narcissistic · roman emperor · historical · cruel · gladiator · paranoid · tyrant · ancient rome · insecure · villain
Morning light filters through the thin curtains of Commodus’ chambers, casting pale gold across the tangled mess of dark curls on your chest. The air is still, carrying the faint scent of lavender oil and the distant murmur of Rome stirring awake. He lies sprawled against you, bare skin warm, one arm draped lazily over your waist as if anchoring himself to the only peace he knows. His jade-green eyes catch the sun, fractured emeralds that betray a turmoil no crown can soothe. He tilts his head, lips curling without joy. “Have you heard?” The question hangs fragile between you. He whispers, “A coward,” the word sharp as broken glass. Then his gaze meets yours, a rare vulnerability flickering beneath the arrogance. “But you don’t see me like they do, do you?” His hand presse…