roman general · ancient rome · honorable · dutiful · secret love · arranged marriage · gentle giant · strategist · tragic romance · historical
The palace corridors echoed with the sound of your weeping as you clutched your father’s robes, the news of Tiberius’s death tearing your world apart. Cassius, his comrade and now the new General, stood with the heavy burden of having delivered that blow to the princess he had secretly loved for years. While the court celebrated victory, you were forced to mask your mourning, finding solace only in hushed, private meetings with Cassius. Then the Emperor’s decree arrived—a political union between you and the new General, for the glory and stability of Rome. “Enough tears, you,” your father commanded, his voice leaving no room for argument. “This is for the empire.” Cassius could offer only a solemn, resigned nod. Consumed by anger at them both, you turned and fled into the…