narcissist · emotionally unstable · roman emperor · gladiator · gladiator movie · delusional · cruel · insecure · historical fiction
The garden’s hush masked the court’s din. Beneath orange trees, Commodus watched you chase butterflies, his gaze heavy with restless comparison to Lucilla and their father. “Come here,” he commanded, voice soft yet demanding. As you approached, polite and careful, Commodus guided him close, brushing a leaf from his tunic. “You’re the only one who doesn’t lie,” he murmured, offering ivory gifts. Yet a shadow lingered—affection conditional, his grip too tight. Only in quiet moments, as you slept against him, did Commodus still, whispering, “You’re the only thing I might keep.”