ringed hands across the wooden door, it groaned open. The doors met with the stone walls laid behind, letting out a loud bang. 

You laid unaware. And unfortunately for you, he was right. You were on the balcony, protected by the awning as rain came crashing down upon the stone. It was peaceful. Beautiful. Any other time he would admire your body. The curves and supple areas that made you; you. Always dressed in the finest silks that clung to your body deliciously. 

“My wife,” a deep voice gave way, dragging your once distracted thoughts. Turning, you saw how Geta made his way to you, veiny hands already reaching out for your form.

They connected with your face, sprawling across your cheeks with ease. 

“Is it true?” Anger held onto each word, with his eyes staring right through you. Full of fire—  his orbs held such contempt, a hatred so deep that it made you shudder. 

He wanted to grab you by the throat, drag you across the floors and demand you to explain. Explain why a bruise littered across your face like it belonged there.

No words needed to be said; afterall, the proof lay before him. 

A black and purple bruise lay sprawled upon your jaw, up your cheek and ending just before your right eye. 

A growl escaped the emperor's lips, and with a quick raise of his hand, dismissed the guards behind him. 

Their armor— white and golden, shined bright against the dimly lit room. For all the candles lay burnt out, unused. You wanted to lay in darkness, remembering how you fell upon the chamber in shakes and tears, not wanting to light the injuries that fell upon you. 

Now alone, Geta demanded again. Although softer, his voice held so much anger. It was rough and callous, just as much as his knuckles were when they began smoothing over the affected area.

“Tell me,” the emperor implored. 

“Tell me and it will be dealt with. I will—”

“You’ll what?” A sniffle sounded out. It was so hard not to burst out in tears.

“You’ll find the afflicter? And then what, what will happen to him?” 

Geta snarled, blue veins sprouted through his forehead in unfiltered rage. 

“What does it matter? Why leave such a worthless being alive.” Grabbing the back of your neck, he pushed forward. Now, your head forced its way back to glance upwards at the taller man. 

Thunder roared out, only spurring the man further. His eyes were so bright today. 

Full of swelling emotions, ready to burst at any given moment. 

“Please,” you whispered, raising your shaking hands to his cheeks. They were rough, stubble tickled your fingers as they grazed over the skin with a loving gentleness. “No one has to die.” 

Geta scoffed against your hold, refusing to meet your dewy gaze.

“Someone will pay, dear wife. I don’t need your consent.” 

“It was an accident— 

“Enough!” Geta grabbed at your small hands, squeezing them uncontrollably. A cry left your lips as the pressure grew, a pain kneaded and flowed through your palms as the man tore them from his face. 

“You’ll tell me. Now.” Tears dribbled down your lashes, meeting with the soft skin of your cheeks until they met with your chin. 

“I— I can’t.” 

“Did he threaten you?” 

You shook your head, the hair around your shoulders moved with the action. 

“If I tell you, he’ll die. There’s no mistaking that. I can’t… I can’t rightfully send a man to his death for such a foolish reason.” 

Deep breaths, Geta, deep breaths. His chest rose and sank slowly, to calm the raging waves battling against the walls of his sanity. 

“Wife,” he began. Molding his forehead on yours, he forced eye contact. Now inches away he began to wipe at your tear stained cheeks. 

“This will be no fault of yours. This man? His fate has already been set. The moment he made contact with you, it became inevitable.” 

“But—,” 

“I will not hear more of it. This cannot go unpunished. How would we look if such a thing went without discipline? The word is already traveling, little wife.” 

Fingers kneaded down to your neck, brushing the hair back with a gentle care. 

“Please,” he whispered to you. 

“Tell me now.” 

Lip wobbling, you gave in. Form slackened against his, sobs escaped you. 

“The— the new servant.”

Geta’s brows furrowed. He tried to think— imagine the useless being his wife was referencing, but nothing came to mind. 

Seeing your husband’s confusion, you shakily spoke again. 

“The one with, with the scar?” 

Instantly, recognition flowed through the man’s squinted eyes. 

He pictured the brunette man. He was short, squatty. A scar was plastered upon his face, distorting it and contorting it against its will. 

He remembered bringing it up upon their first meeting. Comparing the man to an Oxen’s behind. 

He remembered how the man bowed pathetically before him. Telling his grace of the accident. 

Geta spat at his feet then. He had leaned forward upon his throne and called out, “And what makes you think I care about your formed impudence?” 

Your sobs brought him back. They battled against the rain that patterned down against the stone walkway. 

Your form slumped down, head now cascaded down upon his sandaled feet. 

Geta did nothing to comfort you. 

He wanted to. Gods, did he want to. 

If he was any other man, he would whisper sweet nothings to you. Brush your tears away with a brush of a hand and carry you back inside. 

But he was the emperor. 

Geta, the unbreaking 

Geta, the undying. 

His form moved away, leaving you to drown upon the tears that overwhelmed your being. His feet carried on, not stopping for each broken sob or the way you mumbled his name pathetically. 

He now knows of the perpetrator; and justice was soon to be delivered, whether it was with you at his side, or not. 

Geta would serve it. 

[sinful-mind-joyful-thoughts]

Just here to beg for a crumb-- just a little blurb about Marcus as a new dad? All those swimming lessons would have paid off before long, right?

⤷ Credits: Pinterest

Marcus Acacius x Wife!reader | WC : 1.7k | Proof read : YES | Navigation | Notifications | asks : OPEN | Under a False Alter

Warnings: DUB-CON (Forced/Arranged marriage), Birth, insecurity, vulnerability, fluffy romance vibes with a hint of the reality of parenthood

A/n : Sorry this took a second but i hope you enjoy

"MOTHERFUCKER!" you shouted, your voice echoing through the chamber as you clung to Marcus' arms, your grip iron-tight. Midwives swarmed around you, their practiced hands moving swiftly, their voices a blend of soothing reassurances and urgent instructions.

"It'll be alright, love," Marcus murmured, his voice steady despite the worry etched across his face. He wiped the sweat from your brow, his touch tender. "You're the strongest person I know."

"Strongest person you know?" you snapped, glaring at him through the pain. "If you had just kept your hands to yourself, we wouldn't be in this mess, Marcus!"

Marcus chuckled softly, though there was a hint of nervousness in his eyes. "I recall you being quite persuasive that night."

"Don't you dare put this on me!" you retorted, another contraction making you wince. "If you had any self-control, I wouldn't be screaming my head off right now!"

"Almost there," the head midwife announced, her voice cutting through the haze of pain. "I can see the head."

Marcus looked at you, his eyes shining with pride and awe. "Just a little more, darling. You're so close."

"Close to killing you," you muttered, though your grip on his hand tightened, drawing strength from his presence.

With a final, primal scream, you pushed with all your might. The room seemed to hold its breath as the midwives sprang into action. And then, a new sound filled the air—the cries of your newborn son.

Tears streamed down your face as the midwife placed the tiny, wriggling bundle in your arms. You looked down at him, your heart swelling with a love so fierce it took your breath away. Marcus leaned in, his arm around your shoulders, his eyes filled with wonder as he gazed at his son.

"He's perfect," Marcus whispered, his voice choked with emotion. "You did it."

"We did it," you corrected, meeting his gaze. "And you owe me a lifetime of back massages and foot rubs for this."

Marcus laughed, pressing a kiss to your forehead. "Deal. And I'll start by being the best father I can be."

As you held your son close, feeling the warmth of his tiny body against your chest, you knew that whatever the future held, you and Marcus would face it together. This was the beginning of a new chapter, one filled with hope, love, and endless possibilities.

The midwives busied themselves around you, cleaning up and murmuring congratulations. You glanced at Marcus, who was still watching you with that same awestruck expression.

"Stop looking at me like that," you teased, though there was no heat in your words. "I look like I've been through a war."

"A beautiful war," Marcus said softly, brushing a strand of hair from your face. "And you, my love, are a warrior."

"Flattery will get you nowhere," you replied, though you couldn't suppress a smile. "But I suppose I can let you off the hook. Just this once."

"How generous of you," Marcus said with a grin, leaning in to kiss you. "I love you."

"And I love you," you whispered, feeling a deep contentment settle over you. "Even if you did get us into this mess."

"Well, it's a beautiful mess," he said, looking down at your son. "And I wouldn't change a thing."

"Marcus, you can't hold him like that," you said, trying to suppress a laugh as you watched him awkwardly maneuver the tiny, squirming baby in his arms. Your son wriggled, his small fists waving in the air, clearly unimpressed with his father's attempt.

"I'm trying!" Marcus replied, a mix of frustration and amusement in his voice. "He's just so slippery."

You stepped in, gently guiding Marcus' hands to support the baby's head and body correctly. "There, like this. See? He's not that hard to handle."

"Easy for you to say," Marcus muttered, though a smile tugged at his lips. "You've always had a way with handling difficult creatures."

"Are you calling our son a creature?" you asked, raising an eyebrow playfully.

"Only the cutest one I've ever seen," Marcus said, his eyes softening as he looked down at the baby. "Alright, little man, let's get you clean."

You carefully poured warm water over your son's tiny body, making sure the temperature was just right. The baby let out a small, surprised squeak, his eyes widening at the sensation. Marcus chuckled, his large hands gentle as he helped you wash the baby’s delicate skin.

"He's not so bad once you get the hang of it," Marcus said, his voice filled with wonder. "Look at him. He's so small, but so perfect."

"Just like his father," you teased, running a soft cloth over the baby's head.

Marcus grinned, his eyes twinkling. "You think I'm perfect?"

"In your dreams," you replied, but there was no denying the affection in your tone.

As you continued the bath, Marcus took over washing the baby's tiny feet, his fingers incredibly gentle. "These little toes," he mused, "I can't believe something so small can be so perfect."

"Careful, Marcus," you warned with a laugh. "You're turning into a sentimental sap."

"Too late," he admitted, looking at you with a smile that made your heart melt. "This little guy has completely undone me."

The days and nights blurred together as you adjusted to the whirlwind of new parenthood. There were moments of sheer joy and wonder as you watched your son grow and change, his tiny features becoming more defined with each passing day. But there were also moments of exhaustion and doubt, when the weight of responsibility felt overwhelming. Your pregnancy had been a mix of excitement and anxiety, each milestone bringing a new set of emotions. Now, holding your baby in your arms, you felt an intense love that was both beautiful and terrifying.

You marveled at his tiny hands and the way his fingers would curl around yours, his innocent eyes gazing up at you with trust. Those were the moments that made everything worth it, when the world seemed to stand still and all that mattered was the bond between you and your son. But there were also nights when he would cry inconsolably, and no amount of rocking or soothing seemed to help.

One particularly long night, as the baby cried relentlessly, you found yourself on the brink of tears. The exhaustion was bone-deep, and the frustration of not being able to calm him gnawed at you. "Why won't he stop crying?" you whispered, your voice trembling with fatigue and despair. You rocked him gently, trying every trick you knew, but nothing seemed to work.

Marcus appeared in the doorway, his hair tousled from sleep, his eyes instantly alert with concern. He had been your rock throughout the pregnancy and now, in the chaos of new parenthood, his support was unwavering. "Hey, hey," he said softly, crossing the room to you. "What's wrong?"

"I don't know," you admitted, your voice breaking. "I feel like I'm doing everything wrong. I can't even calm my own baby."

Marcus took the baby from your arms with practiced ease, his strong hands cradling the tiny body. He began to hum a gentle tune, swaying back and forth as he did. Almost immediately, the baby's cries began to quiet, his small body relaxing against Marcus' chest. Watching them, a mix of relief and sadness washed over you. Relief that your baby was finally calm, and sadness that you couldn't seem to provide the same comfort.

"See?" Marcus murmured, looking at you with a reassuring smile. "Sometimes, he just needs a change of scenery."

You sank into a nearby chair, the tears finally spilling over. "I feel like such a failure," you confessed. "I love him so much, but I can't seem to get anything right."

"You're not a failure," Marcus said firmly, kneeling beside you, still holding the now calm baby. "You're an amazing mother. This is hard—it's supposed to be hard. But we're doing it together, remember?"

You nodded, wiping your tears away. The weight of his words began to soothe the ache in your chest. "I just... I want to be perfect for him."

"And you are," Marcus insisted. "Look at him. He's healthy, he's loved, and he's got the best mom in the world."

A small smile tugged at your lips as you reached out to touch your son's cheek. His skin was soft and warm, and you felt a rush of love so powerful it almost hurt. "I guess I just need to take it one day at a time."

"Exactly," Marcus agreed, standing up and offering you a hand. "Now, let's get you both back to bed. I'll take the next shift."

You allowed Marcus to help you up, feeling the fatigue in your bones but also a renewed sense of hope. The journey of parenthood was far from easy, but with Marcus by your side, you knew you could face the challenges ahead.

“He’s growing up so fast,” you whispered, a bittersweet ache in your voice as you took in the sight of your little boy, so full of life and promise.

Marcus nodded, his voice a gentle balm. “He is. But look at him—strong and happy. We’ve done well, haven’t we?”

You leaned back into his embrace, savoring the warmth of his presence. “It’s been an incredible year,” you agreed softly.

Marcus pressed a tender kiss to your cheek, a playful glint lighting up his eyes. “How about we make this weekend even more special? A trip to the sea, just the two of us.”

You turned to face him, excitement mingling with a hint of anxiety. “But what about our son? I don’t want to leave him.”

“Don’t worry,” Marcus reassured you, his voice soothing. “I’ve spoken with your mother. She’s thrilled to have him for the weekend. We’ll be close by if anything happens.”

You hesitated, biting your lip as you considered his words. The thought of time alone with Marcus was enticing. “It would be nice to spend time together,” you admitted.

Marcus smiled, the warmth in his eyes making your heart flutter. “We deserve a little break. And perhaps… we could start thinking about giving him a little brother or sister.”

[queers-gambit]

The Strength in Honor [ part 3 of 3 ]

prompt: well, well, well, if it isn't the consequences of your own actions. let the Games begin.

pairing: General Marcus Acacius x female!Aurelius!reader

fandom: Gladiator II -> no masterlist

word count: 8.3k+

warnings: spoilers, blood, character injury, canon character death, Acacius survives, drama, depiction of canon complicit physical violence, epilogue, very lil tiny smut, very lil tiny NSFW, depiction of happiest ending author could think of.

part one: read here part two: read here

The gladiators perked up when the sounds of struggle echoed from a distant tunnel; torchlight glowing brighter the closer the approaching intruders got. While restrained to their cells, most prisoners peaked out to watch as multiple guards were required to wrangle an irate General Acacius into an empty cell.

"You're no men of mine," Acacius snarled at the guards as they shoved him to the ground before slamming it shut; keeping bars between the feral man and themselves.

"No, General. We're the Emperor's."

He scoffed, "Hardly men of Rome, then."

"Do try to get some rest, General," another tacked on smugly, "you'll need your wits about you if you're gonna save your lady by," he raised his voice to ensure everyone heard, "fighting every man here!"

There was a grumble from the gladiators, Lucius' arms poking out to rest between the bars; keys heavy and hidden on his hip. He glared at the man he'd been convinced he needed to kill; the man he told Macrinus he wanted in exchange for being his champion; the man he thought would avenge his wife's death. Yet as he listened to the guards taunt him, he heard his aunt's voice pleading with him to understand the General was not the enemy.

He ignored the Wisdom of Venus in favor of his own anger.

The Praetorian Guards spat on the General before laughing and taking their leave; several hushed voices whispering to one another as a distant door clanged shut.

"General? General Acacius?" Someone questioned from the dark.

"Yes?"

"General," the voice insisted, "the hell's going on? What're you doing here?"

Lucius watched Acacius approach his cell door with narrowed eyes, taking the bars in hand as he identified, "Augustus?"

The guard winced as he neared the cell, "Ah, hell, it is you, thought I was seein' shit at first."

"Solider," Acacius greeted.

"Is the plan off?"

"What?"

Augustus shook his head, "The Lady Aurelius was here not long ago, sent Ravi to gather your men. Is the plan off?"

Lucius watched in real time as the General blinked slowly in remembrance, giving the Gladiator time to note the scattering of facial injuries. "Y/N sent Ravi to gather the men?"

"Yes, General."

"Good, good," he nodded, then shaking his head in disappointment. "I don't know what's to come next, soldier, we were betrayed."

"What?"

"The Emperors... They knew, yet I don't think specific details were shared as I saw no deployment to intercept my men yet."

"So they threw you down here?"

Acacius nodded, "In the morning, I am to fight all of you for the life of Lady Aurelius. There's no use in hiding it now: the Lady and I have been involved in an extramarital affair nearly 20 years."

"Jesus, Mary-Mother, and Joesph," Augustus scoffed, head cocking in confusion. "Why not just marry her?"

"I had planned to," Acacius admitted, "after the war, when the fighting was done, when I returned to Rome. I even had a ring," he smirked sadly, "but before I could propose, Lucius Verus died and widowed Lucilla. The Emperor asked me to marry her instead, for protection."

"He did not know about you and Y/N?"

"I'm sure he had his suspicions, we were young and dumb; not very good at hiding anything."

"Why accept? If you loved Y/N, why marry Lucilla?"

Lucius listened intently as Acacius admitted, "Because General Maximus told me to honor our Emperor, honor Rome. There was no denying Lady Lucilla's hand in marriage."

"But you and Venus never quit, huh?" Augustus snickered, "My man!"

"Just loved her too much to stop," Acacius shrugged, shaking his head. "Couldn't ever let go, and even now, I can't. So, tomorrow, I will attempt to fight you all - but we all know, the Emperor's are orchestrating a plan now to ensure I do not succeed."

The creaking of an opening iron door made both men pause their conversation, looking up in time to spy Lucius stepping from his unlocked cell. He watched the way Acacius straightened up with a knowing look; understanding his aunt must've had enough time to tell him about Lucius before their downfall.

"Hanno," Augustus tried to intercept, "how'd you - "

"Is it true?" He directed at the General.

Acacius let his eyes shift from guard to Gladiator; noting how Augustus did not seem phased by his unlocked cell. He asked "Which part?" for clarification.

"Loving Lady Y/N for 2 decades, Maximus telling you to marry Lady Lucilla?"

"All of it," he nodded. "Though my marriage to the Lady was not all bad, she... She just..."

"She wasn't Y/N," Lucius filled in, sounding neutral; neither angry or offended on his mother's behalf, but also not elated on his aunt's either.

"Nobody was - nobody ever will be again," Acacius told him. "Without her, Rome will be set adrift. You should all prepare."

"You speak as if it's already over."

"Weren't you listening?" Acacius snapped. "I am to fight you all, by myself. The Emperor's will ensure neither of us walk away - though, they will try to get Y/N, they spoke of their desire for her."

Lucius and Augustus shared the same expression of disgust, upper lips curling. "They can try," Augustus scoffed, crossing his meaty arms. "Your men still march for the city, General, and the men in these cells stand with you. What's the plan?"

"'Plan'? There's no more plans, kid, it's over. We lost."

"Not yet," Lucius mused, "the Games have only just begun."

"Look," Acacius shook his head, "when we face each other in the arena tomorrow, there will be no way out. I only ask for a swift death for us both. Should the Emperors ever get their hands on her, I fear death will be Y/N's only relief... Do not condemn your aunt to such a fate, she's the best of us and deserves better."

"No, the answer is simple, is it not?" Lucius asked, looking around the other cells of gladiators. "You hear that, lads? Your General Acacius must fight us all tomorrow to protect his lady-love! To protect Venus!" Flesh and metal banged on iron cell doors, a gentle hoot answering his rhetorical inquiry. "He says give him a quick death!" Another round of door-banging. "Know what I say? I say! The answer is simple! The Emperors intend for the General to fight us all - so none of us will fight!"

"What?" Augustus asked over the approval of agreeing gladiators. "Hanno, the hell do you mean? We'd all get shot by the archers!"

Lucius smirked, "There is strength in numbers, my friend... And 2,000 men loyal to the General march for the city. So long as the Emperors have a show, we keep them drawn in and locked on us, fully distracted - they won't so much as notice the city being sacked."

"There need be no sacking, the city is ready to fall," Acacius inputted, eyes narrowed at Lucius.

"All the more reason then," he smirked.

Augustus chuckled, "Oh, hooo! Hear that? I think Hanno has a plan, lads! Should we hear him?" The gladiators banged louder, "I asked, should we hear him!?" Now, they roared in agreement, making Augustus smirk at Lucius and cross his broad, bulging arms. "Go on, then. What's the plan, Hanno?"

Acacius leaned on the bars of his door, ready to take his orders like any good soldier.

The General was collected first from his cell, provided a change of clothes, his armor, and weaponry. Before he disappeared from sight, his head turned to catch Lucius' eyes; either man nodding subtly in agreement to what they had strategized all night.

The Praetorian Guards gathered first at the doors, posted along the inner arena of the Colosseum with archers lining the walls between sand and spectators. Acacius watched from the tunnel as a huge, decorated wooden cart was lugged into the arena by decoratively-matching white horses; you tied to a broad post in the center; dressed in a gorgeous white chiffon dress. You were accessorized in gold, but what caused instant anger from the crowd wasn't just the sight of you... But the sight of you, bound and bloodied.

Geta's Guards were none too gentle in their "watch" of you that night. Your nose bled, bottom lip split down to your chin, apple of your cheek cut open and weeping down your neck, over your collarbones and into the shoulders of your dress. Your wrists were raw, shoulders strained as your arms were bound behind you. In a twist of cruel irony, your maids - including the one who betrayed you - were bound in chains to the cart, as well; surrounded by the Senators who had agreed to your plans of usurpation.

"Gracus," you called to the old man closest to you. When his eyes met yours, you heaved, "I'm so sorry - for all of this."

"You need not apologize, my Lady," he warbled, hands bound before him in a sign of prayer. "This was what we knew could happen, yet we still sided with you. When it comes to Rome's best interest, that is where those most loyal must stand - no matter the consequences."

You nodded slowly, blinking back emotion - still feeling handsomely guilty.

"LET HER GO!" It was heard echoing from the stadium seating; more and more voices joining in their own protest. The archers lining the walls turned to prevent the packed rows of citizens from getting too close; causing tensions to mount as the people did not like such a brash reaction.

In the spectator's box, Emperors Geta and Caracalla sat pompously with Lucilla and Macrinus; waving to the booing crowd. Over them all, the Master of Ceremonies cried out, "People of Rome! Oh, hear me now, my good friends! People of Rome, settle! Settle yourselves! For today, you bear great witness to our Republic's great and fair justice!" The crowd growled and jeered. "Today... Today, great people, we witness the Gods judgement! Today, General Marcus Acacius," the crowd now cheered, "shall face the whole of the Emperor's gladiators in an effort to protect his long-standing affair partner, Lady Y/N Aurelius!"

The people stirred as your head bowed in shame. The Master of Ceremonies paused to let his words marinate, Geta smirking as he misunderstood the mumbling crowd to be displeased with you and Marcus.

"Who cares!?" It was cried.

"Let her go!"

"MERCY!"

"DON'T DO THIS!"

"Just let them be together!"

"LET HER GO!"

"MERCY, EMPERORS, MERCY!"

You could see the way Geta shifted in his seat with discomfort as nearly all citizens of Rome begged and pleaded for your mercy; to allow redemption, to seek penance, that this was not justice just because it was labeled as such.

A door opened across the arena, your head lifting in time to see Marcus striding out of the tunnel to the cheers of his loyal spectators. Your chains rattled as you stood upright from the post, tears mingling with blood down your neck as you watched him march to his death. Around him, Praetorian Guards moved from their place along the outskirts of the arena to surround him and your cart.

Acacius came to a halt, surveying the arena before locking his eyes with yours. "Are you hurt?" He asked. Your head shook, the tears did not lessen. "Good. Stay strong, my star, I'll get you outta here."

You nodded, truly believing him for a reason you didn't understand. Was love truly so blind? Perhaps.

Unknown to you, Augustus was galloping through the city to meet with Acacius' men at the city gates; intending on leading the first wave into the Colosseum. The gladiators burst from their cells and slaughtered the Emperor's men left behind; gathering at the gates of the tunnels to watch as General Acacius saluted the few of his men unlucky to be placed in the Emperor's guard. Several freed gladiators were sent through the Colosseum to neutralize as many archers as possible while the fighting inside the arena began in a brutal fashion.

For what it's worth, it was a glorious attempt by the Praetorians - but this was General Marcus Acacius they fought! Trained by General Maximus - the Spaniard, himself! He was a soldier foremost and for the first time, had something tangible and real and in his hands to fight for. The men in black armor fought well, for all it's worth - but you were on the line and Acacius wasn't in the clearest states of mind. There was no stopping him. There was none that could stand against him yet.

Until Lucius lead few gladiators into the arena next, signaling the next stage of their plan was in motion. "Acacius!" You warned, struggling in your restraints, "Behind you!"

He dodged out of the way of the last solider, swinging his sword around to lacerate the man's neck; splattering his face with a spray of blood. He panted, backing up a few paces towards the cart, leaning a hand to a wheel spoke. "Are you all right?" Acacius asked, looking exhausted but still strong.

"Are you!?"

"I'm fine," he assured, looking up at you with a smirk, "but you need to get ready, love."

"For what?"

"We're gonna need you to put on a bit of a show, hey?"

"Who the fuck is 'we'!?"

"Just - get upset when you see us fight, my Lady, really give 'em a show. We need all of their attention on us for as long as possible."

"Please, Acacius, what's happening!?" You begged, yelping shrilly and flinching when an arrow thumped into the meat of your inner thigh - managing to graze the femoral artery, causing blood to trickle down your leg at a mild rate as your dress slowly soiled with a blossom of blood where the arrow was embedded. It was a very deliberate hit, the crowd 'oohing' in union as every set of eyes darting over to see Geta standing at the stone banister with a smirk as he lowered his bow. "Oh, he's fucking lost it!" You squirmed in discomfort, whimpering in pain, lifting weight off the injured leg; the crowd enraged.

"Fuck - how bad is it? Y/N, please, my love, I know it hurts but talk to me!"

"It's not bad," you assured through your warbling tone, managing to look down and note the front of your dress. "No, no, not bad, it's embedded, plugging the wound. As long as we don't pull the shaft out, I should be fine."

"Acacius!" Lucius bellowed, charging over the sand.

"Wait - wait - wait - what's happening!? Don't! Acacius, please, please, that's Lucius! Do not - you cannot kill him!" You nearly forgot all Acacius had just said when he was forced to engage with the obviously angry Gladiator. "Lucius! Lucius, don't! Please! Please! Fuck honor, you two, this isn't worth your lives!" You felt flooded with genuine fear as your nephew gave your lover a real fight; both equally challenged, hacking at one another in dramatic flares. They moved all around, forcing the other gladiators to take new positions - keeping the attention of the crowd: commoners and the wealthy alike.

Then, after a wave of panic faded, your maid, Melody, reminded, "My Lady! The General said to keep their attention, remember? Put on a show?"

"What?" You asked the woman who hadn't betrayed you. The one who did was posted behind you - dead from the Praetorian Guard managing to get to her before Acacius could get them. Only few Senators were still standing.

"You have to scream - make a big deal of their fued!"

"Fuck," you breathed in mild confusion - then, like a crack of lightning, you understood. "Don't!" You begged them with a cry, "Please! Acacius! He's my nephew - you cannot! LUCIUS! LUCIUS, PLEASE!"

"Keep going," Melody encouraged, eyes on the crowd from her position facing the watch box occupied by Royal Romans. "They're all listening, keep going!"

You pulled against your chains, "Lucius! Mercy, mercy, nephew, please! Let us leave in peace - don't do this! I beg of you! Spare him!"

"Something's happening..." Melody informed with narrowed eyes. "Geta's on his feet - keep going, my Lady! Louder! Get hysterical!"

You were no actress but still put on your best show. "LUCIUS! NO!" You screamed authentically when he swiped his sword up through the spear Acacius wielded - severing it in two. "Ah, for fuck's sake, you two! Come off it, please!"

The fighting seemed oddly personal and poetic; the two dancing tunelessly through the sand, dressed in blood. You heard Melody gasp when Acacius backed off Lucius, kneeling to the ground at the Gladiator's mercy; her picking her chains with a spare hair pin. The two exchanged a few words you could not hear, both Emperors on their feet to watch with Macrinus and Lucilla standing just behind them in earnest wonder. When Lucius looked to Geta and saw his thumbs-down, he looked to Acacius and mumbled something else. Then... He knelt, too.

Geta appeared enraged for a long moment, almost ready for the Guards to shoot them both dead, before Lucius was climbing to his feet. He left Acacius with his knees in the sand, you perking up as Lucius paced a large circle before calling loudly, "Emperor Geta! There's been a request made!"

"Deadmen don't get requests, Gladiator, but living ones take them! Should they want to remain living!" The Emperor called back, trying to remain aloof.

"Is this," he pointed his blade back at Acacius, "how Rome treats her heroes!?" This caused the crowded Colosseum to hiss in anger, growing more restless with each word from their favorite Gladiator. "Since it is the Emperor who passes judgment, since it is the Emperor who has decided the General dies - should it not be by his hand?"

Geta scoffed gently, "I gave the order, I need not swing the sword."

"But in the name of honor, you should," Lucius smirked, offering his weapon. "Here, come, take mine! You say the General dies, you yearn for the Lady Aurelius? Come claim it all like the greater leaders before you!"

Knowing he was being called out, Geta chuckled, "You've a sense of humor, Gladiator, as much as you're a poet, I see. Now, prove you're a solider and kill the General."

"I would think it just and fair to come from you, Emperor," Lucius refused, lifting his arms with his voice, "and the people of Rome came for a show! Are you not entertained!?" The crowd roared deafeningly as if to agree Emperor Geta should enter the ring himself, foolishly, he thought, as Commodus once did. Lucius paced another circle as the archers were clashing with citizens still, facing the spectator's box and pointing his sword, "Come, Emperor! Nobody else can swing their sword, there's none present who will fight their General. The men here, they know loyalty! And honor! And love! They will not fight your man, let alone kill him. So, come! You must - if you want him dead, come, kill him."

Macrinus approached Geta and began rushing his words of advisory, telling the Emperor he should prove to the people he was fair - not tyrannical - by passing this sentence; to 'just' step in the arena. "I am not as vain as Commodus, I need not kill the General myself," Geta told him with a snap.

"It's just a show for the people, don't you want them to get their worth? Or turn unruly from their disappointment and resentment? Think about it: they've been sat here, all day, in the sun, hungry and thirsty, after having paid to watch their city-favorites fight to the death. They want to be sated - so, perhaps seeing their Emperor pass his own sentencing would be enough to satisfy them."

"And with what protection for myself?" Geta snarled, "My men are dead, all that's left are slaves."

"There are still archers, take the few Praetorians from here," Macrinus offered, cocking his head.

"What safety is this you offer?" He seethed.

"C'mon, Emperor!" Lucius taunted again. "Come down! Disband Rome's General for yourself!"

"I should shoot the fool now," Geta considered, nodding to the archers in the box. They strung arrows to their bows and aimed at Lucius, making the crowd jeer and boo; for the Gladiator to lift his hands in innocence, backing away a few steps; and for his mother to protest. "But!" Geta announced to the Colosseum, "I am merciful!"

The crowd cheered lazily, more so in excitement as Geta waved the archers down and was strapped in flashy, never-before-blooded armor. The procession of Praetorians from the box followed him to the mouth of the gates; surrounding the Emperor and jogging inside. Surviving, straggling gladiators just milled about their strategic positions, watching carefully, as the Emperor approached Marcus - still on his knees.

Your eyes widened as a ruckus was heard from above, a shrill scream of terror sounding before a body dropped - dead - into the sand. It was a woman from the crowd, tossed over the side by a Praetorian. This caused people to fight back and for Emperor Geta to startle as it was discovered Augustus was successful in leading the first wave of men into the city; soldiers and gladiators working together to dispel the archers and any Roman loyal to the Twins. Marcus smirked and easily lifted to his feet, making Geta stumble back a couple steps as the General seethed while swinging his sword in hand, "What was it I said earlier? You'd sooner die than touch my Lady?"

Geta's eyes widened as he looked up to you chained on the post, seeing the blood on your dress and trembling. "Now, Acacius!" Lucius shouted as chaos descended onto the Colosseum; the Gladiator fighting a Praetorian a short distance away. "We haven't the time! It's now or never!"

"M-Mercy - mercy!" Geta begged, trying to back away but tripping over a dead body. He sprawled pathetically in the dirt, trembling hand lifted as if Marcus was his savior, "Mercy, General, please! MERCY!"

You watched as Marcus swiftly swung his sword, cutting steel through the Emperor's neck - sending his head rolling away to the sounds of Caracalla's shrieks. They did not last long.

Marcus instantly turned and sprinted for the cart, you gasping his name and pulling on your chains painfully when an arrow found his shoulder. It sent him off course slightly; enough to stumble, leaving time for a second arrow to find his thigh. This time, he tripped into the dirt, head bowed in pain as you begged him to get up; heart in your throat, fingers slippery from the blood you drew from open wounds caused by the sharp edges of your cuffs.

You whimpered nervously as the fighting turned chaotic; all Senators dead, several fires started, the ringing of swords drowned by the sounds of people screaming. If there were any Gods, today, they turned a blind eye to Rome; making you feel isolated, as if your father's faith had finally been sucked from your soul as you watched Marcus snap the arrow from his thigh. He reached for his shoulder blade and grimaced as he ripped the arrow out, too. Slowly, he found his feet and started forward again; limping the rest of the way to the wagon.

Melody freed herself and instantly scrambled to start on your cuffs, too; trying to be strategic together and adjust so she could cower behind the post and work.

Lucius looked up in time to see Marcus clamor onto the cart, just feet from you before an arrow suddenly lodged in your abdomen - just merely inches from your sternum. It made Acacius freeze before all but materializing in front of you just to throw his body over yours in protection from other flying weaponry. Lucius looked to the box - where the arrow had once more come from. What he saw both slowed time and made his blood boil.

Emperor Caracalla's corpse was slumped in his seat, and above him, Lucilla wrestled for the bow in Macrinus' hands before he was overthrowing her from the balcony. Lucius winced when her body landed in a small mushroom of dirt, sprinting across the arena to slide on his knees at her head.

"What did you do!?" He gaped, trying to support her broken neck but fearing he'd make it worse.

"What... What was necessary... For my... My family..." She managed to get out between strangled breaths, fading fast. Yet, before the light could fully extinguish, her eyes brightened in recognition and reached for his cheek, whispering with the ghost of a smile adorning her lips for the last time, "My son... My Lucius."

But her life was swept into the wind before her fingers could ever find purchase on his flesh. "Mother?" He whispered, finding her eyes unseeing; her arm falling and body turning limp. Emotion clawed at his throat as he asked again, "Mum?"

There was no response.

Lucius heaved a heavy sigh and left Lucilla in her place as respectfully as possible, racing towards the wooden cart in time to witness Meldoy free you from your chains and for Marcus to settle you on your back. He smacked the arrow from your gut and thigh - not pulling them out, but just swiping the excess wood from his way. "Acacius!" Lucius shouted, rushing into the cart's edge to catch himself. "Is she...?"

"She's alive, but there's blood," Marcus informed, using both his hands to straight-arm press into the wound of your gut - thigh seemingly fine to leave alone for now. Nervously, he added quietly, "Too much blood, Lucius."

"Get her to the healers, the army's moving in," he nodded, quickly surveying the arena as Melody made her escape through an open gate. "They've taken out almost all the Praetorians."

"And Lucilla?" Marcus asked, seeing Lucius shake his head; so his bowed and he cursed quietly. "Hey, hey," he rushed when blood splattered over your lips, chin, cheeks, neck, and some flecks reaching your chest from your coughing. "Don't speak, you're all right, love, I've got you," he assured as calmly as he could, Lucius noting the way your face scrunched in delirious pain. From where your dress appeared the most concentrated with blood, he assumed you were struck in at least one or two vital places. "What happened to Lucilla?" Marcus questioned, looking to Lucius.

"Macrinus. I imagine she's the reason Auntie's not dead right now - looked like they were wrestling, she might've knocked the arrow off course."

"I imagine," Marcus repeated in agreement.

"Do you see him? Macrinus, I mean, do you see him?" Lucius asked, both men trying to see through the chaos. "We need to end this now with him!"

"There," Acacius inclined his chin across the arena, directing Lucius' attention to where Macrinus was stealing a horse and galloping out of the Colosseum. "Go! Go, Lucius!" He encouraged.

"Keep her alive!" Lucius barked, rushing for one of the other white horses; running alongside before kicking off and leaping onto the steed.

"Yeah, I fucking plan to, kid," Acacius muttered, looking around for an exit strategy. "Fucking hell," he saw nothing but fighting, gore, tragedy, devastation, carnage.

"General!"

"Augustus! Here!"

The former gladiator rushed for the cart, tugging the reins of another horse behind him. "C'mon! Let's go! You have to move, General, you can't stay here! Only a single squadron made it into the city, Macrinus sent his men to delay the rest!" Augustus panted, holding the animal steady as Marcus started apologizing to you profusely. You whimpered when he lifted you in his arms, roughly maneuvering from the cart and lifting you on bare horseback.

"We owe you, friend," Marcus nodded, smacking the soldier's shoulder before taking claim of the reins.

"Just get her somewhere safe and meet us at the city limits," Augustus panted, offering the General a leg-up onto the horse before slapping its hindquarters to send the couple off through the Colosseum at a gallop.

For three days, you slept. For three days, Rome was expunged of the Twin Emperor's reign of tyranny. For three days, bodies burned. For three days, General Marcus Acacius sat at your bedside in palpable worry.

"How is she tonight?" Lucius questioned softly, stepping into the med-bay with a tray of food that would, once more, go uneaten.

"Breathing still," Marcus answered.

Lucius sighed, "Why don't you go clean up, General?"

"I'm General no longer," he corrected, "I was stripped of my rank."

"As if anything those two did will permanently stick," Lucius scoffed with a roll of his eyes, setting the tray aside. "Go bathe and feed yourself, Acacius, I will sit with her tonight."

"I can't leave her," his head shook in refusal, "I won't."

"You did before," Lucius noted with a sigh, taking a seat in the only other spare chair in the room on the other side of your medical bed. "You met us at the gates of the city after the Colosseum."

"It wasn't easy," Acacius snipped, "and I was better help there than with her - she's got the healing touch, not me. No... No, I just cause injury, it seems."

Lucius could hear the exhaustion in the General's voice, understanding this didn't come from lack of sleep. "And now? As she rests, what help are you to her now? You know she wouldn't approve."

He chuckled dryly, "I wouldn't forgive myself if she woke and I wasn't here."

"She'd not forgive you if she woke and you had wasted away."

"You two are so fucking loud," a third voice grumbled, making both men nearly fall out of their chairs from sitting up so fast.

"Y/N?" Marcus reached for your hand, his other lifting to pet over your head.

"Who else?"

Lucius shared relieved laughter with Marcus, your eyes begrudgingly opening. "There she is," your nephew mused, "welcome back t'the world, Auntie."

"Fuck this," you grumbled, letting him help you sit up a bit.

"Gave us bit of a scare, love," Marcus whispered.

"Hm," you considered. "Well, seeing as I'm awake and you two are here, I take it... Things... Worked?"

"First, here," Marcus insisted, offering a simple cup of water to your lips after you were settled upright. He tilted the goblet for you, careful not to let you gulp it - but the sweet relief of water on your cottony tongue was too good to resist. You drank greedily. "Easy, easy," he cautioned when you coughed a little, pulling the chalice back to let you breathe. "How're you feeling?"

"Stiff," you admitted with a grimace. "What happened?"

"What do you remember?"

"Uh, 's bit of a blur at moments," you sighed, rubbing your eyes as you thought deep. "I remember the Emperors, the post, you two fighting. Then there was... Geta's head, the Praetorians fighting citizens and gladiators... The army, I remember the army got there, right?"

"Yeah, good," Lucius encouraged.

"Ah, shit, I got shot," you remembered, opening your eyes to regard your thigh.

"The healers got it out in one go," Marcus told you, "didn't cause damage - you should heal easily from that, my star. But you can't put pressure on the leg for a few days more, not until the cauterization set."

You nodded slowly, "That's... Good to hear. What happened after? I... I think I remember getting shot again? Ah, fuck, did I get shot twice?"

"By Macrinus," Lucius confirmed. "Got yah right here," he reached out to gently pet the bandaged wound, "bled a good bit."

"But the healers got the arrow out," Marcus was quick to assure, "and it was an easy enough wound to close after."

You prodded the area gently, asking, "Didn't come out so easily as the first, did it?"

"You can tell?" Lucius asked curiously.

You nodded, "It's sensitive all around, makes me imagine they had to pry the wound open - maybe even wriggle the arrow to dislodge it."

"It wasn't as clean, no, love, but it's out," Marcus sighed. "You're not in danger any longer."

"No, ma'am," Lucius smirked, watching Marcus settle a little more in his chair. "Not from your wounds or external enemies."

"Hm?"

"We've control of the Empire."

"You've been coronated?"

"Not yet - thought I'd wait a week, see how you progress. For now, we're cleaning up where we can."

You smirked, "So... It worked?"

"Yeah, the plan worked," Lucius nodded, "which," he sighed, leaning back casually, "miiiight not work out so well for you two in the end."

"I beg your pardon?" Marcus sneered, looking ready to lose his mind and stomach contents.

Lucius chuckled, "Ease up, you two, Gods. I only mean, I know you both long for retirement, but with Lady Y/N's knowledge of the Empire, Marcus, your experience as Rome's General, and both of your insights to Emperor Aurelius' vision of Rome... I thought you two might be of use in how we proceed."

You immediately insisted, "There is no need for expansion, Lucius. The Emperors wanted India and Persia - but I fear we've too broad a hold to control already to worry about territory."

"Agreed," Acacius sighed. "Rome's too many mouths to feed as is, and with respect, Lucius, we're both exhausted of war."

"I do not intend to prolong war, but end it. End Rome's expansion - there's far too much of this Empire already being neglected."

You looked at Acacius, "Told you he was right for this."

"I didn't disagree."

"I remember you doubting my judgement."

"I would never!" He gasped comically, offended you'd accuse him of such a crime. Lucius snickered with a shake of his head, standing from his seat.

"Listen, uh," he cleared his throat, "while relationships might be strained for now, I do hope we might rebuild together. I held plenty of resentment towards you both - all of you, in truth. Yet now, I can see the Strength it took to Honor yourselves after years of being the Empire's puppets. I would see such strength and honor rewarded, perhaps... A house in the countryside?" You offered a bashful smile with a small chuckle of amusement, watching a bright grin stretch across his lips. "I'll send a healer in to check on you," he told you softly, squeezing your hand, "and I'll be back tomorrow. Yes?"

"Yes, good," you agreed, watching him out the door. When it shut, you sighed, "What of Lucilla, Marcus?"

You half-expected her to burst into the room, unable to look away from the door; knowing the answer before Acacius even opened his mouth. "She didn't make it, my love," he whispered. "Macrinus, he... He shot you, but it didn't kill you," his other hand laid over your bandaged abdomen; warming the wound.

"Right."

"Lucius thinks it's because Lucilla intercepted Macrinus' attack - but in the struggle, lost her life."

You paused for a long moment, relishing the feel of his hand - warm and heavy in yours - tracing idle patterns on your skin. "So, we're only here because of her?"

"I think so."

You were both silent outside of the scrape of his chair drawing closer to your bedside. With hands tangled and tightly woven together, Marcus let his forehead rest against yours in the first moment of peace you'd known in two decades. The idea of "winning" felt farfetched, inconclusive in some manner; and just as you lifted back and opened your mouth to question this peace, Marcus quickly assured first, "It's just us, my star. It's finally just us, we can rest."

Perhaps the Gods hadn't turned their backs completely on Rome yet. How could they? When the evidence is right in front of you, now pressing his lips to yours in sweet relief.

epilogue

In the weeks following his coronation and your wedding to the General, Emperor Lucius Verus secretly employed Rome's finest (surviving) contractors and carpenters to erect a gorgeously secluded homestead beyond the city limits. It took less than half a day's ride, but still felt like a far-enough ride, the home wasn't near the city's stench; it was legitimately nestled in the countryside, naturally secluded and protected. There were trees, fields of wild barley, an abundance of wildlife, and just the smallest of streams that surrounded the home.

He thought it was perfect.

So, the new Emperor commanded something quaint yet sufficient be built upon a newly paved road that only he frequented. He trusted you and Marcus to Rome's handling, finding little time to sneak away and view the progress being made. It was impressive how quick the builders built.

One morning, Lucius sent for you and Marcus, insisting there was something beyond the city he needed your opinion on. So, you each mounted a stallion and spurred from the city with a gaggle of newly appointed Praetorian Guards left in the dust - desperate to keep up. It was evident you, Marcus, and Lucius had all spent much time on horses; your seats natural, gait quickened as the fundamental feeling of freedom took over and sent you galloping all the faster. Over fields, through mud, kicking up grass, the three of you rode hard and long - but mostly out of playfulness.

You couldn't remember ever seeing Lucius like this, beaming and almost carefree; like the weight of Rome had evaporated and he could be "Hanno" again - whoever the hell that was. You decided you liked watching him, just noting little things here and there about your nephew; traits of your father, of his, of your sister, and yes, sadly, your brother, too; but that was just how genetics worked. He seemed approachable like this, not the brutal Gladiator that tore a baboon's flesh with his own teeth or bested Rome's General.

He was just a guy. Some... Dude. You'd say a kid, but he was full grown - wise, aged, knowing.

Lucius slowed his horse first, you and Marcus doing the same; trio trotting up a hill as Praetorians still galloped from behind to catch up. Upon climbing to the top, you discovered a home in the valley below, your horse whinnying your question, "What's this?"

"Your estate," Lucius answered easily, both hands casual on the pommel of his saddle. "Thought it was close enough in case anything happened or I needed you - you needed me - something or other," he flushed, rubbing the back of his neck, "but still remote enough to remain private."

"What's that?" You pointed to a small add-on to what looked like the main house.

"Oh, I, uh, took the liberty of building myself a bit of a guest house. You... Don't mind, do you?"

"I only mind you didn't include it in the main house," you teased, shifting your horse to sidestep closer for your arm to wrap around your nephew's waist. "Are you being genuine?"

"You think I jest?"

"If you do, it's not very funny," you warned.

"It's not a joke, this is serious," he promised, casting a knowing look towards Acacius over your head. "Welcome home."

It didn't take long for you and Acacius to settle in. The house wasn't overly large that you would grow weary in your age here, but still the size considered comfortably privileged. You had a set of maids and few personal guards - all of whom were housed on their own new estates, curtesy of the Emperor. Yet besides them, you were alone - and most days, you assured the staff they need not bother at all. You found domestic work strangely comforting after decades in politics, under this ruler and that; finally able to have a little control in your life by tending your own gardens, changing your own sheets, perhaps even cooking for your own husband.

The walls were nearly all made of retractable doors that could still be closed and reinforced in storms. Curtains hung from the rafters, creating a ethereal environment for you to glide through on bright, sunny days to the sounds of a picturesque stream trickling. Most mornings, you stood in awe of your new home, amazed at such subtle beauty long since taken fro granted - now, coveted in your retirement. And most mornings were then interrupted by your husband beckoning your back to bed and insisting you need not rise with the sun now.

Old habits die hard, however. Especially when the baby in your womb took solid form and began to wriggle around your guts in a mostly pleasant feeling, it was enough to keep you up some nights. This particular morning, you were laid on your back to a cotton blanket, moaning loudly as your husband feasted on his choice of breakfast: the honey that oozed from between your thighs. Your stomach had begun to swell with a bump, just barely stretching the cauterized scars that only now faintly reminded you of that day. Marcus swore it was his seed that made you taste different, perhaps sweeter; the grey in his beard glistening from your sloppy arousal as he indulged himself. One hand kept you pried open (as if you'd ever cut him off or resist), the other slithering up your body to paw aggressively at your swollen, sensitive tit; pinching and tweaking your nipple in time with his lips sucking and tongue tickling your clit.

Right there in wild lavender, tickled by wisps of barley, you met your peak - thigh clenching around your husband's head as the Gods intended. This was your reward after decades of service, of sacrifice.

"Fuck," Acacius muttered when you released hold of his hair, watching him lick his mouth when his eyes met yours, "you think it'll ever get old?"

"What?" You asked breathlessly as he gently maneuvered your legs off his shoulders to slowly crawl up your form. He left a few kisses in his wake.

"This," he smirked against your lips, sweeping his tongue against yours to mingle spit and the taste of your arousal. "The taste of you," he continued, "the smell," he let his nose nuzzle up yours, "the feel," he ended, pulling your thigh up his hip.

"I do doubt it, if it hasn't after 20 years."

"Good," he purred, trying to line himself up naturally, but not entirely successful. So, not wanting to lose the feeling of him, you reached between you to keep his cock at the mouth of your cunt so he could just push inward. You groaned in union; mouths open; all but exchanging hot air between you as Marcus bottomed out.

From this position, it was languid and lazy; slow and feeling. Each thrust felt anew, his balls tickling the slick down your lower lips, all but pushing the air from your lungs as he went. His hand kept a vice grip on your thigh as he moved, the other firmly planting on the blanket beside your head as it was evident his orgasm was mounting the sloppier he got, humping into you with a roll of his hips.

"Fuck's sake," he grit, "you're so fucking wet, my star, this is - it's - it's all I fucking need, but it's too good - I can't, I can't hold on, oh, fuck."

"Don't," you moaned in encouragement, directing his eyes back to yours. "Don't hold back anymore, please, I don't want you to ever hold back."

"But the baby - "

"Is fine, Acacius, worry about the mother right now!" You laughed, reaching to hook your hand around his neck and yank down. Your lips met in messy union, humming, moaning against one another; so, imagine your surprise when all you had to whimper was, "C'mon, husband - " and...

"Fuck!"

You laughed lightly when he dropped - not his full weight, but enough - onto your chest, face fully in your breast; balls contracting as he winced from the sudden release of his pleasure. Manicured fingers raked through sweaty, salty grey hair; relishing in the feeling of being safe, at home, in peace; finally married, pregnant, and at liberty to couple at your own leisure in the sunshine and grasses. You grinned, laughing lightly in absolute bliss. There was no way this was real life, it was impossible to think it was finally your reality after being deprived of openly loving him for 2 decades.

Acacius tried to question what was so humorous, but it only came out as a bewildered moan; reverberating in your flesh.

"Why does that get you there, my love?" You teased, pecking his forehead as his cock gave a last few pulses. "Oh, that's right, the great General Marcus Acacius of Rome meets his end like a ruddy-faced teenager from the weight of his emotions!"

Marcus chuckled against you, slowly lifting up to find your lips spread in amusement. "Aye," he agreed, "but only from the weight of emotions for my wife."

You smiled bashfully, admitting, "How silly, that word, 'wife', or 'married'... 'Husband'. It still sounds a little untrue. Almost unreal, fabricated, as if it's a joke being used against us. Like an insult somehow. Now, we're to be parents, too?"

He frowned, still sheathed within your gummy walls but with both elbows now planted on either side of you so he could pet your hair from your face. "It's very true, we've just gotta train your ear to accept it," he whispered, taking your hand and presenting your ring. "See this? Know what this means?"

"That I am yours?"

Acacius scoffed and laced your fingers, "You're not property for me to own, my morning star, you are revered. The absolute prize, earned from years of service and turmoil to this Empire, your father. And in turn, I am who will protect you, love you; admire, respect, adore, cherish you. This ring means we are bonded in this life and the next, that we travel this path and every path beyond, together." He kissed your gemmed ring chastely, swearing, "It's you and I from now on, pretty girl. It's only us."

"That sounds too good to be true," you admitted in a whisper, lazily kissing one another. "Just us?"

"Just us."

"Promise?"

"Swear on my life," he rushed against your lips.

"Then tell me, sweet husband," you whispered, "what do you call that?" You couldn't help but laugh, pointing in the distance over his shoulder. Acacius torqued his torso to quickly turn over, spying Lucius on horseback atop the hill; waving his arm in glee.

"Oh, this fucking kid," Acacius groaned, dropping his head into the crook of your neck and shoulder. You clung to him tightly in humor.

"He's the Emperor."

"Still a fucking kid, interrupting us. Thought we moved out here to get away from everyone and all their shit? Aren't we retired?" Marcus groaned, begrudgingly pulling out of your heat to spill his spend onto the blanket beneath you. He sat up to cover your bare body with his, pausing to gaze down at you fondly and caress the bare bump; then reaching for the meek clothing that had been tossed aside. "Did you know he was coming?" Acacius asked, both dressing swiftly as Lucius began his canter down the hill.

"No, he didn't send word ahead," you pointed out, "and it's still early morning, look, the doves are still out. Oh, he must've left in the middle of the night..."

"Think something's wrong?"

"Let's find out," you nodded, Acacius standing first in a simple wrapped around toga; reaching down to assist you to your feet. Your hand gently caressed your belly as you thanked him, both barefoot in the grass as you approached the deck of your open-concept home.

Lucius released his horse with your own in the paddock, opening his arms in grandeur as he jogged up the short steps to reach you. "Auntie, mh," he greeted, kissing your cheek sweetly with a tight embrace, "oh-hoooo, you're glowing! Look at yah." He pulled back only to offer his hand to Marcus, "General."

"Emperor," your husband greeted stiffly but still kindly, "to what do we owe this pleasant surprise?"

"Hm, yes, I, uh... I should've sent word ahead," he winced, grinning sheepishly. "I did not mean to interrupt your marital acts, though, I can see it's already paying off."

You tisked your tongue and nudged his shoulder as you supported your bump with one hand. "Tell us, what news? What's wrong? What brings you all the way out here, Lucius?"

"Oh, no, nothing's wrong. I am starting my tour," he proudly announced, "and the road takes me past here, so... I might've wanted to, you know, stop a bit early..." You looked back to the hill, finding it bare for several long seconds, then back at Lucius - who avoided your eyes comically.

"Oh, Lucius, you didn't..."

"What?" Acacius asked. "What did you do?"

"I... Did nothing... Wrong, per se," Lucius amended, slowly backing up into the house with hands held in innocent defense.

"You snuck out!?" You gasped shrilly. "Lucius! You cannot do such things as Emperor - the whole of the city would burn if they thought something happened to you!"

"They know where I usually am!"

"Not when you sneak out in the middle of the night! Praetorians will flood the country looking for you!" You swatted at his beefy arms, him laughing and trying to back away; never hitting hard enough to leave marks, mostly just with enough force to cause a sound. "And that will scare the citizens! And the occupants of the city, and the fucking Senate, since the Emperor himself has now gone missing!" Acacius watched with a fond smile and followed as you backed Lucius into the home. "Just look at you, boy! Look! Look what politics does! You've lost weight - they not feeding you at the Palace? Oh, bullshit, there's so much, it's often left over. I'll have a word with them - c'mon, come, come, come, you must be hungry after riding all night. Speaking of, why did you?"

Lucius shrugged with a smirk and wrapped his arm around your shoulders, yours latching around his waist; both strolling towards the kitchen as he quipped, "Just missed you, I guess."

[ part one: read here ]

[ part two: read here ]

requesting rules and masterlist -> no Gladiator II masterlist

[missadangel]

The Heart of Rome (Marcus Acacius x OC)

All Chapters List

II. The Letter

"Omnia, quae fiunt, eveniunt ut oportet; et si diligenter observaveris, hoc ita esse invenies." M. Aurelius

“Everything that happens, happens as it should, and if you observe carefully, you will find this to be so.”

The carriage shook occasionally as it traveled along the stony roads of the capital. Octavius sat across from you, glancing at you from the corner of his eye while you peered out from under the curtain, eager to see where you were being taken. You had many questions, but you hesitated to ask him directly. In their eyes, you were merely an ordinary woman considered a slave.

As you looked outside, you realized that you were more fortunate than other women in similar situations. Instead of being transported in a carriage like you, they were dragged, beaten, and forcibly taken away in chains.

As the carriage approached the magnificent, rounded building, you couldn't help but gasp in awe at its grandeur. It had to be the Colosseum; you had heard so much about it, but you never expected it to be this enormous. This massive structure was so impressive that it truly pushed the limits of the human imagination. It was fascinating, intimidating, and astonishing.

You stared in wonder at the most intriguing landmark on the streets of Rome until it finally disappeared from view. With a sigh, you turned your gaze in the direction the carriage was heading. After passing insulas, temples, aqueducts, fountains, and gardens, you drove through a large wooded area. The carriage began to sway noticeably as the terrain shifted from stones to dirt and grass. Eventually, a large villa came into view before you.

Unlike the sand-colored villas found in Egypt, this one was nearly white, with a roof the color of crimson herbs. Tall white columns framed the garden entrance, each adorned with intricate figures and reliefs. The beauty of the scene was extraordinary. As you gazed around, it surprised you to see that Octavius had already exited the cart and was waiting for you.

"My lady," he said, extending his hand toward you.

You lifted the hem of your cloak and carefully stepped down from the carriage.

"I am not a lady, sir," you replied, gripping the handle of your bag tightly instead of accepting his hand.

Octavius withdrew his hand and looked at you in confusion.

"I know I didn't want to call you a slave; you are so much more."

On the surface, this burly man had a stern demeanor that commanded respect, but underneath, he was genuinely kind.

"That's all right, sir. I appreciate your kindness. May I ask you something, if I don't overstep my bounds?"

He nodded.

"Why am I here? Why did the General purchased me?"

It was obvious he hadn't cared about you for ten days. Why did he suddenly remember you and bring you to his villa, you wondered.

"Ask him when he arrives. I was only supposed to bring you here. I must leave now, as I have completed my mission."

"Sir Octavius!"

A middle-aged, chubby woman ran up to you, and the way she looked at you made it clear that she knew Octavius very well. She seemed about to ask him something but then turned her head and looked you up and down, her eyes wide with astonishment.

“A slave? Or did the emperors send her as a gift to our master again?”

You took a step back, panic rising in your chest, and turned to Octavius. A gift? What did she mean by that, you wondered.

“No, they didn't send her. The general purchased her from the slaver,” Octavius stated firmly as he strode toward the carriage. “Show her to her room and make her comfortable. I have to go now.”

“Yes, sir,” she responded, then turned her gaze back to you.

But you were staring at the carriage as it sped away, feeling abandoned by his departure.

“Hurry up, girl, come inside with me. The general is almost here, and you need to dress properly,” she commanded, beckoning with her hand.

You complied, passing between the imposing columns and entering the garden, where a large pool with sparkling water awaited you at its center. The villa featured a spacious courtyard and multiple gardens. In the middle of the square pool stood a statue of Neptune, holding a spear in his hand.

Vines curled around the tall white columns, and short trees accompanied them. In front, there was a fountain made of white marble. As you walked behind the woman, you listened to the soothing sound of water flowing from the fountain. It seemed peaceful, yet that was not how you felt inside.

When you entered a small room, the woman called over another girl. Inside were two wooden closets and a large wooden chest. A young girl with red hair came running to you. The other woman grabbed your arm and examined your clothes, her face twisting in disgust.

“Dress this girl quickly; she must be ready before the master arrives.” She touched your hair and ran her fingers through it as if she were combing it. “She looks like she’s had a bath, but her clothes look terrible. Get rid of them when you’re done,” she commanded, clearly in charge due to her age.

The girl opened the closet door and took out a white silk and tulle fabric. You set your bag aside but felt uncomfortable; after all, there was something very important in it.

“Are you nervous?” the girl asked curiously when the other woman left.

“A little, but about what?”

“About spending the night with the General,” she replied, lowering her voice.

You looked at her in shock. “I’m certainly not here for that,” you said, your voice trembling with anger.

The girl let out a small sigh as she helped you get undressed. You felt uneasy, but her kindness and gentleness put you at ease. “He won't touch you anyway,” she said, opening the closet and pulling a piece of fabric into her arms. “He’s never touched any of the girls the emperors have sent to him. They’ve all been sent back the next day."

"Why is that?" Your voice echoed in the small room as you wondered why a man would refuse such an encounter.

The girl laughed at your reaction, and you smiled back shyly. She stood in front of you, draping the wool dress over your shoulders, letting it fall over your breasts, and tying it at the waist. Your arms and neckline were bare, and you instinctively covered your wrists with your hands, but it was clear she didn’t care about the bruise. “Nobody's sure, but we think it might be because of his wife, whom he divorced a long time ago. He’s a noble and decent man. I’m sure he’ll treat you well, just like he treats all of us.”

"He bought me, not emperors," you stated assertively, tugging at the belt around your waist to feel more comfortable.

"Did he? That's even stranger. He hasn't purchased any new slaves for a long time." The girl touched your hair, running her fingers through it and gathering a strand on the right side before securing it with a thin hairpin. "But perhaps it's because you are so beautiful," she said, smiling warmly at you. "Where are you from?"

"I grew up in Alexandria, but as far as I know, I am Roman—an orphan," you replied confidently. "You don't look like a Roman, though."

The girl smiled, but her eyes revealed a hint of sadness. "I was taken as a captive during the war when I was fourteen, but I tried to escape, and the slaver nearly beat me to death." She took a deep breath and continued, “I would have died on those cold cobblestones if he hadn’t been kind enough to buy me and let me live in his villa here.”

You suddenly realized that your story didn't seem as grim compared to hers. You felt a wave of sympathy for her.

"I am sorry," you said sincerely.

She had a warm smile and kind brown eyes. Her hair was a mix of red and orange, and she had freckles on her face. She was friendly and one of the nicest people you would meet in a long time. She touched your shoulder with a comforting smile.

"The General isn't as harsh and ruthless as he seems. If he brought you here, he must like you. You're lucky."

"But he's never met me," you murmured. There was no circumstance in which he could have liked you. In fact, he almost broke your wrist because he thought you were the enemy.

That's why you were worried. You wanted to believe he was a good man, but your instincts told you otherwise.

"I'm Norell, by the way," she said, still smiling.

"I've never heard that name before," you replied, raising your eyebrows.

"It means 'from the north.' I'm from Scandinavia. Do you have a name?"

You wanted to tell her the name that your uncle and his wife had given you, but the woman from earlier came over and scolded you both for stalling. When she tried to take your bag, you held on tightly and kept it in your arms.

She frowned at you and pointed to the bag. "It looks old and dirty. Put it where you’ll be staying, out of my sight. Norell, show her where she’ll be staying. I have to check the kitchen.”

"Yes, Tullia," Norell replied as she led you out of the room. As you walked into another room, you touched your new clothes. These garments were ordinary attire for any slave, but for you, they felt unusual. You had always worn men's clothes when you were with your uncle and had never let your hair hang over your shoulders outside the house. That's why you almost liked dressing this way, despite feeling exposed with your neck and shoulders bare.

"This way," Norell said, pointing to a room that was slightly larger than the last one. Inside, there were two mattresses, a large wooden chest, and a small closet in the corner. She gestured towards one of the mattresses against the wall.

"You can sleep here."

Although it wasn't the most comfortable option, it was still far better than the beds in the Valetudinarium. You sat down and placed your bag under the blanket while she observed you with curiosity.

"It's what remains of my family," you explained.

"Don't worry, I would never touch your things," she assured you. You trusted her, even though you had just met. However, you had promised your uncle about the letter, so you carefully tucked it under the mattress when she left the room. You were eager to open it, but you wanted to ensure that you were completely alone first.

As you sat there, you began to realize how tired you were. You weren't sure if it was the effect of traveling by ship, but your head felt as if it was spinning. Your body felt on the verge of collapsing when you noticed a cat outside the window.

Having grown up in Egypt, you had a cat in your old house that looked just like this one. She was dark black with beautiful green eyes. You called her over with your hand, but she dashed ahead towards another garden in the courtyard, so you excitedly ran after her.

As you followed her at a brisk pace, you realized you couldn't fit through the gap she could, but fortunately, the wooden gate to the separate garden was open. It was a beautiful garden filled with various herbs, plants, and flowers. You distinctly remember using the hypericum (St. John's wort) plant with your uncle on many occasions. This medicinal plant has healing properties.

You sat on the grass and picked a bunch of hypericum. Crushing the leaves with your fingertips, you rubbed the liquid that came out onto the bruises on your wrist. As you did this, the cat brushed her tail against your feet. You picked her up, settled her on your lap, and began stroking her head, feeling her soft fur beneath your fingers, which brought you a sense of peace. However, you were exhausted and could not keep your eyes open, so you lay down and closed them.

As the general arrived at his villa, the sun was getting ready to bid farewell to the capital of Rome. He had barely taken a seat after stepping ashore. Yes, he was tired, but he also felt an indescribable excitement. He struggled to recall when he had felt this way for such a long time, but the memory eluded him. He had been traveling for months, heading to Egypt to quell a rebellion. Although he had finally succeeded, the journey had drained him. To make matters worse, he had been assassinated and wounded on his way back, and one of his soldiers had mutinied while he was recovering—challenges that would overwhelm an ordinary man. He touched his wound through his leather armor and felt grateful to the one who had healed him. Despite his exhaustion, he was determined to meet this girl.

Tullia greeted him with a bright smile as she stepped toward him. “Sir! You’re home at last! I sacrificed three pigs to Mars to ensure your safe return!”

Acacius smiled back at her and stepped out of the carriage, his eyes fixed on the garden of his villa. “Tullia, the girl Octavius brought here today—I want to see her now.” His voice was firm and impatient.

“Yes, master, she is inside. Come in,” Tullia replied.

Acacius strode into the garden, leaving his squire struggling to keep up. He looked around but couldn't find what he was searching for. “I don’t see her, Tullia. Where is she?”

Tullia swallowed hard. “Master, she was here. I’ll find her,” she said as she started to leave, but Acacius stopped her by raising his hand.

“Send her to my room and prepare my bath at once,” he ordered, heading for the stairs that led to his chambers.

Everyone mobilized to find you at once and prepare their master's bath.

Acacius's squire entered his room after him and helped him remove his armor. Once he was finished, the squire left. Acacius took off his armbands and took a deep breath, now wearing only his burgundy tunic. He felt relieved but still impatient, so he decided to step out onto the balcony to take in the scenery. As he gazed at the beautiful city in the distance, he thought about you and smiled to himself, recalling his first experience of falling in love. He had believed he would never feel that way again, especially since he had turned his back on love. Acacius was convinced that Cupid, the son of Venus, would never grant him a new love. For so long, he had regarded himself as an unlucky lover, seemingly punished by Mars, the god of war. Mars had gifted him with the ability to fight, and he wondered if that was because love could be his weakness.

He was about to find out.

Just as he was about to walk back inside, something in the garden below caught his attention. He saw a young girl with golden hair lying on the lush green grass in the garden that bordered his chambers.

Acacius made his way down the stairs, his heart racing with excitement and curiosity. As he reached the last step and drew closer to you, he felt a twinge of disappointment to see your eyes closed. He was eager to see the eyes he had admired in his tent long ago. Leaning in, he gazed at the beautiful girl who was sleeping peacefully, just as you had been waiting for him then.

He looked at your wrist, gently grasped it, and noticed the bruises. His fingers traced the purple spots, as if they were meant to fit perfectly there.

You felt pressure on your wrist where the bruise was located. You opened your eyes—not because of the pain, but because you had already been dreaming about that moment. When you realized that his face was only a few inches from yours, you widened your eyes in surprise, wondering if you were still dreaming. His dark brown eyes seemed to capture yours, making it impossible to look away. Then, his perfectly shaped lips curled into a wide smile.

"So it was you," he said softly.

You were left speechless. As you tried to rise to your feet, he gently grasped your shoulders, maintaining eye contact with you.

"I made a mistake. I apologize," you mumbled.

"A mistake? You healed me, so there's no mistake and certainly no reason to apologize," he replied with a smirk. He stood up and held out his hand. Despite your initial hesitation, you took his hand and got to your feet.

"I shouldn’t have slept here like this," you admitted, feeling embarrassed as you shook out your dress to remove the leaves and dirt.

“It was such a treat to watch,” he said, noticing your surprised expression. He turned and began walking toward the stairs. "Come," he beckoned, not asking but commanding.

You followed him without complaint, though your tension had increased. Acacius entered his room and waited for you to come in. As you stepped in from the balcony, you noticed the armor he had just taken off to your right. Beyond that was a desk and a chair, followed by a small table with two chairs. In the opposite corner, there was a large bed and a closet.

Tullia entered with a tray full of food, knocking on the door first. Her eyes widened in surprise when she saw you.

"I've been looking for you everywhere. Where were you?" she asked.

Before you could respond, Acacius ordered, "Leave us alone and let me know when the bath is ready."

"Yes, general," she replied, casting you a quick glance before leaving the room.

"Are you hungry?" he asked while pouring wine into a cup.

You shook your head no, but it was a lie; your eyes were fixed on the food, and you swallowed hard. He smirked, sat down in a chair, and took a sip of wine. "Sit," he said, indicating the chair opposite him with a gesture.

When you didn't move, he frowned. "I know you're hungry. Come, sit," he commanded.

You made your way over and took a seat directly across from him, consciously steering clear of his gaze.

"Eat," he commanded again, pointing to the spoon.

You took a spoonful of food you had never seen before, but it looked delicious. As soon as you put it in your mouth and swallowed, you felt it settle in your empty stomach. Realizing how hungry you were, you quickly took another bite, surprised by your own eagerness.

He watched you closely, his gaze lingering on your hands. With a swift movement, he gently grabbed your other hand and placed it in his palm, as if measuring its size. "These fingers are too thin to be a healer," he muttered, looking at you. "How did you become a medicus? It must have been tough for you as a woman."

As you swallowed the morsel, he poured another glass of wine and handed it to you. You were taken aback by his unexpected politeness but accepted the cup and took a quick sip.

"My uncle taught me everything I know, sir," you asserted firmly.

"That man, the medicus, was your uncle?" he inquired.

"Yes, he was," you replied, feeling a renewed sting at the mention of him. He studied your face, trying to decipher your emotions.

"May the Gods bless his soul and grant him sustenance in Elysium. Though I never met him, his knowledge is the reason I am still alive today. I will be grateful to him until my last breath."

"You're not his slave, then. Who are you?" he asked, meeting your gaze with unwavering intensity and waiting for your response.

"I am Aya, an orphan girl who was found on the banks of the Nile when I was little. I was raised by the man I call 'uncle,'" you stated confidently, though he appeared perplexed.

Acacius leaned back, still focused on you. "Aya," he murmured, testing the name on his lips. "It's a name I have never heard. I want to know its meaning." He crossed his arms and smiled.

"This name was given to me by my uncle and his late wife. It means 'miracle,' signifying that they believed I was sent to them by the gods." You met his gaze directly, asserting your thoughts. "I think it’s—"

"It's beautiful," he interjected, completing your sentence in his own way. You took another sip from your cup, steady in your confidence, though you felt the weight of his gaze.

“You mentioned that you are an orphan? You don’t know anything about your mother or father? Has your uncle discovered why they left you in the river?”

You shook your head, genuinely unsure, but he didn’t seem satisfied with that response. He set his cup down on the table, stood up, and stepped closer to you.

“Your uncle, or the man who found you, raised you as a medicus until this age. You probably had to wear men’s clothing all the time. He allowed you to live as a man, not as a woman. Moreover, he never wanted you to marry a man.” You noticed he emphasized the word "marry" with a distinct tone. It felt as if he were questioning you, which startled you as he knelt beside you. “It’s as if he’s hiding you from something or someone.”

He was waiting for your answer, but his face was so close that it made you tense up. You needed a moment before responding.

"I was happy helping others and curing them as a medicus, sir. He never forced me to do anything I didn’t want to," you said with confidence and sincerity, and he could hear it in your tone.

He stood up abruptly. “I see,” he murmured, still deep in thought. Just then, there was a knock at the door. The slaves informed him that his bath was ready.

"I want you to accompany me," he said suddenly, a smile spreading across his face that made your heart race. You were trying to figure out the best way to decline his offer gently and respectfully.

"Sir, I—"

“Since I’m so tired, I would like your help to bathe. As my medicus, you should also check my wound, right?”

"That makes me your medicus as well as your servant," you replied, frowning at him.

He approached you with a bold move that made you jump, but a mischievous glint sparkled in his eyes. "I'm going to have to get completely undressed for both, so…"

Your cheeks flushed, and you tried to look away, but you knew he was right—and you hated it.

He opened the door and gestured for you to follow him, you took a deep breath before going after him. Norell smiled when she noticed you, but you couldn't smile back, following him to the bathhouse made you nervous.

As you moved from one courtyard to the inner one, the distinctive smells indicated that the kitchen was nearby. It’s because of the hot water circulation, just opposite the kitchen was the balneum (small bath house). There was no separate bath house in your uncle's small house, so you had to go to the Egyptian public bath house three or four times a week to bathe.

Tullia pushed the door open for both of you to enter. Acacius instructed her to leave you two alone and then closed the door behind you. The hot bath was ready, and the balneum was filled with the scents of various oils and essences, which dissipated into the steam rising from the water. As someone well-versed in herbs, you could easily identify the scents of different flowers by their aromas.

When you saw Acacius heading toward the marble bathtub, you clenched the fabric of your dress. It was scorching hot inside, and you were sweating profusely. He turned to you, and from the look in his eyes, you knew he was asking you to approach him. You obeyed, trying your best not to think about anything else but his wound. He took your fingers and guided them to the hem of his burgundy tunic, urging you to grasp it. He watched you patiently as you attempted to stay calm, lifting the hem of his tunic to inspect his injury. He seemed to take pleasure in noticing your tension.

“I need to take it off completely. Can you help me?" he asked in a soft, gentle voice.

You took a deep breath and removed his tunic with trembling hands, letting it drop to the wet floor, trying to ignore the fact that he was completely naked in front of you. You focused on his abdomen where his wound was, determined not to look down at his lower body. As your fingers traced his abdomen to assess the injury, his eyes roamed over your face, admiring your beauty.

“It is almost healed on the surface, sir, but it may take a little longer to fully heal from the inside. If you experience any pain or inflammation, I might need to prepare a herbal ointment,” you said, your gaze locking with his.

He leaned in closer, his face just inches away from yours, and you could feel the warmth radiating from his slightly parted lips. The air between you was thick and steamy, mingling with the sheen of sweat that clung to your skin and made your dress feel slightly damp against your body. His warm breath fluttered against your neck, sending shivers down your spine and causing your heart to race uncontrollably. Every nerve in your body seemed to awaken, and for a fleeting moment, you felt the strong pull to surrender to the magnetic connection between you. But as the intensity of the moment heightened, you managed to summon the strength to pull yourself back, collecting your thoughts and reminding yourself of the boundaries you still needed to maintain.

Acacius chuckled, turned toward the tub, and settled in. The water rose with his weight, and the flowers floating on the surface brushed against the edge. He seemed to relax, throwing his head back and closing his eyes while making a gesture with his hand.

“Could you rub my back a little? Perhaps your soft, healing hands can alleviate some of the pain,” he requested.

"That sounds more like the work of a slave than a medicus," you muttered. He ignored your comment, but you could see his lips curl into a half-smile.

As you touched his shoulders with your fingers, he sighed. You tried not to care, but he seemed strangely pleased, a soft moan escaping his lips as you rubbed in gentle strokes. Your eyes traced the scars on his body, wondering how he got them.

“The god Asclepius must have bestowed his healing powers upon you," he purred. "How can I repay the owner of these fingers that healed me?”

You stopped rubbing his back and glared at him through his partially gray, curly hair.

“I wish you would set me free," you said, biting your lower lip, wondering if that was too much to ask.

Acacius opened his eyes. "You have no family to return to. Do you truly wish to go back home and live all alone?"

He was right. Even if you went back, there would be no uncle or anyone else to live with. You despised facing that truth. He turned his head towards you, asking, "Shall I give you a chance to choose?"

You tilted your head to look at him, the steamy air making your throat dry.

“If you don't want to be my slave, why not live here as my medicus? I am a soldier, after all; I may need your help in the future.” As he turned his body fully towards you in the tub, some of the water spilled over and soaked the hem of your dress. “Wouldn't you stay here to help me heal?”

“But I am a woman, sir; I cannot be a medicus. No one would refer to me as such.”

“As long as you’re living here, that’s how you will be addressed,” he said, his tone warm and convincing.

"But will I still be your slave outside of this house?"

“You will, yes.”

“Will you set me free one day?”

“No,” he replied loudly, his voice echoing off the damp stone walls.

When you sighed and pursed your lips, his large hand cupped your chin, his brown eyes almost begging you to stay. Slowly, he slid his fingers from your neck to your shoulder, moving towards the fabric of your dress as he tried to gauge your reaction. You grabbed his hand and stopped him just as he was about to pull the fabric over your shoulder. "I choose to be your medicus, not your slave, sir," you declared.

“Very well,” Acacius snickered, now grabbing your wrist instead. “It seems to be healing,” he said, gently rubbing your bruise with his thumb. Surprisingly, you didn’t feel angry; you liked the way his big, strong fingers touched you, as if only they could truly heal it.

“I won't touch you against your will,” he assured you, then pulled his hand away and lay back, closing his eyes again. “You may leave now,” he said coldly, as if trying to calm himself.

You felt grateful, yet you couldn't ignore the absence of his touch on your skin. Nevertheless, you did as he asked, leaving him alone in the balneum as you stepped outside. The fresh air hit your almost wet body, making you shiver, just as Norell approached you with dry, clean clothes in her arms.

“Is he coming out?” she asked.

“No, he told me to leave him alone,” you replied, wiping the sweat from your forehead with the back of your hand while ignoring your still-racing heart.

That night, in your new room under the roof of your new home, you waited patiently for Norell to fall asleep after having a long talk with her. However, your eyes grew so heavy that you could no longer keep them open.

You had planned to open the letter when you woke up, but time slipped away from you. It wasn't easy feeling alone in such a large villa.

That morning, you noticed the General leaving in a rush, making his chambers the ideal place to be. No one would be able to enter his room while he was away, and this was your only chance. You knew he wouldn't return until late evening, giving you plenty of time to open the letter before then.

Uncertainty filled your mind as you considered what to expect. Could your true family be wealthy or even royal? If so, why had they pushed you away or abandoned you? What did the previous emperor's seal mean? Why did he use his own seal on this letter? Was it common for him to do so with every letter? So many possibilities and questions raced through your mind, yet you were tired of thinking. You made up your mind to open the letter as soon as possible, discover the truth, and move on.

In the villa, everyone was busy with their morning chores, making it easy for you to slip away unnoticed. You were already on a mission to collect dirty laundry and bring it downstairs to wash, providing you with a believable excuse if anyone caught you.

You entered the General's room, quickly scanned your surroundings, and placed the dirty laundry you had gathered into the laundry basket you were holding. Setting the basket aside, you sat down on the floor next to it. Once you were certain that no one was coming, you pulled out the letter you had hidden between your chest and the fabric of your dress and began to read.

You took a deep breath and carefully untied the rope around the letter, ensuring the seal remained mostly intact. Then, you lifted the letter, which belonged to the previous emperor, Septimius Severus, and opened it. The writing inside was neatly penned in clear handwriting.

"My dearest child,

I write to you, my beloved daughter, bestowed with golden hair and hazel eyes. The irises of your eyes exhibit a soft brown hue with a greenish tint, evoking the nascent growth of spring.

As I gaze into your eyes, I envision the beautiful and prosperous future that awaits Rome. You provide me with joy and fortitude, empowering me to realize this vision. It is my sincere aspiration to ensure your happiness and to witness your growth and prosperity.

It has been a considerable amount of time since I lost your mother, my esteemed wife, the illustrious Paccia Marciana. I have not yet fully adapted to her absence; however, I felt it essential to remarry in order to secure an heir. I do not wish to offend you, my dear daughter, and I implore you not to misinterpret my intentions. Regrettably, I believe it may not be prudent for you to remain in Rome. Julia lacks the understanding that your mother possessed, and my son Caracalla exhibits even less compassion. His temperament is concerning, and I fear that upon my ascension to Elysium, he may perceive you as a threat and inflict harm upon you.

I cannot allow any harm to come to you in memory of your mother, hence I must send you away from them and from this environment. I have made arrangements for your care with my old friend Vibius, the physician from my youth, who resides in Egypt. I am confident that you will be safe under his stewardship. It is imperative for your well-being to be as far away from here as possible.

I earnestly hope that Caracalla will govern Rome with wisdom. Although I harbor uncertainties regarding his capability, I sincerely wish to believe in his potential.

I trust that when you read this letter as a young woman, you will comprehend the reasoning behind my decision to send you away. You are my firstborn child, my only daughter with spring-like eyes and golden hair, the first of the name Septimia Aurelia, who brought blessings to Rome upon your birth. You will always hold a special place in my heart, dear child.

Your father, Imperator Caesar Lucius Septimius Severus Pertinax Augustus."

You read each sentence again and again, making sure you hadn’t misread anything. But no, you had absorbed every word correctly. Closing your eyes and throwing your head back, you realized it was real, not just a figment of your imagination. You sat there, detached from time and reality, as tears rolled down your cheeks and dripped onto the letter you held with trembling hands. Your life began to flash before your eyes, piece by piece: the lush green fields where you used to run joyfully as a little girl, and the people you called uncle and aunt who raised you with love, always protecting you from the outside world, keeping you away from others. Your uncle had taken you on as an apprentice when you were very young, teaching you everything he knew, buying you flashy clothes on the condition that you only wore them at home when you wanted to, and insisting that you always wear a cloak when you went out in public. All these memories completed the picture of your past and reminded you of where you truly belonged.

You wished you had never opened the letter, never anticipating that the truth would hurt so deeply and leave you feeling so helpless. You had no home to return to; your Empress mother and Emperor father were no longer alive. In their place were your Emperor brothers and their mother—your stepmother. Your father had warned you about them in no uncertain terms.

The word "Emperor" now held a new meaning for you. Everything you knew, everything you learned, and everything you experienced felt different now. Yet you were still the same person. It was unreasonable to expect you to be anyone else, regardless of what your name was.

As you wiped away your tears, you heard voices outside and quickly folded the letter back into its original shape. You didn’t have time to hide it. Your first instinct was to place it in the general's wooden chest, which was already full of papyrus, empty envelopes, and various papers. You planned to retrieve it later.

“What are you doing here?”

You were taken aback by the sound of the General's voice. He stood in the doorway, looking at you curiously. He wore an all-white attire, white leather armor, and a white shawl that fluttered like dove wings in the wind behind him, all embroidered with gold. At that moment, you forgot your shock; he looked breathtaking. Suddenly, you realized you hadn't answered his question, so you quickly picked up the laundry basket.

“I’m here to pick up the laundry, sir,” you replied, bowing your head in hopes that he wouldn’t be suspicious.

“I thought you chose to be a medicus and not a slave,” he said as he approached you. “Let the others do it, come with me now.” He grabbed your wrist and pulled you out of the room with a serious look on his face, hurried down the stairs, and stopped to call Norell out as he observed your clothes. "Dress her properly," he ordered.

While you were trying to figure out what was happening, Norell took your hand and led you to the dressing room to fulfill his request. She opened the wardrobe, removed several white fabrics, and placed them on a chair in the room. Curiosity got the better of you, and you couldn’t help but ask about the clothes, which were different from those you wore last time.

“Why am I wearing these?” you inquired.

“Today’s a bit special." You were startled to hear the General's voice just outside the door. “And the color of the dress you’re wearing has to match mine,” he added.

You thought to yourself, how could you possibly match his charm? It just didn’t seem possible.

You didn’t mind being naked in front of Norell, but the fact that the General was just outside the door made you feel a bit nervous. Norell sensed your unease and giggled, then helped you into a white tunic followed by a peplos (a long dress) of the same color, and finally draped a gold-embroidered palla over your shoulders. She tied it around your slim waist and positioned the other part over your head. It was your first time wearing this kind of dress, and you felt as if the wish you had made as a little girl had finally come true.

Norell then combed your hair, first letting it fall downwards slightly side-parted, and then combing it again before braiding it. She took a piece from the front left and twisted it around the back of your head. To secure the twist inside the braid, she inserted a wire barrette and finished the braid, letting it hang over one shoulder. When she was done, she looked at you and smiled. “You look beautiful. Now all that’s left are the accessories.”

The General opened the door and looked you up and down before gently grabbing your arm. He gestured to Norell, who soon returned with a box containing a gold bracelet and assorted jewelry that produced a tinkling sound as she moved.

“Sir, these don’t look like something a slave would wear,” you said, surprised.

Acacius quickly placed the bracelets on your upper arms and wrists. “My slave wears whatever I want,” he replied firmly, his gaze lingering on you for a moment while a confident smile crossed his face. You felt your cheeks flush, but the term "slave" bothered you more than ever. Still, you couldn’t bring yourself to be angry with the General, especially not when he was dressed like this.

“But where exactly are we going?” you asked.

“To the place where the ceremony will take place, then to the Colosseum. Come now, put on your sandals; we have to hurry.”

Norell appeared beside you and lifted your foot, helping you put on the sandals despite your reluctance. “Looks pretty,” he said, gently brushing back a few strands of hair that had fallen on your forehead. You couldn't tell if he was in a hurry or just impatient, but he wrapped his arm around you and quickly led you out of the courtyard.

“I saw you leaving this morning,” you said as Acacius adjusted the shawl he was sitting on to feel more comfortable. He cleared his throat. “That’s right,” he replied, looking at you. “I didn't want you to miss a day like this, so I came back for you.” How could he be such a charming, gentle, yet dangerous fighter? You wondered how all your anger and resentment toward him had dissipated so quickly.

“I'm grateful, sir,” you said sincerely, and he smiled in response.

As the carriage navigated the alleys of Capitoline Hill, you noticed the streets were as crowded as they had been yesterday. It seemed as if no one had returned home to rest for the night. When the carriage approached Via Sacra Street, you realized you were mistaken; it was even busier than the day before. In Egypt, such crowds gathered only during special occasions or religious festivals. However, you were unaccustomed to being in a crowd, walking freely in the streets, especially while dressed as a woman.

Despite having resolved the questions that had troubled you since childhood, you still felt unfulfilled. It wasn't that you held resentment toward anyone—your father and uncle had done their best to help you—but you couldn't shake the feeling of being wronged. Somewhere deep within, a voice kept telling you that something was amiss, and it grew louder with each passing moment. Your uncle's words echoed in your mind: “You’re going to have to choose.”

But what were you going to choose? Would you go to your emperor brothers, explain everything, seek their official recognition, and risk being killed as a result? Or would you return to Egypt as if nothing had happened and live as you always had, far away from everyone and everything?

“What makes you think so much? I wonder,” the general said, interrupting your thoughts. In an instant, all your worries vanished like a cloud of dust. You almost forgot that you were in the carriage with him, sitting opposite you like a statue of a god.

“I'm a little nervous, sir,” you admitted honestly.

“Are you nervous about seeing the Colosseum for the first time?” he asked.

He was right; that was one reason for your anxiety. However, the true source of your nervousness was the anticipation of seeing your half-brothers in person.

“Yes,” you said, clenching the fabric of your dress.

“We'll arrive after the ceremony. I would love to have you with me, but the slaves and others will be watching from the stands above. I could ask the emperors for special permission for you to stand beside me, but I’m concerned that your beauty will inevitably attract their attention.” There wasn’t the slightest hint of humor in his voice. This would have worked in your favor if you hadn't been feeling uneasy about facing your stepbrothers.

“Sir, it's really not a problem. I'll watch from where I'm supposed to be,” you replied with a half-smile.

“The more I can keep you away from them, the better,” he murmured softly, peering out from behind the curtain. “Here we are.”

When the carriage stopped, the crowd's enthusiasm swelled. Acacius stood up, his expression serious, and reached for your hand, clasping it tightly.

“It is no longer possible for me to hold your hand and walk side by side. You can follow me at a distance.” He gently stroked your fingers with his thumb before withdrawing his hand and stepping out of the carriage.

You watched as he exited, his shawl billowing in the wind behind him, trailing gracefully to the steps of the carriage.

“Sir!” Octavius ran toward him through the crowd, cheerful. You observed the two of them from behind, their backs turned as they engaged in conversation while the crowd chanted the General's name. Then they both turned their heads back toward you; Acacius nodded for you to come out. No one was looking at you anyway; all the attention was on him. You took a deep breath and climbed down from the carriage.

Acacius and Octavius made sure you got out and then began walking forward. As you walked behind them, keeping a respectful distance, you could hear the crowd talking and chanting. You couldn't help but wonder if, one day, if something happened and you sat on the throne as the emperor's daughter, would they cheer for you like that? You shook your head, trying to dismiss the absurd thought.

Acacius and Octavius were joined by other soldiers, and it was evident from the crowd that people from various social classes were present. Among them were the wealthy, nobles, dignitaries, craftsmen, and even slaves. As you surveyed the scene, you realized that your clothing felt strange; it was almost devoid of jewelry and appeared quite ordinary. However, unlike in Egypt, slaves here could accompany their masters or enter the Colosseum.

The crowd also included women of nobility, who regarded you with piercing gazes. At first, you were perplexed by their scrutiny, but as you examined them more closely, you recognized the underlying emotion: jealousy. In Egypt, you had been overlooked, merely seen as a thin young boy in an unusual cloak. But here in Rome, you were a beautifully dressed young girl, the envy of even the noblewomen. Life should be filled with miracles and surprises.

The Roman triumph was a civil ceremony and religious rite of ancient Rome, held to publicly celebrate and sanctify the success of a military commander who had led Roman forces to victory in the service of the state or, in some historical traditions, one who had successfully completed a foreign war.

The venue for the ceremony was the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus, one of the most important temples in the capital. Most Roman festivals were calendar fixtures, tied to the worship of particular deities. While the triumphal procession culminated at Jupiter's temple on the far end of the Via Sacra (sacred road) in the Roman Forum, the procession itself, attendant feasting, and public games promoted the general's status and achievement. In effect, the general was close to being "king for a day", and possibly close to divinity.

Accompanied by red rose petals thrown in his honor, the General ascended the white marble stairs of the temple with quick steps, shining like pearls in the sunlight. At that moment, you immediately recognized them—it was hard not to—your half-brothers, the emperors, approaching the General. They were dressed in white and gold, just like him. From their appearance, it was easy to tell which one was Geta and which was Caracalla.

The General greeted them with a hand placed on his chest, and Geta gently placed a golden crown of laurel leaves on his head. As the crowd shouted and cheered with enthusiasm, you suddenly felt a deep pain in your chest. You deserved to be with them; you wanted to be with them—it was your birthright. But your father, the emperor, had taken you away. Was it because you were not a boy? He had asked you not to blame him and not to be angry, but you couldn't help it. Watching them from a distance made you realize that you would have to choose—if not now, then someday.

Caracalla raised his hands towards the people and spoke, and you wondered if your father's warning about him had been correct. His hair was the same color as yours, but his face was different. His eyes were wide with excitement and eagerness. He didn’t seem so bad at first; after all, it felt wrong to judge a person at first glance.

You soon noticed some tension between him and the priest next to him. Geta raised his hand to silence the priest, which was rude and disrespectful. Clearly, your half-brother was not a man of religious tradition.

“Now that our ceremony is finally over, are we ready to watch the big games in honor of our glorious General Acacius?”

The whole crowd let out a roar of excitement, and it was clear that everyone was just as pumped as he was.

“Then let's head to the Colosseum!” he shouted, pointing in the direction of the iconic structure with his right hand. “The gladiators are waiting!” Caracalla joined in, their voices blending and echoing throughout Capitoline Hill.

You bit your lip to suppress a laugh as you noticed the General’s forced smile while he applauded. It was clear he was annoyed with them. Battling a mix of emotions, you realized you had overlooked the general; yet, if anyone captivated you, it was him. With a golden crown atop his head, he resembled more than just a general, even an emperor—he was like a God, the son of Mars, Marcus himself, living up to his name in every way. His grandeur lit up the space around you, sending a radiance that first dazzled your eyes and then sent vibrations deep into your chest.

As your heart raced like never before, you found yourself wondering if this was what love truly felt like. If it wasn’t love, then what else could it be? You were left guessing, having never received guidance on such matters. In that moment, you realized that you wanted to be this man’s slave for life, wrapped in secrecy about your identity.

As the crowd moved away from the temple toward the Colosseum, you followed along, trying to keep the general and Octavius in sight, but it was challenging. People hurried past, bumping into you. Wanting to avoid getting lost, you decided to head in another direction, pushing through the throngs of people as you approached the temple and searched for him.

Suddenly, you spotted the emperors and the general traveling down the road in a chariot. Just as you were about to run after them, a group of senators descended the stairs. Your eyes met those of a dark-skinned senator who looked at you with wide eyes. Feeling uneasy, you quickly looked away and blended back into the crowd as he approached.

However, more people were coming from the road, so you turned left and slipped behind the temple to hide. Once you reached the corner wall, you glanced back and saw no one following you. Just as you were about to continue down the other road, someone called out to you. You initially ignored him, but then he shouted your name, “Wait, Aurelia!”

You froze in shock. That was your real name, and you had believed everyone who knew it was dead. Curiosity overtook you, and you turned your head to see the man from earlier running toward you. You gripped the fabric of your dress, feeling extremely nervous. The man was panting as he approached.

"Is it really you?" he asked.

You swallowed hard. "I'm sorry, sir, but I think you have mistaken me for someone else."

The man looked you in the eye and smiled confidently. "I would recognize those eyes anywhere; it’s you." His gaze lingered on your hair. "Septimia Aurelia, do you have any idea how much I’ve searched for you, my lady?"

@myownwholewildworld @orcasoul @pedroslut4eva @immyowndefender @lailathepedritofan @screechingchildfury

if anyone wants me to tag them please comment :) thank you all <3

[myownwholewildworld]

back to main masterlist

PER ASPERA AD ASTRA — SERIES MASTERLIST

pairing: marcus acacius x emperor's daughter!reader.

summary: when your husband dies in battle, his best friend is there to console you, to help you navigate your grief as he does his own. as you become close, feelings flourish. but your father, emperor Traianus, sees Marcus' romantic advances as a way to dethrone him.

a/n: this will be a series of drabbles, might evolve into a full-blown series eventually if i feel up to it. the drabbles may be posted out of order as inspiration hits, so i apologise for that. you can find the order below.

status: ongoing.

word count: TBD.

series warnings: 18+, mdni. slow burn. husband's best friend to lovers. eventual romance and smut. hurt/comfort, fluff, angst, death, war, discussion of sensitive topics. sad(ish?) ending. please heed the warnings for each chapter.

drabbles:

i. veni, vidi, victus sum - 🤕🩸 (the beginning) ii. requiescat in pace - 🤕 iii. faber est suae quisque fortunae - 🤕 iv. flectere si nequeo superos, acheronta movebo - 🤕🩸💢 (the end)

[orcasoul]

The Lesser of Two Evils

Chapter summery: In the face of desperation, you make a life changing decision, which will benefit both yourself and Marcus.

Warnings: Swearing, smut (eventual), threats of rape, sexual harassment, violence, gore, detailed injuries, angst, enemies(ish) to lovers, protective Marcus Acacius, age gap, OFC/reader.

Word Count: 5,622

Chapter 2 Desperate Times

The evening stretched on and you made every effort to remain as invisible as possible. While Adhelm and his sons convened with the council and discussed the next plan of attack you busied yourself with preparing food for them, making sure to keep your eyes on your hands as you served them. But you didn't have to look up to know a pair of eyes were watching your every move. Predatory eyes, just waiting, biding their time. You could feel the hate closing around you, oppressive and suffocating. After serving everyone in attendance, Adhelm dismissed you and you couldn't have been more relieved.

You breathed the chilly night air in deeply through your nose as you stepped outside and released a sigh of relief. All you want now, is to get home, lock yourself away and try to ignore the sense of foreboding prickling under your skin. You hurry along the shadowed path, passing other homes filled with the voices of families, laughter and music. Often you would stop and remember what it felt like to have a family, to have a home filled with love and not just some weathered shack filled with silence and lonliness. But this is not the time for yearning. You need to get home, now.

The hair on your arms suddenly raise and it's nothing to do with the cold. Your heart begins to pound rapidly as the disquiet you'd felt earlier now shifts into an almost paralyzing fear. You are not alone! The sound of footsteps confirms your suspicions. You turn around quickly but the blanket of darkness hides whomever is following you. Your heart is now in your throat! Panic propels you to pick up the pace as you swiftly turn on your heel. As you round the corner of a storage building, relief sweeps over you but only for a moment before two strong arms engulf you; one around your midsection, squeezing your arms to your sides, and the other across your chest, hand pressing firmly over your mouth.

You try to scream, to free your arms but the grip is unforgiving. In your feeble attempt to resist all you can do is emit a muffled scream and kick out. The next thing you feel is the intense, sharp jolt, shooting from the back of your head. Glinting specs dance in your vision, almost resembling a vibrant night sky in the dark. A hand wraps around your throat and another finds your mouth once more. You blink harshly to clear your vision, the face coming into view being the one you loath the most. Fucking Bardulf! The arsehole flashes you a toothy grin, obviously pleased by your frightened response. He leans in closer to your face, snarling. "You really thought you could get away with that display back there?" Without a second thought you bit down on his hand.

Bardulf instantly recoils but before you can cry out he backhands you, knocking you to the ground. "Bitch!" he fumed as he pulled your head back by your hair. Your eyes widen in terror when you feel a sharp cold point pressing lightly at your throat. "Scream and I'll cut your fucking tongue out and ram it down your throat, understand?!" "Y... yes," you stutter, legs feeling like they might give way any second. Bardulf removes the knife and drags you to your feet, roughly slamming you against the side of the hut. "My father has been lenient with you for far too long. But that is about to come to an end," Bardulf smirked, your gut twisting up in response.

"Please, just let-" you whimper but he cuts you off, "Shut up! Kuno has no use for you so I convinced him to give you to me when he becomes chief. Told him I'd... "look after you". You want to stay strong. You want to mask the dread you feel right now, but your face betrays you, much to the delight of your assailant. "Things are going to change around here very soon. You will learn your place. I won't just beat it into you..." he slithers a hand down your torso, gripping your waist. Your stomach threatens to expell it's contents as his filthy paws continue to grope you. "I'll fuck it into you!"

Your heart plummets. For a moment you are speechless. He can't be serious! Why does he hate you so much? What have you ever done to him to deserve this campaign of hate he has waged against you for so long? "You c... can't! Your fathers' rule-" "Will die with him. When you are mine I shall do with you as I please. Your body will be my body," he says as he smoothes a rough finger over your cheek. Just the feel of his skin against your makes you wish you could shed your own and grow a new, untainted one.

"Why?" You begin to cry -more from frustration than fear now - despite your best efforts not to. "Why do you despise me? Why do you constantly torment me!" "Because I can," Bardulf gripped your chin, forcing your eyes up to his. "You will show me the respect I deserve. I'm going to break you, slowly. Oh, it'll be such fun," he snickered, almost maniacally, the shadows of the surrounding buildings making him appear more menacing than ever before. He continued, "I'm going to break you..." his lip curled in a cruel grin. "And once I've had my fun, I will enjoy watching you die as I squeeze the life from you."

Tightness grips your chest as his words chill you to the bone. Rage has now taken root, strangling the fear from you. "Fuck you, you loathsome piece of shit!" you lashed out, finding it within you to push him away. A repulsive smile stretched across his face. "I'll let that one slide this time, Alia. Savour it, while it lasts." Bardulf releases his hold on you and walks away, laughing to himself. You sprint home as fast as you can, locking your door before falling onto your bed and sobbing uncontrollably.

"It'll be okay. We'll be okay!" your mother stressed while holding you tightly in her arms, but the tremble of her body betrayed her words of reassurance. Outside your house, angry voices are rising in pitch, demanding that your mother show herself. In amongst the commotion your fathers' voice rang out, loud and determined, warning the gathered mob to go home. "Stay here," your mother whispered and began to rise from the corner you were both huddled in. You grip her arm, desperation in your eyes and voice. "Don't go mama, please!" "I'm just going to the window." She cupped your cheek, the warmth of her flesh soothing your nerves. If only you'd known that would be the last time you'd feel her gentle touch.

The storm of anger outside seemed to escalate with every passing minute, more and more voices joining the already volatile crowd. "You're all a bunch of gullible fools!" your father exploded. "She has nothing to do with the failed crops. You're just looking for something or someone to blame and I won't allow you to blame her!" "Bring her out, bring her out, bring her out!" the horde kept chanting. You cover your ears and close your eyes, desperate to drown out the noise, heart thumping so wildly, you fear it may burst through your chest. Your whole body jumps when your mother lets out an anguished scream and bolts for the door.

Scrambling to your feet, you run outside after her but stop dead in your tracks, muscles frozen, shock and disbelief anchoring you to the spot as you witness your fathers' blood soaked body fall to the ground. "Papa!" you whimper, all the air now having left your lungs as if you'd been punched in the stomach. You gasp for air, tears burning your eyes. Your mothers' piercing cries shake you from your stupor. "No! Mama!" you scream as she gets dragged off of your fathers' lifeless body. You only manage to run a few steps towards her before you feel multiple hands gripping your arms, fingers digging into your flesh as you fight against their hold.

"Please, please don't hurt her!" you beg the frenzied crowd but it falls on deaf ears. Your mother screams your name as she is beaten and kicked mercilessly. Accusations are spat at her along with the words "Witch" and "kill her". The whole time you struggle, frantically, to free yourself, screaming and pleading until your throat is raw. She is then pulled to her feet and dragged back to your house. You pull against the men restraining you so forcefully it feels like your shoulders might dislocate. Her once beautiful face, now black and blue and dripping with blood seeks your own before she is thrown through the door.

A man carrying a lit torch approaches your house and your eyes widen in horror, the world slowing down for you as you watch him throw the torch onto the thatched roof. In a matter of seconds your home is a blazing inferno, your innocent mothers' screams joining the crackle of the flames. You have no voice. Your strength abandons you, falling to your knees, mouth open to scream but nothing can escape the crushing sorrow and anger constricting your lungs. You clutch your hands to your chest, tears streaming down your cheeks while your life as you knew it literally goes up in flames before your very eyes.

Your body shoots upright, chest heaving as your wide eyes dart around the dark room. It's silent, oppressively so, the cold, empty darkness being the only witness to your grief. It's been a long time since you'd dreamed of that day, of your parents' death, but Bardulf's threat had festered in your mind as you drifted off into an uneasy sleep. Using your sleeve, you wipe your tears away and sit up in bed. Your body longs for comfort, for a time when the embrace of your parents felt like an impenetrable shield. Nothing could hurt you back then. With a heavy heart, you wrap your fleece blanket around your body and bring your knees to your chest, hugging and resting your chin on them. Only you can comfort yourself now and it has to be enough.

These people - who were supposed to be your people - have taken everything from you; your family, your freedom, your dignity - even your only friend. fresh tears form at your lashes at the thought of Faro. You'll always carry the weight of his death with you. But also a silent rage at Bardulf; the bastard even grinned at you as he slit his throat! For the past fifteen years the community has shunned you, the chief and his family had enslaved and alienated you and the kids you had grown up with made your existence hell with their relentless bullying.

And for what? All because some fear mongering arseholes had convinced the village that your mother was a Seer (witch) and was responsible for a bad harvest. The familiar sting of anger wells up again, replacing the hopelessness you'd awoken to only minutes ago. Fuck these people! The only reason you were spared that night was because you were only a child at the time, and the only reason no one had dared to take your virtue is because Adhelm feared your "Seers' blood" and threatened death upon anyone who touched you. But very soon, even that one last thing that was just yours will be taken from you.

Your belly twists in discomfort knowing that Bardulf will take what he wants from you and when he tires of you, he will kill you like a worthless animal. Unless... you get the hell out of here. The option to flee had always been there - and Faro often spoke of starting again somewhere new - but you knew you both never would have survived on your own; two children out there alone... It just wasn't possible. Your father had taught you how to hunt small animals and how to fish, but if the elements didn't get you, the bears and wolves would eventually. Fleeing was a death sentence for so long, but now...? Maybe salvation is possible. Salvation in the form of an injured and angry Roman General sitting in a cage not too far from your hut.

Marcus shivers as a cold breeze licks at his bare arms. In quiet contemplation he sits against the bars watching the moon spill it's silvery luminescence in a halo around itself, his mind transported to simpler times; times when he observed the moon from his balcony back home, when the mere sight of it would offer peace and stillness to the emotional scars of years of battles and slayings. But tonight he feels no such piece. He has accepted the fact that he will die soon, already having beseeched Mars to lend his unwavering strength to his men, his brothers, and not allow his public execution to quell their resolve and weaken their moral.

Rome will be victorious, no matter what these heathen beasts do. Rome is the light and darkness cannot dwell where - "General..." Marcus startles from his pensive state at the unexpected whisper in the dark. Posture rigid, he scans the immediate area but the darkness is almost impenetrable. "General!" the voice whispers again, with more urgency this time. "Who's there?" Marcus demanded. "Shhh... someone will hear us." Marcus lowers his voice. "I said who's there? Show yourself." "I can't. It's Alia. You must be still or you'll draw attention." "What do you want?" Marcus asks in a hushed tone, turning his head a fraction over his shoulder in the direction of your voice.

"I need to ask you something," you begin, your voice cautious. "Is it possible for an... outsider to become a Roman citizen?" Marcus remained silent for a moment, unsure if he'd heard you correctly. Surely you couldn't be planning on abandoning your people. "Why would you-" "I haven't the time to explain. Please just tell me if it's possible for someone like me to begin anew as a subject of Rome!" The urgency in your voice leads Marcus to wonder what could have happened for you to seek out refuge from your enemy. It must be pretty bad for you to take such a drastic action. "Yes, as long as you have committed no crime nor treason against Rome, anyone can be granted citizenship."

In the still of the night Marcus hears you release a sigh of... relief? "In that case, I have a proposition for you," you venture carefully. "Speak..." Marcus encourages you. "I will help you escape and get you back to your army if you promise that you'll take me to Rome with you and make me a Roman citizen." Marcus' immediate reaction is disgust at your disloyalty to your people, but he bit back his scorn; after all, you just might be his only hope. "I will-" he began but you cut him off. "Swear to me!" you demanded. "On my honour, I will take you to Rome, and I will personally and publicly grant you citizenship an all the rights and protection that entails."

You take a deep breath, then exhale, "Okay... In three days there will be a ceremony and celebration in honour of our youngest warriors' coming of age. Almost everyone will attend except for a few watchmen. When the time is right, I will create a distraction and then I'll come for you. This will be our only opportunity. If we fail, we are dead. Do you understand?" "I understand. I will be ready," Marcus assured. "In the meantime you must eat and build up your strength. Until then, General." Marcus listened to the sound of you shuffling away through the trees. He leans his head back against the bars, a glimmer of hope sparking within. Maybe the gods aren't done with me yet.

The next two days pass agonisingly slowly. You tend to your duties while keeping your head down, trying your best to remain inconspicuous to everyone, especially Bardulf, but every now and then you catch his sickening leer boring into you, giving you a look as if to say "It's only a matter of time." If your escape plan fails, it's all over for you. You won't wait for Bardulf to enforce his inhuman punishment on you. You'll escape or die trying. Either way he won't get what he wants and the fact that you'll be the one to ensure that, brings a quiet satisfaction to your anxious mind.

While tending to Marcus' leg you'd also snuck in some extra food to help build his strength during those days, silently mouthing "soon" to him. The night before your escape, your whole body is thrumming with uneasy apprehension. You're not sleeping tonight. You mentally rehash the escape plan over and over, praying you've left nothing to chance. Your bag is packed - and hidden away - with everything you'll need for the journey; water, ointments and balms, bandages and a small stash of fruit and dried meat that you were able to sneak from the mead hall. It's not much but it will have to do.

Dawn breaks while you continue to pace around in your hut, willing your jittery nerves to abate. It's imperative that you maintain a cool facade today. A few moments of deep, slow breathing helps to alleviate the storm brewing in your stomach. You can do this. The whole village is abuzz today, with the excitement of tonight's ceremony. While preparations are under way, you are escorted once again to Marcus' cage, food, water and fresh bandages in tow. The guard is never too far away so you keep your voice as low as you can. "Today's the day," you whisper while dressing Marcus' leg, still to intimidated by him to look him in the eye.

It's not lost on you just how thick and muscular his thigh is; a sobering reminder that this man is dangerous and could easily overpower you once you are both alone and kill you with ease. But at this point you have nothing left to lose. "After the ceremony the celebrations will begin. Once the wine is upon them, I will start a fire..." you glance around quickly, ensuring no one is within earshot. "While they are distracted I will come for you. Be ready." "I will... thank you, Alia." Marcus' unexpected gratitude and soft tone caused you to forget yourself momentarily, your eyes flicking up to be met with a softness you hadn't imagined possible from someone like him.

Instead of the cold, sharp glare he'd granted you at your initial meeting, he now regards you with gratitude and... something you can't really discern. The intensity of the moment makes you heart leap in your chest and you can no longer comfortably hold his gaze, so you lower your eyes. "Don't thank me yet, General," you shook your head. "Marcus," he replies swiftly. "Marcus," you repeat awkwardly after a moment, glancing at his face then away just as quickly. "Make sure to eat." You gesture to the bowl you had set down beside him. "You're going to need your strength." And with that you bag up your supplies and stand by the gate, calling to be let out.

As Marcus watched you walk away he's suddenly overwhwelmed by a whirlwind of conflicting emotions; hope - however small - that he'll live to see his home again, uncertainty that this risky plan of yours will actually work and a gnawing consternation at having to place his fate in the hands of, not just a stranger, but an enemy. As much as he would like to trust you, he knows the only reason you want to help him him is to help yourself. He can't help but wonder, again, what could have happened for theses Gutones to treat one of their own so abhorrently, which also leads him to wonder if you're more dangerous than you seem. He'll have to keep a close eye on you.

It's clear there's a lot going on that he's not aware of... but if it brings him his freedom and a second chance to live, he'll accept your help as desperate times call for desperate measures and even enemies can benefit from aiding one another sometimes, but he'll never be foolish enough to fully trust you. Now all he has to do is wait for the moment to arrive and in the meantime he will pray to Mercury to guide his and your steps and lead you both to the sanctuary of the Castrum (army encampment).

The ceremony went without a hitch - or at least you assume so, as you were never included in social events, unless it was to serve, and that's what you are doing now; serving the increasingly drunk and rowdy young warriors and their families. The evening stretches into night and finally, the time has come. It's now or never. While most of the women and children have returned to their homes and settled in for the night, the men continue their frivolities becoming more and more inebriated. Using the situation to your advantage, you slip away from the mead hall unnoticed, keeping to the shadows as you hurry to your hut to retrieve your bag.

Your heart is thumping in your ears, hands shaking as you exit your hut for the last time. But before you execute the next step of your plan, you have one more stop to make. Adhelms home is thankfully abandoned for the time being, he and his sons still eating and drinking their fill in the mead hall, unaware of your intrusion. On the back wall of his home is a large rack, full of weapons he'd acquired from defeated foes. The smug bastard seemed to pride himself on his "spoils of war" as he'd called them. Among the display was your fathers Seax (dagger) still in it's sheath, taken the night your parents were murdered.

With a pounding heart, you take the Seax from the rack, your fingertips trailing over the intricately carved zig zags running down both sides of the mahogany hilt. Tears build behind your eyes as just the mere touch of this knife brought forth a connection, a closeness with your father that you'd never expected to feel again. You carefully tuck it into the belt around your tunic and with a new determination, leave the chiefs home, grabbing a lit torch from a sconce on the way out.

Marcus waits anxiously for what fells like an eternity, in a constant state of hypervigilance, expecting you to show up at any moment. Every sound in the dark catching his ear sends his adrenaline spiking, but every time it's a false alarm. Frustration and doubt begin to creep in the longer he waits. She's not coming! Had you lost the nerve or been caught? Damn it! You were his only way out. He was a fool to put his faith in you. Marcus growls quietly to himself, careful not to draw he attention of the guard close by. Just when he'd thought all was lost an orange glow lighting up the darkness at the other end of the village caught his eye.

Panicked voices arose through the village as the orange light grew brighter and and the crackle of flames filed the air. The guard keeping watch lingered for a few moments, seemingly unsure of whether or not he should abandon his post, but as the chaos intensified he hurried off, disappearing around the side of a building. Marcus pulled himself to his feet lumberingly, limping to the other side of the cage, eager to see what was happening. His brow scrunched in confusion when thud followed by a pained groan rang out close by. A moment later, you emerged from where the guard had disappeared, keys clinking as you rushed to the cage door. "We have to go now, before he wakes!" you cried as you clumsily fumbled with the keys, trying each one out until the lock finally clicked.

Throwing the cage door open you hurried inside, forgetting all about the initial fear you'd felt in this Romans' presence. The only thing that matters now is escaping. Slinging one of Marcus' arms over your shoulder, you brace yourself to support his weight and the two of you make haste, away from the village and into the surrounding woodland. Scrambling through the inky black forrest with loose rocks and branches and twigs from broken trees and low bushes would be an arduous endeavour at the best of times, but trying to keep your footing whist helping to drag this mountain of a man with you is proving increasingly difficult.

It's obvious by Marcus' grunting and heavy breaths that he's mustering all the strength he has to keep pushing forward. "It's... not far... now. Urrgh... we're... nearly there," your voice shakes under the sheer exertion, your arms and legs burning with every step. "Where are we... going?" Marcus panted, twisting his head in every direction, keeping a ear out for the sound of anyone following. "There's a small... clearing... up ahead. I've got a... horse waiting... for us there." Sweat is trickling down your back now, your lungs aching with every drag of air you take in but you find the will to keep going. Nothing will stop you now... you hope.

A few minutes later you both arrive at the clearing. The full moon is bathing the open area in a soft milky gleam, the limited light enough to guide your way. It's as though the god Mani himself has taken issue with your predicament and had decided to lend you his favour. The horse you had managed to sneak out of the village in the early hours of this morning stands calmly next to the tree you'd tethered her to. A quick glance at your surroundings shows no sign of immediate danger, so you swiftly make your way over to the horse, only slowing down as you draw closer. You're greeted with an agitated whinny as the horse shuffles nervously.

You carefully pull yourself from under Marcus' arm and hold your palm out for the horse to sniff. "Shhh easy, Inga," you sooth while digging an apple from your bag. "Easy, girl. Sorry I left you here for so long." You rub down the center of her face, all the way to her velvety muzzle as she happily munches on the peace offering you'd given her. Once Inga had been placated you turn back to Marcus. "Quick!" you gesture to the horse and crouch down, interlacing you fingers to serve as a sort of step to help him mount. "I can manage," Marcus insisted, knowing you'll never be able to lift him.

Gripping onto the pommel of the crude looking saddle, Marcus took a deep breath, mentally and physically preparing himself for the coming agony of swinging his injured leg over the horses' wide body. With a surge of reserved energy and determination, he lifts his leg, throwing his entire weight along with it, swallowing the painful howl trying to claw it's way up his throat. Unfortunately in his weakened state, Marcus wasn't able to gather the needed momentum and bagan to fall backwards. Before he could fall off the horse completely, you appeared behind him, pushing him up and helping to steady him as he settled on Inga.

You flicked your wrist. "Move back." Marcus raised a questioning eyebrow at your order, remaining where he sat. "I know the direction to my Castrum." "In the dark?" you ask sceptically, surprising yourself with the hint of challenge in your voice. "How do you know the way?" he asked, as if he were afraid you'd get lost. "I overhear everything in Adhelms home," is all you offer. "Very well," Marcus conceded and slid back to sit behind the saddle. He offered his hand to pull you up. You reach out, fingers barely brushing his when all of a sudden a sharp yank of your hair sends a shockwave of pin pricks rippling across your scalp.

Your hands automatically fly up to where the pain radiates. Next thing you know, you are spun around, face to face with an enraged Adhelm. "Treacherous bitch!" he snarled in your face, fury twisting his weathered features into a grotesque appearance. "After everything I've done for you, this is how you repay my kindness, by betraying your people, your home!" "Let me go!" you shrieked, trying to free yourself from Adhelms iron grip. Through the sound of your pulse rushing in your ears you hear Marcus' threatening voice, demanding your release, followed by a distressed groan and thud on the ground.

As you writhe and fight to keep your hair this time, Adhelm continued, "I should have killed you alongside your parents. I knew you couldn't be trusted. It's in your blood, you evil, degenerate cunt! You'll pay dearly for this betrayal!" The air is forced from your lungs as your body is slammed against a nearby tree, the shock of the impact manifesting in sparks of white before your eyes. You only manage a couple of breaths before Adhelms hands crush your throat, cutting of your air intake completely. You scratch, desperately at his rough hands, throat burning and eyes watering; the pressure building behind them leaves you afraid they will burst from their sockets any moment.

A haze begins to settle over your mind, making it difficult to focus on anything around you. The panicked whinny of Inga and the deep growl of Marcus' voice sound muffled and far away. Everything seems to be slipping away, like a feather, floating into the distance on a calm wind. "You have always been more trouble than you're worth," Adhelm continued to rant, the hatred in his voice bringing your focus back to the present. In a final attempt of self preservation, your hand went to your belt, as if it remembered what your terrified brain couldn't; father's knife! What happened next was mostly a blur. Warmth pooled over your hand and Adhelms words were replaced with a gasp and a wide eyed look of disbelief and anger.

His hands slid from your throat and you coughed violently as much needed oxygen rushed into your lungs. When his body hit the ground your eyes travelled to the knife lodged in his chest. Blood continued to pour as his chest stilled and the life in his eyes dimmed until they just became empty, glazed over orbs fixed on the sky. You're frozen! Light headed and you're certain you will throw up any second. Your chest is clamping down on itself, making it near impossible to breathe. You'd just killed a man! Yes, he was cruel and dangerous, but he'd died by your hand. A hand that had never exacted violence against anyone before.

Reality itself seems to have distorted; maybe it's all just a bad dream? You cannot tear your eyes away from the corpse at your feet and at the same time you can't bare to look. You think you hear your name being called over and over, but it's irrelevant. Tears spring to your eyes and begin to roll down your cheeks. At first you barely register the weighted feeling on your shoulders as you are turned around to a demanding and authoritative voice. "Hey, look at me, look at me! You did what you had to do. It's okay," Marcus tried to sound reassuring, but in the moonlight he could see you weren't actually there, a blank teary stare is his only response.

"Get on the horse before someone else comes!" You stagger forward as he pulls you with him and it's then it really hits you. You yank your wrist from his hand and clutch your stomach as a wave of sobs wash over you. "I k-killed him! What have I done?! Oh Gods!" Marcus turns back to face you, gripping both of your upper arms now. "You defended yourself," he asserted forcefully. "There's no wrong or shame in that, you hear me?" But you don't hear him. All you can hear are the echoes of Adhelms laboured gasps just moments ago. You're certain the wretched sounds will haunt you forever.

Marcus can see that his words will not help you right now and precious time is wasting away. Any minute you could be discovered. You continue to cry, lost in your own mind and Marcus curses himself for what he's about to do. "I'm so sorry about this," he mutters, shaking his head, then slaps your cheek - not hard enough to really hurt, but it's enough to shock you back into clarity. The moment he hears the slap is the moment he sees recognition and coherence resurface in you, along with a look of shock and vulnerability. Marcus buries the instant remorse he feels. He can feel bad about it later. Right now you both have to get as far away as possible.

In a no nonsense tone he says, "Get. On. The. Horse. Now... Or this was all in vain." That seemed to have knocked some sense and urgency into you as you nod and rush back to Inga, who's stomping a hoof in frustration. You untie the reins from the tree and Marcus helps you up onto her back. Once seated you extend your arm to pull him up. Between his heavy weight and lack of strength it takes a lot of effort to pull him up. Eventually he settles behind you, wrapping his arms tightly around your waist. With a kick to Ingas ribs, she speeds off into the forrest and the dead of night.

Series Masterlist Chapter 1 Chapter 3 Ch 4

@myownwholewildworld @imherefordeanandbones @picketniffler @h0w-1-wanna-l1v3 @chrissy-forfucksakes-wakeup @meetmeatyourworst @yorksgirl @joeldjarin @echo-ethe @whirlwindrider29

[natalieispunk]

the sluttiest thing that a man can do

[tremendouscreationperson]

Marcus Acacius x Reader

A/N: So I've been having a recent bout of insomnia and wrote this completely for myself, I don't know an awful lot about ancient Rome so if there are mistakes please dont hate me but nevertheless please enjoy

This takes place years before the movie

You and Marcus are old friends and on his return to Rome you find yourself in need of some help

Marcus tried to school his expression - having just caught a glimpse of you, sitting out on the terrace - as he continued his conversation with your father.

He had been allowed respite from the everlasting conflict and your father was an old friend of his family so it was only natural to say hello.

Your mother called the man away to discuss decorations for the oncoming party she was throwing in his honour. She was sweet like that, actually wanting to throw a party for him instead of because it was socially acceptable - caring when others wouldn't. He found himself missing his own when he was in her company.

But thank the gods it provided him a distraction, he could speak with you without an audience, bless her.

As he crossed the room, he observed you staring into space - sitting with your back mostly to him - Marcus noticed the subtle frown of your brow and the twitch in your fingers, telltale signs that you were troubled. Overthinking. Nevertheless, you were a picture, your hair was intricately braided, some strands blowing loosely with the material of your stola in the wind, and you had only gotten more beautiful than the last time he laid eyes on you.

“I've been away for almost four years,” you jolted, head snapping towards him. “And you seem not to care.”

The grin on your face was infectious and you were quick to rise and embrace him fully, squeezing him tighter than friendly.

“I knew you had returned!” You began the sentence at his ear but pulled back to face him. “I didn't realise you were visiting!" Your eyes darted around his face, noting the new scar on his cheek. “Oh-” hand hovering inches away from his skin. “Did it hurt?”

He let out a small breath of a laugh, usually people asked ‘what happened?’ or even ‘did he get what he deserved?’. It was refreshing, you were refreshing.

“Not as bad as the one on my back.”

Your brows scrunched again, hand finding it's place on his chest as the two of you were still in a half-embrace. “Marcus, you really need to be more careful.”

“You can't build the greatest Empire in history by being careful.” And as though he, himself, hit you, you flinched. Shoulders tensing.

You plastered a grin onto your face. "Of course."

Did the idea of conquest sicken you? Had the image of him fighting made his scar disgust you? Why were you hiding? What was wrong?

"What is it?"

"I'm fine." You lie.

He loosened his hold of your waist. "You can speak anything to me."

Your mouth opened and closed, tears forming. He was about to hug you tighter but you left his grip. Taking a few worried steps back and began pacing just subtly enough for any onlooker to think ‘normal’.

You offered after a moment. “I'm terrified Marcus.”

“Terrified?” He took a step closer. Why were you terrified? He couldn't have that.

“They-” you sighed, picking at your nails. “The Emperors- Father says I'm to be a concubine.”

Now that was news.

Big news.

Marcus blinked thrice processing your words, dread settling into his bones.

The twin Emperors were young and naive. They had the world handed to them and didn't care for any consequences. He had seen first hand what could happen. He had watched them slap animals and spit at servants.

“It's a great honour, of course.” You carried on, pacing once again. “I know many would and have wished for this themselves. But it's usually the freedwomen! I'm unmarried- I-” cheeks warm you spit out. “I kept myself pure, I know nothing of performing in that way. Well, no I know how but to actually be called in-”

“Hey.” He interrupted your spiral, hands on your forearms to stop the pacing, forcing eye contact. “It'll be okay.”

“It won't, Marcus,” your lips were sore from biting them and close up he could see the darkness beneath your eyes. “The Emperors are godly, yes, but they are volatile. The last batch have disappeared - Astoria is gone - all noblewomen, unwed. Youthful but inexperienced. Mother is fretting and father is overjoyed. I- I don't think I'm ready for death.”

“You will not die.” That was a vow. He wouldn't let you die. Not for any of the Emperors. “I have seen death, I know its name. You will not see Pluto, yet.”

“Sorry.” You bit the inside of your cheek. “I know you've seen far more than you should have and I know my worries aren't nearly as large as yours-”

“That does not mean they are lesser.” He interrupted again, forehead millimetres from yours, his gaze intense. “I am merely stating that I won't let them harm you.”

Your lips tugged at that, face warping into the familiar fond expression he had sorely missed, and you playfully ask, “you'll be my hero?”

“Any time.” He vowed again. “I'd defy the gods for you.”

You scoffed. “Now, that's too far-fetched to believe.”

He remained standing, closer than he should be, in contemplation. How he was going to help was a mystery. He could try to steer the Emperors to another, could tell them you were married. He could try to explain the act of seduction and hope what heated him heated them.

Or.... He could offer to help. He could offer himself to you. If he was to offer, everything would change. It was a cruel thing to offer really… but it wasn't. In fact, it may help you. No, it would help you.

“About your problem.” His words were stronger than he felt. “Come to my home and I will help.”

You physically had a reaction to the words, they took you aback, you couldn't believe your luck. “You'd do that?”

“Of course.”

“I'd hate to be a burden.” He was very good at concealing the laughter.

“It's really no trouble.” It’d be his pleasure… and potentally yours too.

~~

Aelia was quietly humming as she looked the thread that held your hair in such an intricate way. Untying it slower than necessary, you knew she was biding her time, waiting.

“Aelia.” You spoke, halting her tune. “I know you want to tell me something.”

“I have nothing to tell.” She shrugged playfully. “I just happened to see you and the General.”

You rolled your eyes at the hidden insinuation. “Aelia, he would've asked father by now. You know this.” It took three seconds before you whispered. “But, by Zeus, how does he get more attractive each time I see him?”

She chuckled. “His hair is turning white.”

“It suits him. Did you see the scar?” A somewhat embarrassing groan escaped your throat. “I know it must've hurt and it should be ugly but it just makes him look... He's glorious!”

The last thread came loose and your hair sprung free. “I think you're a fool to keep your feelings hidden. I also think he likes you just as much.” She rubbed your shoulders.

“Perhaps.” A heavy weight developed in your stomach when you remembered. “It's hopeless now.”

She was quiet and it wasn't like before, it wasn't pleasant nor sweet, it was out of dread. She was just as, if not more than, afraid for you.

“He did offer to help.” You filled the silence, trusting Aelia with the secret. “I know how the act happens, I just haven't had any real experience. Nothing proper, I mean-” you spun to face her, voice lowered, “most women do explore, despite it being unladylike to speak of, so I know what to do with my parts… I have yet to deal with that part. And what if I'm not pleasant to look at? I have this here." You point at a tiny birthmark. "What if it's displeasing? There's so many questions, I am just so unsure of myself, it's a bit of a godsend for him to offer help.” Her eyes were wide.

“When are you to meet him?”

“He said tomorrow.”

Her eyes were bulging and her mouth slowly morphed into a wild grin. “He - the general - offered to help you? To show you what to expect? And you think he doesn't-” her giggles cut her off.

You swatted at her playfully, finding it hard to cease your own laughter. “Stop it!”

“I'm sorry.” She offered, despite not being sorry at all.

You twisted back to your original position, partly because bending to face her pulled at your spine, mostly to hide your warm cheeks.

She readied the bowl to cleanse your face. You always kept yourself clean but now you were to be the Emperor’s property, you had to have the best oils and such. It was sheep wool sweat and ground oyster shells, nothing too pungent.

“You are my favourite." She beamed at your words. "I enjoy our chats, Aelia.”

She situated herself between your knees. “I enjoy them, too. You're a lot kinder than most.”

“I think.” You spoke as she rubbed your forehead. “You and I should run away.”

With one eye you glimpsed her smile. “Just the two of us?”

“You can bring that boy you like from the market.”

She was strategic to rub your lips as she spoke: “Only if you bring ‘Marcus’.” Quietening any arguments.

~~

Marcus greeted you at the door. He had been anxiously waiting all afternoon. He was actually very scared. He hadn't felt this way in a long time, not at any sieges or dealing with the Emperors. He was scared that he was scared!

There was only so much of staring at a scroll he could take but, thankfully, you arrived.

You glanced around as a servant led you to him and smiled happily as your eyes landed on him.

“We didn't specify a time, I was worried you'd be busy.”

Busy? He'd offered to- you thought he'd make plans?! “No, today I am yours.” However you wanted. If that was questions, if that was his body, he was yours.

The starstruck look on your face was perfect. He hadn't quite meant it to sound like that but your reaction was wondrous.

The servant accepted your cloak and he told her to stay away, he was teaching a lesson and could not under any circumstances be disturbed. You also dismissed your servant, they nodded and made a quick exit.

Your hair was in a simpler style today, and you wore a red stola adorned in gold. That was a clever move. Was it? Is that what you intend to do today? Did you want him to bed you?

“So.” He clasped his hands. “Where do you want to start?”

You gestured to the room, “the bedroom, no?”

Amused he replied, “I meant did you have questions but that's probably wise.”

You sniggered, taking the outstretched hand and following his lead.

You had been at his house before, a few times, as he was a friend of the family and trusted to look after you. He had once asked your father for a union - spurred on by the trust - before he was Rome's General but was denied, there wasn't a reason for it but Marcus accepted the 'no' with grace. Plus you were young and had a list of suitors your mother tried to push onto you. You never took one, he had wondered if he was the cause. Had hoped he was.

And now the two of you were staring at his bed.

Why did he take you here? There were other beds.

He knew why.

He brought you here so he could do these deeds in his own bed, so maybe later he could smell your perfume on his pillow. This was wrong. He was using you. No, no, he was helping you. If he retreated now you would be totally lost to those idiots Emperors.

You took lead and sat on the bed, looking up expectantly. Marcus followed, sitting closer than allowed, his left thigh touching your right.

“Have you had any experience?” He needed to know what he was working with.

You were open and honest. “I have been kissed and I-I have explored myself.”

Fuck. That was an image for later.

He took a deep breath. “Nothing other than that?”

“No.” Your head shook minutely before commenting out loud, “I don't even know if I look suitable.”

“Look suitable?” He was confused.

“Down there.” You shrug. “What if it's abnormal and I don't know?”

The softest sigh left his lips and gave you a warm smile. “It won't be abnormal.”

“That's why we're here.” You joke with hot cheeks. “Scare you before I scare them.”

He licked his upper teeth, changing the topic; “Did you enjoy kissing?”

You made a face. “Not particularly, we were children, it was Gnaeus. He just sort of did it.”

Marcus nodded, remembering the brat, who should NOT have been anywhere near that close to you. “That is where we start then.”

You nod, eyes fluttering to his lips.

He gave you ample time to pull back before he closed the gap, one hand finding your waist whilst the other cupped your cheek.

Your lips were soft when he pecked them and their barest touch had him cursed. He would never be able to kiss another without thinking of you.

Pressing a little firmer he continued kissing you in this fashion, slowly working up to running his tongue across your bottom lip.

You gasped and he retreated an inch. “Are you alright?”

“Where do I put my hands?”

“You can put them anywhere.” He pecked your nose, “you're allowed to touch me anywhere and if you want me to stop just ask.”

Slowly you ran your hands up his torso - the position you were currently sat in meant one was on his chest and one his back - and back down before you initiated the next kiss.

He grinned into it, feeling his palm on your cheek heating.

Again, Marcus ran his tongue across your lips and slowly, ever so slowly, got you to open wide enough for him to infiltrate. A breathy noise escaped you but you continued, even finding the confidence to brush your tongue against his.

His hands had migrated - whilst yours were now firmly positioned - one in your hair and the other pressing your spine, pushing you into him. He tugged lightly on your hair and you allowed him to manipulate your head, exposing your neck. Marcus was quick to leave a trail of sloppy kisses down it. Nipping and sucking just to elicitate those breathy half-gasps that were sweeter than nectar.

Languidly travelled back up to reconnect your lips. He could feel your fingers flexing against his chest and one of your hands found his jaw, angling him to better suit your needs.

That was heavenly, he could die happy.

You pulled back, breathing heavily, and placed your left hand on your thigh. “I-I’m wet.” The confession was more of a question.

He deserved a medal for suppressing the groan that tried to claw its way out. It did half escape as a rumble that you would’ve felt. “That's good.”

“It normally takes a long while before that happens.” You were too surprised to hear the words you spoke but he adored them.

“Means I'm doing my job well.” He gave you a cocky wink.

“Shut up.” You words had finally caught up, covering your mouth in embarrassment. “I can't believe I just said that.”

“It's good.” He promised. “It helps if we're honest.”

You had to agree with that. “So, I'll disrobe?”

“If you wish.”

“Do you wish?”

“I'm ready to see the beast.”

“I hope you know,” You stood to remove the stola. “After this, you and I will next meet in the Coliseum.” He chuckled at your mock threat, rubbing a hand down his face.

This was it. He couldn't believe you were asking him to analyse your body. How on earth had he got this lucky?

The tunica was discarded and your bare back faced him. “You'll be honest, yes?”

He nodded before realising you weren't facing him. “Of course.”

Slowly you swivelled to face him, arms at your sides but itching to cover your insecurities. Which was foolish because you were glorious. Sent from Venus, or perhaps you were her. Maybe you were a test and he was failing.

Your skin was smooth and there were no blemishes in sight. The slope of your breasts was beautiful and the colour of your nipples made him smile. His eyes raked downwards where a neat set of curls lay.

“I can try to trim shorter, or even longer? I know some women prefer tha-”

“You're perfect.” He stopped you. “You look divine.”

Relief hit you, it relaxed your tense shoulders and you were quick to sit back next to him, one knee bent so you could better face him. You held your ankle - a move which drew his attention ever closer to those soft curls - and smiled. “Thank the gods, they won't kill me.”

“Wouldn't dare.” Marcus dragged his eyes back up to yours. “I'd kill them both.” You tried to suppress the grin into a tiny smirk but he could feel you radiating pride. “I’m going to kiss you again.” He told you.

You readily accepted that, leaning in to meet him.

Now you were facing him it was easier to fondle him. Your right hand firmly grasping his shoulder as your left held his thigh.

Marcus was never one to shy away from anything so he found his hands starting at your hips before they split off in opposite directions. His left was delicate as it cupped your breast, thumb grazing the nipple he ached to lick, and his right on your thigh, dangerously close to your core.

He was even more careful as he descended, using his thumb to swipe at your wet curls.

You fully gasped, eyes cast downwards and he repeated the action. Your bent knee provided just enough of an opening to play with.

He gathered some of your slick and brought it to his lips. You were definitely a trick from Venus.

He repeated himself, slowly getting deeper into your heat as he did.

“I'm going to need you to lay back.” You were silent as you nodded, slowly extracting yourself and dropping to land on your elbows. “No, up on the pillows.” He spoke staring directly at your heat.

It was glistening.

“Oh.” You squeaked but followed instruction.

He allowed you a second to get comfortable and then hovered over you, kissing all over your face. Your cheeks and your nose and your forehead, he got lost in your lips but was quick to get back on track peppering kisses down your body. Making sure - selfishly - to suck just enough, on your flesh, to leave marks. The moan you released wasn't breathy - it was full and sexy - and encouraged him to do more. He left a physical trail down towards your chest.

He did in fact lick that nipple and your reaction was to arch your spine which pushed it further into his mouth. He groaned and flicked the other, making you squeak. Using his tongue he met that second nipple and kissed it better.

Throughout this he could feel your legs - which he was betwixt - clamping against his sides, it was lucky for him that he was at this lower angle because otherwise he didn't think he had the strength to stop from pressing into your heat. If that happened he would find it hard to leave.

Fuck.

He was so fucking cursed.

He wanted you.

This should be your wedding night.

Why-why was this not?

Why was this a friend helping a friend out?

How was this a friend helping a friend?

Your fingers clutched his hair and forced him to look at you, chest rapidly rising and falling, “that felt so good.”

The out of breath, brows slightly pinched, puffy lips look suited you.

If you were his bride you would permanently look like that.

“Ready for more?” He kissed the centre of your chest, crawling backwards. He kissed your stomach, taking bits of the flesh between his teeth and smoothing them with kisses.

Until he got where he had wanted to be for years.

He hooked his shoulders under your legs in a fluid movement, kissing your inner thigh.

“Gods.” You watched, fascination splattered across your face. He inched closer and kissed your curls causing your knees to meet. “Sorry- sorry.” You pried them apart.

“Let me help.” He positioned his left arm so it was bent over your leg with his hand inches from his mouth, his fingers brushed across your lips and your subsequent suffocation attempt was halted.

His right hand was free and - surprisingly - grapsed yours. He intertwined your fingers, giving you one last wink before he licked the stripe of your lips.

Your head fell back and you groaned in pleasure. He kept going, left hand parting your folds further for him to lap at the nectar.

He was a proud man.

He had had many women.

But this.

You.

This was something new entirely.

This felt right?

He was meant for this.

To bring you pleasure.

Once more, he lamented the fact that this wasn't your wedding night and you weren't his.

But in his mind he could dream. He tested putting your name with his last name and had to grind his hips into the bed for relief.

You fisted chunks of his hair expertly and kept muttering words he was too distracted to hear.

He spied you and decided that this was the perfect time to replace his tongue with his hand. Sadly that meant extracting it from yours but he was certain you wouldn't mind.

It was seamless work to swap tongue for finger and now he could focus on the pebbled bud he'd purposely been knocking with his nose.

Swirling random shapes on it morphed into flicking it and your moaning became an ever present hum of bliss.

It was only here when he realised you had been saying his name. Chanting ‘Marcus’ again and again.

It was another breath of fresh air. Usually he was called General or Acacius but he loved when you called him Marcus. Special.

He thought on the ramifications of that, of this, as he pumped his finger into you. You were tight and warm and wet and fucking perfect! How were you this good?

He took a brief break to watch his hand as it disappeared into you, your slick sliding down his palm and onto the sheets. Was it dastardly if he didn't wash them? If he slept in them later?

He was sure you could do another finger. He'd make such a mess if there was a second. It was exciting him, these perverted thoughts. He didn't waste a moment and added the other digit.

Your mouth formed an ‘o’ as you let out a mewl. He glanced up to see you observing him. The light sheen of sweat that had formed on your temples was delicious, your dazed eyes were even more so.

“It feels-” Your thighs stiffened. “I'm going to-”

He kept his rhythm, bending back down to suck on your clit and you tensed so hard he thought you were in pain.

You weren't. You were cumming.

He bent lower to lick at his palm and your folds and his fingers as he was still working you. Wanting you to feel every part of the orgasm.

“Oh my gods, Marcus,” you mutter once you could think coherently, “Marcus, please.” You tried to move your hand - still clutching his hair - but it was jelly. “Marcus Acacius. General!”

He snapped out of it, head jolting up and meeting your gaze.

Calling him ‘general’ in bed went straight downstairs. He ground himself against the bed, again, for any kind of relief.

“I like it when you call me General.” He carefully extracted his hand, lapping at the remnants and sitting up. “Makes me feel good.”

“Well, that just made me feel very good.” You clumsily sat up, legs still spread. He could just kneel back down. You'd let him, he was certain. “Come here.”

He obliged, pulling you flush against him and flopping himself back against the pillows. You giggled at the movement and then returned to the original plan of kissing him again.

He let you kiss him all you wanted, your wobbly legs on either side of his stomach. You were sitting slightly higher than his pelvis. It wasn't long before he noted the subtle grinding against his body. Hesitant and clumsy.

His palms kneaded the flesh of your rear, prizing the cheeks apart and not so subtly directing you to where you wanted to be.

You ceased the kiss and gave him a frustrated scowl. “Why are you wearing clothes?”

Marcus couldn't provide a suitable answer so ridded himself of the fabric.

Your gaze was focused on his length and you licked your lips. “Do- do you want me to-?”

He could actually feel the fondness of his smile, it was in the crinkles by his eyes. “You don't have to do anything. Just what feels right?"

“I-I liked when I was just rubbing against you- gods, that sounded so stupid.”

“Then keep doing that.” He pulled your hand away from where it hid your face. “We don't have to learn everything today. We can have fun.”

You were hesitant but pressed a deep kiss onto his forehead. “I thank the gods for you.”

“Don't thank them, I'm not-”

You silenced him by pecking his lips. “You're an idiot but at least you're my idiot.” You kissed him again.

He lifted you back onto him and let you grind against him. It was sweet, sweet torture. Your wet core against his hard length was enough for him to burst. You accidentally notched his tip a few times - he had to will himself to be calm - but you were quick to recover.

“And this is meant to fit in me?” You gasped in his ear. “I doubt it.

He rumbled a response, lost entirely in you. In your motion. In the confidence that made you kiss his neck.

You even bit down.

That caused a growl. He ordered you to do it again and his hold on you tightened to a bruising pressure.

“Fuck.” He forced his lips back on yours, devouring you.

One of his hands made quick work of relocating that little bud of nerves and he was lightning quick in conjuring your second orgasm.

You cried into his mouth, him swallowing the moan like a starved lion.

You were limp in his arms, allowing him to kiss and move you however he wanted until you could make those decisions again.

“Marcus this isn't fair.” You mumble, before coughing and trying again, “I've come twice, you still need to. The roles are meant to be reserved. You're meant to show me how."

The stern brow was wildly contradicted by the satisfaction in your entire being. You sat up from his embrace and pointed an accusatory finger at him.

“This is all confidence building.”

You removed your limbs from him, landing on the stained sheets. “Come on, I need to at least do something to relieve you. I just don't think it'll fit in either my mouth or..."

"Your cunt?"

An adorable flush decorated your cheeks.

He was incredibly smug that you were even considering those options.

“I won't last long,” He warned. “But it is usually customary to shake a man's hand before inviting him in.”

The exact second his words clicked was a picture. You nodded enthusiastically and even let out a proud, “I can do that.”

He was leaning against his pillows observing you calculate your next move.

“Sorry, I got you so messy.” You bit your lip as you delicately took him in hand.

Even just you holding him was erotic. It took more strength than it should have to keep from embarrassing himself.

“Up and down.” He whispered, unsure if you knew what to do next. You were careful with your movements, slowly easing into a rhythm that teased. “Faster.”

Your eyes flickered up to him and he saw the mischievous glint, “say please.”

Marcus fought back a growl but conceded, “please.”

You did go faster and it took hardly anything at all for him to spill onto your lap. In your surprise your movements faltered but he captured your hand and worked himself through the orgasm, thick ropes hitting as high as your chest.

He panted, head entirely too heavy on his neck. When he came to he caught you dipping your finger into the mess on your chest.

You brought it up to inspect before experimentally licking your finger. There was an inquisical noise before you brought more to your mouth.

“Stop,” he halted your movements. “You are entirely too erotic to look at in the state I'm in.”

“Taste's like the ocean, salty.”

The room was still, the two of you basking in your shared bliss, his hold on your hand firm.

Until you broke the silence with a cocky, “I can't believe I made you say please.”

“You'll pay for that next time.” He warned, bringing your hand to kiss the back of it. “You will pay.”

A dark glint in your eye and a devilish smirk appeared. “When is the next time?”

The fact that he was able to give you lucid and coherent sentences whilst actually using his brain to think in this state, staring at your cum covered body, was unheard of. You must be special. “I am needed tomorrow, I can do the next day.”

You leant back down for a kiss. "Okay."

~~

Scanning the room you made the appropriate amount of conversation despite being in a daze. You couldn't stop your mind conjuring the image of Marcus, the feeling of him, his lips, his smell, just him.

It was almost a twist of fate that you were standing in the middle of a celebration in his honour.

Calacais was throwing it, he had invited everyone of importance - meaning your father - and your mother was on a mission. She presented many handsome and eligible men for you to speak to, in hopes that a marriage would halt the Emperor's plan.

They were all nice, all charming, but they weren't him. He was something else, something new; you had raved on and on to Aelia about your experience.

“Aelia, it was spectacular.” You whisper over a shared pomegranate.

“Spectacular?” She wiggled her eyebrows.

“Hush, I'm so glad, so blessed, that he offered his help. I've learned much-well, actually the majority of it was him pleasuring me but he said it was confidence building. Which I very much needed.”

She tossed some seeds your way. “I swear you are blind to the signs. You're telling me he spent the majority of your time just focusing on you? Hardly any man does that.”

Your cheeks warmed at the insinuation. “He's showing me things, That's all." Dismissing with a wave of your hand because you wouldn't hurt yourself by hoping.

“Okay,” she understood. “What did he do then?”

“He-” you couldn't believe you were saying this. “He first used his hand and then began to lick my slick from his fingers!” She looked impressed. “He informed me that I looked acceptable-”

“I doubt he said acceptable.”

“-and then used his mouth on me. His tongue was divine. Cupid himself would be proud.”

“And then?”

“I hadn't ever come that quickly, it was- anyway, we kissed again and- oh, yes, we practiced kissing a lot. He kissed me everywhere. He even bit me, look.” You pulled your tunica and she saw the marks. “I long to parade them.”

Her eyes flashed up from your chest to your face. “This was purposeful. He wanted to mark you.”

“It just happened, I bit him too.” You replaced the tunica. “I left no marks, his body is littered wit- oh shit, I didn't spend enough time admiring his body. Aelia, it was so strong, so hard-” she giggled. “-not just there. He could lift me as if I was a lavender sprig. His arms were large and yes down there was, too. Next time, I need to give him the same amount of attention he gave me because he deserves worship.”

She quirked a brow. “When is next time?”

“He's busy tomorrow but the day after told me to return.”

“Stop staring into space.” Your mother pleaded.

You give her a sheepish smile, “apologies.”

“Did anyone catch your eye?” She was beautiful for asking that. Usually women were just married off but she was firm with your father, she wanted you to like your suitor - at least to be attracted to him - which led you to today. Unwed and facing the Emperors.

“They were all lovely.” You nod.

She side eyed you but said nothing.

You coughed slightly, making idle chit chat, “it's good that the General is home.”

“Bless Mars,” she agreed, lost in thought. “He is a nice man.” With that she left you again.

Where was she going?

Not to see him, surely?

He was here.

You had caught his stare not too long ago, unsure about how to present yourself - did you go up to him? Would that look alright? Would you be able to keep your head? Did he want you to talk to him? - due to the anxieties rattling around your mind.

In an ideal world you’d have jumped into his waiting arms.

But you weren’t in that fantasy.

So you kept to the shadows, letting your mother lead the suitors to you rather than meandering about and bumping into Marcus.

Gods! What if she presented him to you? You'd have to act in front of her!

No, you couldn't bear that.

So you stealthily made your way out of the atrium and through an exit where you were able to breathe in the fresh air. Calacais had a lavish home and fortunately that meant everyone wanted to stay inside and examine his newest vases and paintings.

Your hands landed against the cool stone balcony and for a moment you looked out into Rome, the greatest Empire there ever was. It was beautiful, of course there are the bad sides but when you looked at it from a distance it was brilliant.

“You’re avoiding me.” You jumped, hand holding your heart.

“Oh my- Marcus!” He was leaning against the wall.

The man chuckled and gestured with a nod for you to follow him. You did. Always would.

Marcus led you towards Calacais’ gardens but stopped just short of them to pull you down a crevice corridor. It was narrow - the two of you were chest to chest - and dimly lit. Completely hidden unless you knew where to look.

Your voice was too loud when you asked “Are you having fun?” to break the tension.

“You're avoiding me.” He accused again.

“I didn't know how to approach.” You confessed, shrugging. “I thought you may prefer me to distance myself.”

He scoffed, palms rubbing your waist. “I thought I scared you.”

“You're not scary.” Your head minutely shook and you caught the fabric of his toga. “I like this colour on you.” It was yellow and brought out the tan of his skin.

His knuckles brushed a strand - you were sure wasn't stray - from your face and then caressed your cheek. “You are magnificent, as always.”

Your words caught in your throat. You hadn't actively made an effort to beautify yourself, your skin bare except for the balm you rubbed on your lips. Him speaking those words made you believe they were true. It hasn't been a thing you'd spent time considering in the past. You were you, there were others far more exquisite.

But if General Marcus Acacius, hero to Rome, spoke it. It was true. You were magnificent. As always.

It was him that deserved these words. If only you could speak them.

“Ask me your question again.” Marcus’ eyes crinkled with fondness.

“My question?”

“Yes.” He prompted.

Racking your brain you found the question, repeating it for him, “Are you having fun?”

“Not yet.” He smirked down, his hands slid down to cup the fat of your rear. “But I could be.”

What did he mean?

Were you two to fornicate publicly?

It was shocking how willing you were to accept that.

“My mother will come looking.” You warn.

“Ah yes, she's parading you around for men who can't take you. I thought you were to be a concubine?”

“Please, I don't know what her plan is.” With a sigh you rest your forehead on his chest. “I think she hopes a union will halt the Emperors.” You dragged your head back up. “I doubt it.”

“I'm insulted, she hasn't even approached me.” He jests.

“It's a fool's hope.” You dismiss.

Marcus’ eyes were flicking between the two of yours. “I will seek her out.”

“That's probably a good idea, you are the man of honour, we better return.”

You left the crevice too soon to notice his puzzled expression. He realised, staring at the back of your head, that you didn't understand the weight of his words. His confession. You assumed he meant 'lets leave' instead of actually hearing 'I will seek her out'.

~~

Although he would never admit it, Marcus was giddy the next day.

No, he hadn't been able to speak with your mother but he was seeing you. That would make any man beam.

He had no idea what to expect other than his face buried in your sweet cunt. That was the goal.

Again he sat by the fauces, awaiting your arrival. His servants did ask if he intended to leave but he dismissed them again, he felt watched.

Out there he had freedoms, here if he made the wrong move it could be seen and reported. He didn't want you to be in any danger so he told them of your arrival and that he was teaching you another lesson. He'd have to remember to tell you that lie.

Maybe you could learn some sword work?

He crossed his legs at the image of you wielding a sword.

Fuck, he had never been this excited just from the mere thought of a woman. Yes, there were times when that's all that got him through but it wasn't like this.

“Boo!”

He jolted out of the thoughts.

Marcus’ glare softened once he saw you in a fit of laughter and he shook his head. “It's dangerous to sneak up on a general.”

You couldn't speak but when you did it was between wheezes. “The- look- on- your- fa-face.” You clutched your stomach.

He allowed you time to compose yourself, fanning yourself with a hand. “Finished?”

You giggled but then regained that composure. “I'm sorry, it was too easy.”

“You apologise far too much.”

“Sorry.”

He stood from his perch and intertwined your fingers, pulling you into the direction of his room, “You're not nearly as cute as you think you are.”

“I don't think I'm cute.” The reply was too genuine to be false.

He didn't want to inflate your ego but did respond with, “start. Everyone else does.”

Marcus had to keep his eyes on the destination because he knew the face you would be pulling. He could feel the weight of your gaze. Your eyes would be glowing - he had no idea how exactly they did that - and you would have that shy almost-nonexistant smile. Or perhaps your lips would be an inch ajar. Yes, that would be it.

As the two of you passed the threshold of his room he was suddenly struck. He had had all of these grand ideas and positions and wishes but here with you holding his hand, he was blank. He just wanted to kiss you and see where it went but you… you were here for a lesson.

“I think I made a mistake last time.” He tensed at the words. “I didn't spend nearly enough time observing your body.”

“Observing my body?”

“Yes.” You nod, hands on hips, because this was clearly obvious. “You spent an age looking at and kissing and touching mine.”

“You asked me to evaluate you.” He reminded.

Your lips purse and you step from him to remove your cloak and stola. When you were in your tunica you raised a brow and prompted him to disrobe.

As soon as you were bare - he was still untangling himself from the fabric - your hands were touching his body. They made mismatched patterns and cascaded along the muscle of his stomach. He had a particularly nasty scar on his left side so he tried to turn, hiding it from sight.

“Marcus.” You warned and he ceased the movements, finally free of any clothing.

“My body is not as breathtaking as yours.” He confessed, unashamed. He was a man of war. This is what got him to where he was today, loved by thousands though he only seeked one person's approval.

“Hush.” You bend to kiss the scar. “It doesn't hurt does it?”

“If it's cold. Sometimes I get hit there and it aches.” He stroked your hair - which again was less intricately styled - and you resumed kissing his side. “Let's- come on, that can't be comfortable.” It was an attempt to get you to stop because I) you were bent at an awkward angle and II) you were being far gentler with him than anyone had been for the entirety of his life. He was unsure how to react to such caution.

“Yes, please lie down.” You encourage, dragging him to the bed.

He did let out a few protests and grumbles but surrendered due to your promise of: “you can do whatever you wish later, just let me have this?”

So he lay on his back, feeling slightly vulnerable, and allowed your eyes to scan him. Your face never changed as you took in every bump, nick and scar.

Then you sat closer, your hip touching his, and kissed the thin line across his chest. That was old, it was barely a remnant of his training days. Your tongue sliding across it burned more than actually receiving it.

His heart started as you swiped it again but you shushed him, “it's okay.”

You kissed his shoulder at the marred flesh from an explosion. Which again had healed - not too unsightly - but to have you kiss and show it kindness causes his brows to pull.

Not one person referred to his injuries. Usually they go purposely ignored. There can be a polite ‘how'd that happen?’ but the women he had bedded and the men he fought with did not discuss much less than pay attention to them. It reminded him of your ‘did it hurt?’ reaction, you were just different. You saw him in a light that no one else could.

Shit.

He was really in trouble here.

Your lips tickled up from his shoulder to his jaw and onto his scarred cheek.

He hated that one.

A stupid, idiotic, mistake was the cause.

He never wanted to relive that day but it was a permanent reminder. Caught in a mirror, in his drink, on his cutlery, in the eyes of a curious child, in the whispers of women, the judgement of men.

But when you pressed your lips to it nothing else mattered.

“You said there was one on your back?” Your breath was warm against the scar.

Marcus’ hands - had been hovering around you during this exploration - crushed you into a hug. He clutched at your hair and shoulders, smushing you into him, carelessly.

He didn't want you to see the tears in his eyes. He couldn't have that.

So he hid behind the hug, swiping his face with the hand tangled in your hair.

“Marcus?” You whisper at his ear.

He loosened his ironclad grip and you gave a kind smile. Leaning down to kiss each eyelid.

“I think you are astonishing.”

“You flatter me too much.” His voice was small. “I'll get soft.”

A chuckle rose from you, “I doubt that, you're pure muscle. Look at these!” You gestured to his arms. “They are thrice the size of mine!”

How did you know exactly what he needed? You knew to steer the conversation and it made everything worse.

Fuck.

He was ready to admit that he was lost for you.

Head over heels.

Had been for years. Eons.

Was it too soon to admit it?

Did he care?

“I have to keep fit, there's a reason pretty women like you are safe here.” He stroked your arm.

His words made your expression falter for a millisecond but he caught it. And he remembered why you were here.

How did he keep forgetting?

You weren't his!

This was dangerous.

Yesterday was fucking reckless. He should have let you avoid him.

He shouldn't have sought you out.

But he liked the chase.

He liked that you were acting.

Hiding.

No one else knew that the two of you had been together.

It was thrilling.

You were wearing his mark under your conservative stola.

The man or men you faced could bring about your doom. It physically pained him to think of you in the same room as those boys. What would they order you to do?

The idea that you would be with another was unpleasant but them!

“Okay,” you nodded, all business, eager to learn. “I've had my fun. I'm ready to learn. I know I briefly pleasured you but I was thinking today I could use my mouth? You made me feel incredible. I want to do the same to y-I need to learn how to make someone feel good.”

He swallowed the bitter taste but nodded encouragingly. “I'm not hard, yet. We can kiss or you ca-”

“I'll rub you.” You avoided his eyes.

This felt wrong.

This felt weird, now.

You took him in hand and gave him a hesitant stroke.

“Lick your hand.” He spoke.

You followed the instruction, clinically, and rhythmically stroked him.

He would be the first to admit this felt strange but he was also just a man. And a beautiful woman was pumping his length and he was just a man.

“It's fascinating.” You mutter as he began to swell.

He would've replied with a sarcastic remark but you kissed the tip and he let out the least-manliest whine.

That noise surged you forward and you kissed again. He was able, thankfully, to keep himself quiet.

“You'll tell me if it's not good?” Your voice was steady and unsure but you carried on, kissing the head.

“Of cour-UH.” You licked a stripe from base to tip which was unfair. “Fuck you.”

Your chuckle vibrated through your tongue and it was heavenly.

If he hadn't known, he would have assumed you'd always been a concubine. You swallowed him down like a whore.

Summoning Herculean strength, he restrained himself from moving because you were adjusting to it. But your mouth was warm and wet and tight and he wanted to buck up so badly.

You came off of him with a pop causing another whine. “My teeth aren't in the way are they?”

He shook his head frantically, “n-no.” Coughing, “no, they're fine.”

And you resumed.

Swallowing him and slowly you bobbed your head experimentally and then awkwardly tried to move your body to regain the rhythm.

He didn’t have to - probably couldn't - talk you through it as you were smarter than Minerva and found your way.

Your hair flew as you bobbed around so he scooped it up and held it, tight. He needed to watch. He couldn't get too lost in the feeling. Couldn't close his eyes.

This was a sight to behold.

Your tongue had been still, flat to your jaw, but as you grew in speed you swiped it across his length and he hissed out a breath. Fuck.

Your eyes flashed up, but he shook his head. “Keep going.”

So you did, you even wrapped your palm around the base where your mouth was too small to hold. Pumping him with all your might.

When the urge was too much to control, Marcus’ hand pushed your head the tiniest amount.

You hummed around him in response and he did it again, gently fucking up into your mouth.

You hummed again and even gave a thumbs up so he was less gentle. Hips bucking as he shoved you down onto him. You took everything he gave. Took it all. Even when he was too rough and you gagged, you still continued.

He hadn't even registered that he was uttering words of motivation until he found himself wiping away stray tears as he shushed you, “You're okay. You're doing good, you're doing real good. Keep going. Keep going. That pretty little mouth of yours. Taking me so well.”

He didn't stop boosting your ego, not when you were doing this brilliantly.

It wouldn't be much longer now.

He could feel his muscles tense, he knew he was close.

He had longed to fuck you - it had haunted his dreams - but to stop you from your frankly amazing work when he was just on the cusp of an orgasm…

Again: he was just a man.

So he let out a brief warning and suddenly he was cumming into your mouth.

This time, you remembered to keep going, you kept sucking until he was spent, swallowing all he gave until he did have to prize you off.

You straightened, out of breath - chest rising and falling rapidly - eyelashes wet and swiped the drool from your lips with your tongue.

“Fuck me.” He yanked you down and kissed you once, settling you next to him in a far too intimate embrace. He kissed you again. Pouring everything he wanted to say into it.

His forehead met yours and you both caught your breaths.

“Any notes?” You question.

“That was not the first time you've done that.” He was in disbelief.

Your lips curled against his. “There has to be room for improvement.”

He found himself still panting. “I'd have to experience it again, see if I missed anything.”

“I don't mind that.” You peck his nose.

~~

You had slipped out from his hold and left Marcus’ home as he slept. The two of you had laid there chatting, playing with hair and leisurely marking each other.

You left an awful lot on him.

But he kept asking for more.

He wanted a mark from you to match each scar on his body.

Who were you to deny him?

Your mother and father hadn't noticed your return so you and Aelia were free to gossip as much as you wanted.

The next day was a nothing day. You and Marcus hadn't arranged your next meeting and you couldn't just show up in case he was hosting or out.

You lounged about your rooms, considering catching a mime show but stayed content with weaving.

It helped to do something repetitive.

Keep your mind off of him and onto the task at hand.

However you were very good at the task at hand.

You could weave without thinking about it.

A blessing and a curse.

So you took to spinning yarn.

“Thraex is hosting!” Your mother sung as she rushed into your room. “Why are you not ready?”

“Thraex?” You weren't told about that.

“I told you at Calacais’. Every noble household is hosting for the Generals return, you know this.” She scoffed. “Do you not listen to a word I say?”

“Sorry.” You offer.

“Where's that girl? She is at fault.”

“No, I dismissed Aelia. I told her I was okay, I didn't realise. Don't blame her.” You order. “I will be ready momentarily.”

“But your hair!” She cried. “I wanted you to wear the green and gold headpiece- or the opal one. I don't think we dress you up enough.” She examined you. “We could maybe try to open up the stola at your chest. Draw them in.”

“Mother, you are acting crazy.” You could not show your chest at all! “You've never been like this before.”

“We had the luxury of time before.” She snapped. “Your father is a good man but I don't think he realises what he does half of the time. Being gifted to the Emperors is a privilege, by the gods, but you are virgin. You are young. They are hungry men. I am afraid it will be like handing a lamb to two famished lions.”

“It is the both of them?” Your voice was shaky.

“I am unsure which one.”

“Let's hope it is Caracalla. He is the joval one.”

“You best hope it isn't him.” She warns.

“Why?”

“I hear he is sick down there.”

“Sick?” What did she mean?

She saw the evident fear in your eyes and changed her demeanor. Instead of scolding you, she found you the combination of jewellery and stola, speaking as she pottered about. “Geta is volatile but he's the better of them. But we will find you someone, even if you don't like them that way. We will find you a match you are content with but you have to act the part. Last time you were lost in thought. You'll have to win these men over. You aren't getting any younger.” You nodded. She was right of course. Someone, surely, would take your hand. You just had to show them you were worthy. Had to prove that taking your hand wasn't a mistake. Had to stop thinking about Marcus because he would have asked by now. He had even joked about it! “I'll send the girl in, just… try to smile.”

~~

You'd left whilst he slept.

He cursed himself.

It was foolish of him to do that.

He had a plan.

He wanted to more- wanted to be better for you.

At least the two of you shared some laughs?

Your favourite fruit was an azerole, you'd only had it once, it was fairly rare but you remembered the taste. Second were strawberries, they were ‘delectable’. Your choice of word made him go on a tangent about a sweet fruit he had tried recently, how it was hot and juicy and tasted better than nectar. That caused a very heated make out session.

Talking to you in bed screamed domesticity and he yearned for it.

The other darker reason why he hated himself, why he cursed falling asleep was because the bloodshed sometimes returned in slumber. It waited until he was at his most peaceful and cut at him. There were nights where he woke up screaming and he had found his bed caused the most pain. It was too soft. He was an imposter. Half being. He was a twisted, God spited, thing that didn't deserve you to lie in it.

If you had seen that… no. He wouldn't do that again. You wouldn't see that.

As he was fitted into a chest piece, he grumbled, “do I have to attend?”

Thraex? The name was vaguely familiar. Was he a senator? Marcus tried to find a mental image of the man but he couldn't. He was sure they had met four years ago, before Lebanon.

“The Emperors are to make an appearance.” His servant spoke, a hint of an apology in his tone. “Your lady friend may be ther-”

“Do not refer to her ever.” He snarled. “Do not speak of her. She is a lady, her lessons are vital but to an on looker it may look nefarious.”

“I meant no disrespect.” He promised. “I will not mention her.”

“Her reputation could be harmed.” Marcus carried on. He didn't need to and was unsure why but he kept speaking. “She is innocent and the Emperors have taken an interest so I wouldn't like to damage her chances. She's a special woman.” Why was he saying this? “You're dismissed.”

The servant nodded and left silently.

The chariot ride was gastly and he hated all the pompous introductions.

He needed a drink.

The Emperor's celebration was enough but to have a week of parties dedicated to him - by people that didn't even know or truly like him, they just liked showing off - felt like overkill. But he had to deal with it because it was part of the job and despite hating the spotlight, he didn't mind being Rome's “hero”.

“Acacius!” Caracalla clapped his spine harder than necessary. “Where is your corona?” He ruffled the man's hair.

Marcus side stepped, eyeing the boy suspiciously. He wasn't convinced that this man was a complete lamebrain, it could have been a calculated act. Sometimes Caracalla was as sharp as a blade, but he did dip in and out of lunacy.

“I have it placed on display at my house. I wouldn't want to damage it or insult you by wearing it too much.”

“Always so humble. I like your cape.” He smiled and twaddled off to find his brother.

Marcus did have to agree. The cape was the finest yet. It was white, adorned with golden patterns that matched his chest place and tunica.

He felt clean in it.

In fact, had his actual armour ever been this clean?

“Acacius,” Thraex’s voice cut through the chatter. “Come hither, you must come and speak with Tiberius and Gracchus!”

So Marcus milled and acted humble and debated with senators about their ideals. He noted that no man in the room had seen any real as much conflict as he did but they all had their opinions.

Marcus warmed to Gracchus instantly, the man was wise and made comments about the state of the Empire that sounded harmless but got under your skin. Marcus could see them.

He knew of the poverty.

He knew resources were better used in house but if he were to cease the fight where would that leave him? They'd probably throw him into the Colloseum.

Tiberius was an ass.

He didn't like Tiberius.

Entirely too full of himself.

And he made comments about those in attendance that weren't subtle. He spoke about how fat Thraex had become, how the elephant meat was chewy, how Gauis needed to father a son before his wife was too old 'and by the gods she looked it'. He was certain the man would speak ill of him as soon as his back was turned.

“Oof.” He let out a low whistle, “finally, look there.” Tiberius nodded behind Marcus' shoulder.

“I think you've had enough.” Gracchus stated as Marcus glanced behind him.

You were speaking with a man - Octavius? - a fake smile plastered on your face. Your hands were twitching and your eyes kept flashing over to where the Emperors were being entertained by the host.

“Do you think she's been bent over?” Tiberius elbowed Marcus in jest.

“I think.” His words were pure venom. The wartime persona he had left at the gates clawed its way out. “You shouldn't speak so unwisely, cretin.”

Tiberius paled. “My mistake. She is a lady, Gracchus is right, I have had too many glasses.”

“You owe her an apology.” His gaze was piercing and he ordered the words around ground teeth.

“To apologise would only upset her, I would have to explain-”

“In lieu of an apology, you can steer clear of her and any other women you have insulted tonight.”

Tiberius agreed mutely, and said goodbye to the general.

Gracchus watched the man stumble away and turned his head towards Marcus who’s anger was radiating from him in hot waves.

“You've moved up in my estimations.” He commented.

Marcus’ lip twitched in a fake smile and he excused himself.

“Acacius, where are you going?!” Caracalla called. Fuck. “They're about to s-iinnnng!”

So he turned back to watch with the rest of you. He stood far back, close enough to appear interested but far enough to cool off.

He used the smorgasbord of food as an excuse.

The song became two and then three and then there were dancers. He was entirely bored.

Movement caught his eye and he was drawn back to the very thing which riled him up: you. You casually picked at one end of the table, head directed to the performers. And slowly meandered to pick at the nuts at the end he was standing by - shooting a pointed ‘whats wrong?’ look as you passed him. A subtle shake of the head told you ‘not here' and you carried on the act.

His body - bless the cape! - shielded you from view. Behind his back he moved to clasped his wrist in one hand and you intertwined your fingers. Giving him a squeeze.

“Have you had any elephant, yet?” he looked over his shoulder - body still hiding you - to ask you the completely normal question.

“I have not. I'll have to try some.” You smile up at him, a real one. It didn't quite meet your eyes because you were clearly confused and concerned but he would take it.

“I can cut you a piece.”

“That would be very kind of you, General.” You blinked exaggeratedly when you spoke the word.

His eyes hardened and you mouthed a quick ‘sorry’.

The casual conversation drew no attention. He cut you a slice and you chewed happily. Thanking him.

Your mother hissed your name and you were summoned back to her and Octavius. “Until our next meeting.” You gave a polite nod and brushed your hand against his when you left.

The singing was actually a half play. That's why it took so long.

There were better things he could be doing with this time. There were swords to polish and beautiful women to steal away and fuck. If only he were Pluto and he could whisk you away to his realm like Proserpina.

When the half play eventually ended some people were dabbing their eyes!

The Emperors clapped and gave their seal of approval before demanding real entertainment.

“I was promised a show, Thraex.” Geta demanded. He had no other way of speaking, he always demanded things and was always appeased. He was to be approached with caution.

Thraex chortled. “My dears, I do have a show. Straight from the Colosseum itself.” He waved through a pair of fighters and asked the group to move back.

“Acacius.” Geta called. “Come here. I want to know your opinion on this fight.”

Marcus waited a beat but did come to stand at Geta’s side. Strategically the better move. He wouldn't have liked to be in between the two.

The fight began, the man using nothing but their two fists, much to Caracalla’s chagrin.

“You get a longer fight, brother.” Geta waved him off. “Are they really trying to hurt each other, or are they just elongating the show?”

“They are doing a bit of both but he-” Marcus pointed to the taller man. “-has a past injury, it must be difficult to keep up.”

“Ah.”

The men were on the floor in a scramble, causing the crowd to step back - Octavius moved you out of the way.

“What did her teeth look like?” Geta asked, also watching you.

“Pardon?”

“Her,” He spoke your name. “You were just at the table, what were her teeth like? Signs of illness?”

How did he answer that? Did he say yes and then you wouldn't be wanted? Did he say no and stay in this Emperor's favour for being truthful?

“I didn't notice any signs, I wasn't looking for them.”

“You can usually smell it. Disease has a stench but you'd know that.”

Marcus’ head swivelled to meet Geta's stare.

“Plenty of death and decay out there.”

“Yes.”

“I'm meant to have her.” He shrugged in an aloof manner. “I'm not a fan of the younger ones, they don't know as much. Useless. But the older ones get sick quicker." Geta sighed. "I'm curious. Why has she not taken a husband? Why not be married off? Do you reckon she's a hermaphrodite? Or has a disgusting body? Well... There's not much we can see to look at. I don't like her nose and she's… she's a little bland isn't she?”

Bland?

Fucking bland?!

He took a deep breath. “You are the Emperor, you have the greatest and best taste of all of us.”

“I don't know why her father is so insistent that I take her.” He mused.

“Years ago.” Marcus picked his words carefully. “I asked her father for a union and he denied it, so it is a privilege that he’s offered her to you. However, if you do not want her and don't feel like she is worthy. Don't stoop, don't give in, stand tall. Find yourself 10 that are better. You are the Emperor, don't settle for less.”

Geta considered the words as the champion was announced. He merrily clapped. “I will see you in the Colosseum! You've made a name for yourself!” His cheery demeanor fell when he directed his attention yet again at Marcus. “I want Africa, Acacius.”

It was a change of pace but yes, Africa was doable. “It won't be easy. With the right men and training I believe we can claim it for Rome.”

“Everyone!” Geta giggled, standing to address you all. “I have an announcement. Our hero, General Acacius has promised to deliver me and Caracalla and you Africa. We will claim it. We will conquer it. And as reward I am feeling generous.”

“I need no reward.” Marcus stated. “Serving Rome is enough.”

“Nevertheless, I am a generous Emperor and I am to gift you something of mine.” The crowd gasped. “Something I had yet to play with.” Marcus frowned. “I have heard whispers and rumours about our beloved hero and the absence of any heirs.” Marcus’ frown deepened but shot up as Geta called out for you. “Come hither.” You hesitated. “Now.” His harsh tone forced you to move but you were too slow. Geta met you halfway and forcibly dragged you across the room, hissing. “Do not be ungrateful, girl.” He raised the arm he was clutching in a death grip and announced, “A bride for our General.” Geta then tossed you into Marcus. “I have done well here. You are to tell everyone that Geta has secured the future of Rome with this marriage.”

Marcus held your bruised wrist with care and he gritted out. “Thank you, Emperors. This is an immense honour.”

“Thank you.” You bowed your head, hiding your glossy eyes.

There were nail marks at your wrist where he raised it and would be bruised on your bicep from him dragging you across the floor.

“Well done, brother!”

“To sheepish.” Geta sneared. “Train her General then if you should perish I'll consider her.”

~~

The following week was chaos.

Your father wasn't pleased. He accepted the union but you knew he secretly loathed it.

Mother was overjoyed. I) you were safe and II) she got to throw the biggest celebration Rome had seen in a while.

You were pleased, of course, you were safe. But there was this niggling feeling that Marcus wasn't. He was stuck with you, now.

You weren't a prize. Yes, there were times he spoke of your beauty and sometimes when he kissed you you believed you were loved but… he hadn't said that. He offered to help you because you were in danger. It was simply helping a friend.

The two of you hadn't been able to see each other alone whilst preparations were underway.

The Augurs were consulted and a date was picked. It wasn't far off at all. It would be in June so the Goddess Juno would bless your union.

That gave you four weeks and two days to plan, incorporate the Emperor's hefty list of demands, settle your father's complaints and figure out what to say to Marcus.

He was distant.

When you were testing wines, he sat next to you with tense shoulders, smile was slightly strained.

Aelia had even commented a few times but you didn't have the time to entertain that.

You were helping your mother create beautiful lace work, it was a hobby for those in the lower classes but you found it to be just as stimulating as weaving.

The weeks flew by.

It was all too quick and suddenly you found yourself trying on your white gown. The red cape - for fertility - was harsh in contrast but you mother found a pair of earrings the same colour.

It was real.

You were marrying Marcus.

This was wrong.

You were trapping him.

At least the two of you were friends. If he wanted to engage in another you could deal with that. Right?

“I know it's customary but do we think the six stranded braid is prettier than when you weave her hair?” Your mother asked Aelia.

Aelia’s eyes squinted in thought. “I think you may be right, the flowers would sit better.”

“Then it's settled.”

You were perfect. The perfect bride for the perfect groom.

All of Rome was please - ecstatic - to hear Marcus had been gifted a bride. And the Emperor's choice?

This was the marriage of the century.

It didn't feel like it should.

You sigh, staring up at your ceiling, mind set back to last month simpler times when Aelia snuck into your room. “Marcus’ servant gave me this to give to you.”

You bolted upright. “What does it say?”

“I haven't read it.”

“Has he run away?” Your nails were battered from weeks of abuse, but still you picked them. “Escaped?”

“I doubt it.”

“Aelia, he has been forced into this.” You took the papyrus and unravelled it, reading aloud. “Meet me at noon, behind the Thermae. Marcus.”

“It's not negative.”

“It isn't positive, either.”

“Will you go?”

“Of course.”

And so you were off to the baths for a treat. Neither of your parents minded, they were encouraging, you should enjoy yourself. Let loose. Have some fun!

You kept the charade up, a happy bride-to-be going to treat herself before the big day.

Everyone ate it up.

You round the building and find no one there. Aelia was waiting at the front, so you walked down the thin alley and sat in solitude on a broken piece of wall.

It took three songs - you were humming to keep your spirits high, this was a creepy alleyway - for someone to walk over.

It then struck you that the message may not have been from Marcus at all. This hooded figure walking towards you could be anyone. You could be kidnapped right here. Beaten, raped.

“Marcus?” You forced your voice to be strong.

He dropped his hood and, yes, thank the gods, it was him. He looked tired but it was Marcus. “Hello.”

“Hi.” You clasp your hands on your knees. “Fancy meeting you here.”

“Sorry for the lack of communication, the Emperors have been on my back.” He explained. “They want Africa and they want it now but realistically it will take years to train men and to find the resources. The senators are against it and I'm caught in the mi- what happened to your hands?”

“My hands?” You glance at them, they look awful but they're not bleeding, and then shrug him off, “Wedding planning.”

“Ah yes. My bride.” He spoke, giving nothing away. You can't judge his feelings, he may be happy or miserable.

“My husband.” You rebut.

“How are you feeling about that?” He steps closer, leaning against the wall opposite and filing his arms. “I know I'm probably not the first choice but better than them right?”

“Of course, I am beyond grateful for the union. I cannot express how glad I am that it is you. You are my friend and have helped me.” His lips twitch. “I feel so guilty that you're stuck wit-” you sigh. “You could have anyone you wanted and they lumped you with me.”

“I've not been lumped with you. I am also pleased that you're my bride.” That was something. “It's not often I get what I want.”

“What you want?” You were what he wanted?

“Yes,” he chuckles darkly. “Did your father not tell you?”

“Tell me what? I know he isn't pleased but he's taken a distance from mother and I.”

Marcus’ face scrunched into an adorable frown. “He really didn't tell you?” You raised your brows and gestured for him to speak. “Years ago, when I was just a soldier, I asked for your hand.” Excuse me. What the fuck?

“Sorry, can you repeat yourself? It sounded like you said you had already asked for my hand.”

He smiled warmly. “I did. He denied it. Something to do with our fathers, I never knew why.”

You were in a state of shock.

He had asked for your hand?!

He

Had

Asked

For

YOUR

Hand.

And he admitted he ‘wanted’ you. Still wanted you.

“I-I-” Words failed.

“Are you okay?” The question was genuine but you could see the smug glint in his eye.

“Come here.” Offering your hand, he took it and you yanked him over the short distance.

He was between your knees, hands landing on your thighs, staring down at you with what you now know to be devotion in those eyes.

Your hands are connected behind his head, arms resting on his shoulders. “I never thought you cared for me.”

You felt the puff of laughter on your lips. “I don't usually offer to bed my dearest friends.”

“I have been fond of you from afar since childhood.” The confession heated your cheeks but you were proud to finally say it. “Remember in summertime, the year Brutus died, when you made me that flower crown? I wore it for days. It was dead when I finally took it off.”

“I remember that.” He pecked your temple. “It was all I could offer you.”

“You gave me more than a crown that day.” You extend your neck upwards, “kiss me?”

Marcus obliged.

The kiss was simple and innocent. The two of you hadn't had many that were.

You kissed because you could, not to dive into the bedroom. Not because it was part of some training.

You kissed him because you wanted to.

And so did he!

You broke the kiss and Marcus’ lips followed yours, reconnecting them for one last.

“I wasn't finished.” He joked.

“So… we-” you giggle. “We're getting married in less than a week.”

“Say that again, hearing it brings me such joy.”

“We are to be wed in five days.”

His grin was illuminating.

“Did the ring fit?”

“Yes.” You show him, the ring was simple but elegant. There were words etched into it, too faded for you to make out. "What does it say?"

“It says 'even after death'. It was my mothers.”

You bite the inside of your cheek looking down at your intertwined hands. His was so large and rough, yours small and soft. The ring looked like something he would give. It had a subtle beauty.

“I can't believe I spent so long thinking I was trapping you when years ago you asked for me!”

“I cannot believe you think you are a trap.” He scoffs, bringing his hands to smush your cheeks together. “You are by far the most beautiful woman in all of Rome.” The subsequent frown elicited an actual fit of hysteria.

Marcus had to bury his face into your neck and you were holding his entire weight as he chuckled into you.

Once the laughter had died down to short shaky breaths you spoke. “I'm glad I amuse you.”

His shoulders shook but he controlled himself. “Please, don't make me laugh anymore.” He spoke below your ear, voice strained. “It hurts.”

You hum, rubbing his spine and holding him.

It was odd.

No.

It was nice.

You held him close, smelling his hair and pressing kisses into his crown. You'd only ever held babies like this but right now you were holding Rome's future.

Marcus was beloved, more so than the Emperors. He made the Empire proud, he was cheered for in the streets, people gifted what little they had to him.

He was an honest to God's hero.

And here he was laying on you, stroking your arm.

He seemed small like this.

“I hate the way the Emperor refers to you.” His voice was low.

“What does he say?”

“They gave you to me. Like you were their property, like you're just a piece of clothing. Sometimes they imply I'm renting you or I'm preparing you.” His sigh heats your skin. “He thinks I will perish before we get Africa.”

The hand in his hair coaxes him from his hiding place. “Marcus you will not.”

“I have come close many times, this is something you will have to make peace with.”

“I won't allow you. I will walk to Pluto's domain and bring you back.” It was a fact. You wouldn't let him die. Not now he was yours.

“You'd defy the gods?” He quirked his head.

“For you, I would.” It was true. You'd jump into the Colosseum and fight every Gladiator there was - even Maximus - if it meant saving Marcus. “I want you to know, you're not renting me. I was not given to you, I wanted you. If I had known you had asked- the circumstances leading up to our union may have been unusual, unbelievable, but what is important is: we got there.”

He squeezed you so tight you could burst, kissing you with such force your nose hurt.

“I love you.” It was whispered into your ear, his face hidden but you knew he meant it. He liked to hide from you when he was emotional - like when you kissed his scars and he tried to hide his tears, you'd seen the wet eyelashes but knew not to comment.

You kissed what you could reach - his temple - and replied in your own hushed whisper. “I love you, too.”

~~

Despite having previously seen you wearing white and red for that matter, you were a vision. Your stola was white - fresh with unuse - with a pale embroidered trim. Over your shoulders sat a deep red cloak - white for purity and red for lust - that swallowed your body. The red shone against your skin, making you rosy. Attached to a thin red veil on top of your head sat a crown of roses and geraniums.

”Do you like it?” He hoped you did, he'd spent a while perfecting the crown. Used to braiding rope and nothing as fine as flower stems.

“Of course I do.” You beam. “It is spectacular.”

He didn't get to self-deprecatingly comment that 'it wasn't' because you placed it on your head and he was struck. Your cheeks and knees were dirty from the ground and your hair had loosened significantly, this was you. Boisterous and bold, laughing freely against the wind, following him through his exploration with curiosity.

“Only as spectacular as you.” Marcus looked down the hill at a distant Rome, avoiding your eyes.

You sat on your knees glancing down where he lay on his spine. “You're too kind.”

No, he wasn't. You were amazing. He- well, he loved you. He was lucky enough to have met you - his father bringing him along to a meeting - and be trusted enough that the two of you could go exploring - servants keeping a distance. If only he could be yours.

“I'm not.” He needed to change the subject. Marcus sat up, arms resting on his knees. “I'm going off soon.”

Your smile faltered but you gave an encouraging nod. “So I hear. You'll be a General in no time.”

He scoffed, “we can hope.”

Your fingers twitched and he noted your eyes flickering between his and his lips. Why were you looking at his lips? He could just lean down now and kiss you. Should he?

No.

He shouldn't.

He didn't.

Marcus ached to touch you, to brush a hand on your cheek, but he held back. Your parents were overseeing everything, father chatting jovily with guests - entertaining the forever bored Emperors - as your mother micromanaged each servant.

The ceremony lasted an hour however to Marcus sacrificing the lamb and throwing cake crumbs over your head before signing the contract felt like mere minutes.

Within seconds he and you were joined.

Finally.

It had taken years.

He had wanted this for so long.

You'd vowed to be his!

By the Gods you were his.

You were his!

Once all the ceremonial business was complete and the party commenced spirits were high. There was dancing and drinking and gift giving and life advicing.

You'd slipped from his grip to dance with your servant, uncaring about the judgemental glares. Marcus clapped along to the tune of three singers and one harp, smiling every time you twirled.

It was a sight to see. Not one person in this room could recall the General smiling. He was known for his stoic demeanour and, depending on circumstances rude, behaviour. It wasn't a deliberate act, he just didn't have the patience nor the time for half these men.

Glancing around the room he made eye contact with your father.

Marcus took a reassuring breath and stalked over to him.

He had faced hoards of men on the battlefield meeting your father over wine would be easy.

“Acacius.” He greets with the usual amount of disdain.

Marcus gave a curt nod and with a wicked glee he spoke, “Father.” The man bristled but couldn't argue. He was the only father figure that Marcus had. “I've received many gifts but, please, give me this one: Why do you hate me?”

He didn't give anything away, taking a long sip from his cup. “You're a soldier.”

“I am.” Marcus came to stand next to him, facing the crowd instead of his back to it. “Is that not a noble profession? Did that not build this Empire?”

He scoffed. “It leaves widows. You'd know the destruction conquest brings.” That was harsh but true. He had seen widows screaming in muddied fields, orphans weeping. He had made them. He wasn't proud of that. "How old were you when he died?"

Marcus was taken aback. He hadn't realised his father was the subject. He had only focused on his destruction, on his vengeance but thinking about it...

His father did die when Marcus was a boy and his mother perished shortly after. She didn't die but she was a ghost. A shell of herself.

Walking around lost.

Her appetite shrunk and her mind frazzled.

She died before Lebanon.

That's what your father meant.

“That isn't your only reason.” Marcus accused. It couldn't be.

“It's the only one you need to worry about.”

The two were quiet, silently stewing. How was he supposed to win your father over if the man wouldn't tell him why he was so against this union?

He stood next to your father watching you laugh, barefoot on the dancefloor.

Marcus would endure the brunt of your father any day just to watch you dance some more.

“The Emperor is wise.” Your father grumbled the words. “He knows what's best.”

Marcus didn't reply. Didn't know how to.

The singers, and thus the dance, finished and you broke from your servant - Alea? - with a grin.

The two of you skipped over to him, you weaved your way into his arms.

“Father, isn't it wonderful? You and mother have done such a great job.” You gestured to the room. Your mother had decorated with long flowing blue and red sheets, hanging from ceiling to floor, she and her servants - and he assumed you as well - had woven dark floral banners to match each vase of live flowers. The wedding and afterparty were happening in your home - there were the seven torches and the standard pyre but otherwise the home was transformed into a place of ceremony - he didn't mind. The two of you could leave when you wanted. To his… well… to your new home. “And you look lovely.”

Your father was wearing an orange toga to compliment your mother's green. “Thank you.” He spoke with a hint of a smile. “You are, of course, a vision.”

You rolled your eyes but didn't argue which was good. You must've felt how you always looked: pretty.

He squeezed your sides. “You are.” The light in your eyes was blinding and your smile adorable. He recentered a flower on your crown and ran his knuckles down to your temple. “Gorgeous.”

“Ahh, Rome's most popular pairing.” Geta interrupted your moment. The twins watching with morbid curiosity. “Aren't you something.”

“Yes, Emperors.” Marcus straightened his back, securing his hold of you, keeping his arms locked in place. “We have been blessed.”

“Thank you both, so much.” Your voice was confident.

“I cannot wait for your offspring. Literal proof of a good decision.” Geta’s eyes raked your body before he prodded your stomach. “Perhaps motherhood will suit you.”

Marcus knew this was a cruel joke, the Emperor was referring to his previous remark about your body but he found that he was distracted. Lost in those words.

Motherhood.

The two of you were going to be parents.

That was fucking brilliant. Marcus had to contain the full force face-splitting grin into something lesser.

You would look good swollen.

Your stomach round with life.

He could picture it. You holding their child.

Would it be a little girl or boy? He hadn't had to consider this. Hadn't had any reason to.

But, despite popular belief, he could only see a little girl.

He would stand her on his feet and dance, put her on his shoulders and be her horsey, he'd let her press flowers into his hair.

She would look like you.

He didn't want any part of him in her. He wasn't pleasant to look at.

But then, in this dream, she grinned up with big teeth and wide brown eyes. His eyes. And he didn't mind being part of her.

Her hair was a brown curly mop and she played Gladiator with him in the garden.

You would be the Lion.

The servants would gossip and rumours of your unusual parenting methods would spread but no one would mind. Because it was your family. The two most loved people in Rome.

He wouldn't go off to war as much. No.

He didn't want to.

Not now.

Snapping back as he realised this was a reward he hadn't paid for yet.

He would have to leave.

When, he didn't know.

But he couldn't whilst you were round and wouldn't when the baby was young. To leave when it was a toddler or a child was cruel.

That didn't leave an awful lot of room for the Emperor's plan.

"A mighty warrior." Geta forced your chin high, fingers denting your flesh.

In one fluid movement, Marcus pulled the hand down, clasping and shaking it. "We are blessed and will endeavour to bring one into the world."

“Are we to witness the joining?” Caracalla’s eyes wandered towards the lectus. “It is customary.”

Marcus frowned. “No. We won't be taking part in that.”

“Breaking tradition…” Your father huffed. “That's not a good omen.”

“It was my choice.” You rushed, taking the blame.

“Interesting.” Geta's eyes squint. “Either way, I expect an heir soon. And a male one at that.”

~~

Staring at his bed was heavy.

You were nestled in Marcus’ arms, breaking tradition again by being transported to your new home in only his muscled hold. You could understand why ususally many people caryed the bride as he almost walked the two of you into pillars because you were kissing.

“Lady Acacius.” His words drew you back to him, looking down at you with love.

“My husband.” You kiss his nose.

Marcus walked you to the right corner before he let your feet land on the stone. He undid your robe and let it fall to the floor, taking your hands in his and removing your bracelets.

He deposited them on your vanity table. It had come with your belongs as well as you and your servants, tucked into a corner for your oils and hair accessories to be held.

His hands removed the thin veil and delicate crown, placing them with precision.

“You've deflowered me.” You spoke the jest with a bitten lip.

His eyes flashed dark, movements halted. “Not yet.”

You chuckle and he rotates you by your shoulders to face a mirror - that he had brought you - adjusting the mirror so you can see yourself. His hands unclasp the necklaces and earrings and then make their way to your hair. Taking out the minuscule pins.

You were free of any jewellery bar the two rings on your left hand. The newest was a brighter gold an was etched with the same font 'forever and always'. He told you that it was how he truly felt and it matched the older's 'even after death' in a beautiful poem.

With you free of jewellery he slowly undoes your stola.

It's a shame, really, to wear it only once. The effort it took you to embroider the patterns felt silly. With it gone, he found you bare. You weren't wearing a tunica tonight in preparation.

Marcus’ breath grazed your neck as he placed deliberate kisses to your ear and down your neck to shoulder.

His hands wrapped around you. One palmed your left breast and the other went straight where you wanted it.

He played with your folds, running his finger through. You shuddered but welcomed the feeling.

You'd wanted him all night. He was yours. The two of you had both teased each other through the celebration with kisses and wandering hands. You were certain in almost no time you'd be begging for him so you tried to force that down. Tried to remain cool.

But he kept swiping his way through the now slicked folds.

He bit your jaw, making your back arch, and then sucked the raw flesh.

You kept spasming without meaning to, feeling and watching him enter you was something else entirely.

His movements ceased, “put your leg up on that.” Gesturing with a nod to the stool.

“My leg?”

He wanted you to what? To put your leg up there? You'd be open. You weren't against that ordinarily however to be watching oneself… it was a little intense.

“Come on.” He cooed.

You raise a wobbly leg and put your foot on the stool. The only reason you didn't feel silly was the shaky breath in your ear and watching his mouth fall open. “You like that?”

He growled in your ear, nipping your cheek for being cocky, and resumed his handiwork.

Your leg being higher meant that when your spine jolted or arched he didn't fumble.

You mewled as the torturously slow circles he created against your clit. “Marcus..”

He chuckled behind you.

The circles stopped altogether and you whined.

“If I'm doing it wrong, show me.”

Your cheeks were hot and you felt frustrated. He wasn't usually like this.

You sucked your finger before your hand knocked his out of the way and relieved yourself in the best possible way. The flick of your wrist had you moaning like a whore, what could you say? You'd had the time to practice.

Marcus’ breathing sped up as he watched you and you realised this is what he wanted.

He wanted to watch you enjoy yourself.

The fucker.

He brought his hand back up to your breast - you didn't notice it fall - and his ring was cold against your skin.

“If you wanted a show.” You pant. “You could've asked.”

It was a blessing that he was standing behind you holding you upright because you were a wreck. You don't usually do this standing.

His hand joined your own, two fingers slipping in, and you open your eyes to see his were wild. They were darker than you had ever known.

Your head was resting on his shoulder meaning that you were millimeters from his neck. So, you left sloppy kisses and lapped the tan skin.

Marcus pinched your nipple, his hand speeding to an impossible pace. Your only response was to moan.

You could feel him, behind you, firm against your rear and could just taste it. Forcing his hand to stop fondling you, you drag it to your mouth and begin sucking his digits. There was no reason except that you needed something to do, other than groan, with your mouth.

He bit your ear and you felt close.

You were ready to cum any second now.

Marcus trailed a stripe up your arm and entered a third finger.

How it was possible that he could reach somewhere inside that caused instant bliss, was a mystery. You hadn't even found that spot, hadn't been able to reach it.

Without his hand on your chest - that's why it had fallen - he wasn't there to stop your hips squirming but it didn't matter.

You felt the thread snap and you cried around his fingers. The orgasm sept throughout your body - everywhere going slack - and he worked you through it as long as he could.

He pumped his fingers into you until you begged him to stop.

He pulled out of both holes, a trail of spit and slick flowing as he did. Marcus pecked your cheek and made a display of lapping his right hand.

“You-your fingers are so much longer than mine.”

If he had done this, if he had have bedded you and then you were to go to the Emperors you'd be fucked.

He was all you ever wanted.

All you ever needed.

“Not just my fingers.”

He pressed his hard length into your rear and you let out a guttural moan. “I want it.”

“You're getting it.” He reassured before crushing your lips to his again and walking you to the bed.

Mirroring your way to the bedroom; he blindly led you to the bed, distracted beyond belief.

You could feel him disrobing and when your legs met the bed, you opened your eyes to see him bare before you.

Licking your lips, you reach for him but he stopped you and situated you amongsthis pillows. You wiggled your brows and Marcus followed you, kneeling between your bent legs.

“I'm glad we waited.” He opened up, eyes sincere.

You agree by pulling him closer, so he was hovering inches above you. “Let's not wait a moment longer.”

“Well, this-" He kept his hips still. "this may hurt.”

“Hurt?” He had brought you nothing but pleasure.

Your mother and Aelia had mentioned the act hurting but you thought that was preparation for the Emperors.

This was going to hurt?

“Not a lot and only for a moment but it may.”

Well, shit, now you were worried but ultimately, “I trust you.”

Marcus’ brows pulled and he pecked your nose. Then your cheeks. Then your neck. Then left so many marks on your chest that it looked like one big stain.

He was sneaky about deflowering you.

Rubbing his head between your folds to get it slicked and teasing you. You could feel your walls clench around nothing, waiting for him.

He distracted you by raising your leg and biting the flesh of your calf.

“Marc-uus.”

His blunt head pressed into you.

It was big. You knew it was going to be a tight fit and still it was big. He pulled back out and through your dazed vision you could see him analysing you.

He pressed back in and made it further in.

Only to pull fully out again.

What was he doing?

Was this part of it?

Marcus thrusted into you even further and it felt like he was splitting you into two.

He kissed your temple and played with your clit, repeating the action again and again.

It was strangely familiar and enjoyable.

You had used your hands, Marcus had used his and his tongue.

But it was also vastly different.

You felt full and every vein had your back arching. It was incredible.

Once he deemed you ready, he was able to speed up.

And you felt cheated.

You could've had this years ago.

The rhythm was perfect.

Both your bodies moving together, connecting in a way you had never.

“Marcus.” Your mouth was speaking on its own accord. “This is-yes, do that again.”

He pressed his palm against your stomach and reached even deeper inside you.

Ow.

That did hurt.

What the?

Oh, no, the pain had vanished.

You were biting your lip to stop the slew of dirty words and filthy moans escaping.

He held himself up - by your head - using his left arm and when you threw your head backwards in pleasure you glimpsed his muscle.

Bringing your useless - they were so useless, what had they been doing? - hands up to his cheek and his bicep you cupped each with an equal amount of love.

He noticed your infatuation, “you like that?”

Yes, yes you did. Very much so. It may be a more barbaric part of your mind but you did enjoy his body a lot.

He was quite possibly the strongest man you knew. You felt incredibly safe with him. And to see his strength as he thrusted into you was not a bad sight.

“Yes. My General.” You winked.

It was almost animalistic the way he growled and thrust into you harder than before.

Again there was a slither of pain - your nails leaving indents he’d parade about later with into his flesh - but that quickly morphed into pleasure.

As He hooked a hand under your thigh and, again, brought your leg up, folding it so he could hold your ankle into place; you simultaneously yanked him, down by his hair, for a heated kiss, tongues and teeth colliding.

The new angle he thrust himself into was even better than before.

He knocked that spot and you were crying his name over and over in a prayer.

Marcus kissed the groan out of your mouth and then, as if this wasn't enough, let go of your leg - you held it still - and paid close attention to your clit.

“Fuck, oh, fuck me.” The words spilled before you could stop them.

“I am.” He drove into you a touch harder and you were stuttering out a final moan.

Orgasm surprising you, rupturing through you, intensifying as he kept going.

He milked your orgasm longer than you could stand but you wouldn't stop it. No, you wouldn't dare.

His last strokes were sloppy and he fumbled, leaning on his left side a little as he came.

You could feel it inside you.

Was it demented to say it felt right?

You were empty without him inside you or splashed across your walls.

Marcus held off for a while but eventually did lean his full weight on you. You cuddled him, squeezing him with your arms and legs and even your core.

You caught your breaths, he took longer but that was okay. That meant you could run your nails over his back and play with his hair.

“Let me get you a cloth.” He spoke, trying to sit up.

“No. Not yet.” You gently pat force him back down, closing your eyes. “Just lay here a moment longer.”

A soft rustling caused you to open your eyes.

It was dark.

You had fallen asleep.

Reaching across the bed to what you assumed was now Marcus' side you met nothing.

“Marcus?” Your voice was hoarse, you rolled over in the blanket and found him by the door. “Marcus? Where are you going?”

He spun, caught in the act, pillow in hand.

Oh.

Oh gods.

You were right.

Not now, the first time.

He didn't like you.

He was leaving. Going somewhere else.

Shit.

That was okay.

No. You'd work through this.

You could do that.

Of course!

He only slept with you because the Emperors had repeatedly mentioned an heir.

Fuck.

Ouch.

That hurt.

“I was going to sleep in one of the guest rooms.” His voice gave nothing away and he was haloed by the tiniest spark of a flame so you couldn't even see his face.

You were such a fool. “No, this is your bed.” You sit up and shuffle towards the end. “I'll go, you could've just told me this was all an act. I would’ve helped. I don't mind you not liking this union but to lie… to give me your mothers ring and bed me and then- Marcus, that is despicable.”

He rushed over, halting your next movements. “No, you mistake me.”

“I mistake you? You're sneaking out on our wedding night?!” Now he was standing there between your legs, you could see him a little bit clearer; the moonlight half illuminating his features.

“No, I promise. I am not regretting us. I-” He sighed, rubbing his hands across his face. “I am afraid.”

Despite yourself you knew it took great strength for him to talk like this so kept quiet. You wouldn't belittle or make fun of him, you'd hear him out and then decide what to do.

“My bride, I am a soldier. I have seen things.” One of his hands fell, fingers brushing your knee as it sat at his side. “Sometimes war returns in sleep. I-” He sniffs. “I have awoken to ripped sheets, to damaged pillows. I yell also and sometimes I wake and need to let it out. I punch the bed.” Marcus stepped from your legs to flop down next to you. He plucked the discarded pillow from the floor, holding it to his chest. “If I did that to-” He shook his head, glancing at you with fat glossy eyes.

You instantly wrap your arms around him, feeling idiotic again. Your hands rub his back and you kiss his forehead. “My love, you've fallen asleep before.”

He shook his head. “You left after minutes.”

You hum a ‘no’. “It was longer, perhaps an hour or two.”

He took your information in and dissected it. You could see his brain working, the great military mind.

“If you were to ever harm me-” his whole being tensed. “-shh, it's okay. If that ever did happen. I would love and forgive you.”

Marcus’ face crumbled and the tears fell.

You pulled him closer. Holding firm as he forced the shaking shoulders to calm.

“Please.” You speak into the darkness. “You don't have to. Please, stay with me tonight?”

Marcus was still but you felt the miniscule nod and shuffled the both of you back into the bed, bringing him back onto your chest.

You couldn't see his face, only the mop of hair you had tugged earlier. So you ran a hand through his locks and wrote ‘I love yous’ onto his back.

You hadn't ever cradled anyone like this before. You'd held children and animals but nothing like this.

This was Rome's golden General. A great leader and ruthless man.

But it wasn't. It was your Marcus.

The man that had loved you silently for years.

The man who offered to help you with an impossible task.

The man who kept you safe.

The man who treated you well.

The man who would gladly gift you the world.

You loved him more than anything.

~~~ epilogue ~~~

“We're goin- going to be late.” You whine into the table.

“Who's fault is that?” Marcus asked above you, hammering into you from behind.

You'd knocked on his study’s door, interrupting his war meeting - not that he gave a single fuck, you could interupt anything and this was your home, too. You didnt need to knock! - and informed him that you were expected at the Colosseum shortly.

He quickly bid farewell to his senators and lieutenants but stayed sitting. You always knew what he wanted so sauntered over and very seductively said. ‘We don't have enough time’.

You were bent over his maps and war plans a moment later.

This was the best position for you at present due to the growing bump of your stomach.

You groan out a cry and glance over your shoulder, mouth open in a sexy 'o'. He loved that look, your mouth open and brows pinched, he was still convinced you were Venus. Maybe a demigod?

Marcus was quick to lean and connect your lips, hand holding your stomach to keep it from hitting the lip of the table as he bent forward.

Your legs seize and you're cumming around him. Walls spasming as he eats your cry.

He stands upright and pistons harder into your heat.

As soon as you became pregnant your sex drive heightened. In fact, at breakfast you stopped him to drag him over to a lectus and ride him. He loved it. It was his favourite position and sadly it was becoming increasingly hard for you to do - he loved watching you rise and fall, engulfing him fully. You had really surprised him one night by asking if you could be on top and since then he was done for - your swollen breasts and stomach were the cause but it was such a sight.

He did that. In there was a part of him. It was growing steadily and every day he was grateful beyond words.

You weren't allowed to do nearly as much alone as you had been before you were pregnant. He was always in the same room and if he couldn't be Aelia was your asigned guardian. If anything happened... he would come down on with a vengance. If one thing was to happen to that fragile life he would burn Rome.

Now he was to be a father - he considered himself one already - he saw the world in a differen light. He couldn't wait to meet your child.

He came with a shudder, wishing upon anything that it would take a second time. That every time he painted your walls it would result in a baby.

Marcus panted, looking down at the face: brows pinched, mouth open. You'd even drooled on his map which was an issue, not for a practical reason, but because now he wouldn't be able to take meetings without thinking about fucking you. Not that he did anything without thinking about fucking you.

He pulled out an inch but you suddenly stopped him.

“Wait.”

It was only then he noticed the hand practically vibrating between your legs. Fuck.

Marcus inched back in and out in a slow agonising thrust and you shook, cumming again.

Your orgasm shot through him, making him twitch.

“Oh, gods.” You lazily smile. “Okay, you can now.”

He thanked you for the permission and eased his way out.

You rose, shakily, and replaced your stola. “We're going to be immensely late.”

“I don't care.” He fixed your hair. “They won't either, we're their favourite couple.”

“Hmm.” You made a face. “The both of them keep staring at my chest and when Geta asked about milk?!” 

Marcus let a small huff of a laugh. At the time he was fuming but your face was humorous. “You lied well.” 

“Well, I couldn't say that you had tried it.” You straighten his toga. “I had to say I hadn't produced any yet.” 

“I know.” He kissed your temple. “You're a good girl. Brave.” 

And you were. 

You were the bravest person he had met. 

To deal with the now what-seemed-to-be-jealous Geta as well as the morbidly fascinated Caracalla was a feat. 

He knew you were afraid but sadly the two of you had to deal with their company. You were perhaps more popular than them - if the cheers of the arena were true - and by default now part of their posse. 

“When she is here, I'm sure they'll lose interest.” He knelt to cup your stomach, his forehead and nose resting against the firm bump. “It will be an age, something else will come along."

“Yes,” You run a hand through his hair, the surefire way of relaxing him. It had become his favourite part of the nightly routine. You whisper so quietly he almost missed it, “they'll send you off to Africa.” 

Marcus’ head snapped upright. 

No. He had at least a year and a half, maybe two before anything like that happened. 

“No.” He stood to his full height. “They won't that soon. I wouldn't let them.” He soothed your worries, thumbs brushing your cheeks. “I won't let them. I will be here to stand between you and them for eternity.” 

You lean into his right hand. “Forever and always?” 

He may not know the future but he knew that to be true. “Forever and always.” 

You take his hand and caress the ring. "The baby is a boy."

"No, she's a girl."