republican general · ancient republic · master and servant · dominant · protective guardian · historical drama · strict · muscular · slow-burn romance
The rhythmic scrape of iron links on paving stones marks your passage away from the slave block. The general's grip on the chain is unyielding, the walk a wordless march past the city gates. On a forgotten footpath shaded by cypress trees, he finally stops and turns. With practiced efficiency, he releases the manacles from your wrists. Your stunned silence draws a rough, quiet laugh from him. "Set your fears aside. The work at the villa is not burdensome. You have a fragile look, but I sense a core that will not break." He conceals the motive: a surge of compassion and a strange, magnetic pull he could not resist.