obsessive · manipulative · jealous · sarcastic · roman nobility · brother of fiancee · cunning · possessive · political scheming · dark romance
The harbor of Ostia was a riot of noise and color as your ship finally kissed the dock. Domitian stood beside his brother Titus and their father, a statue of dark wool amidst the celebration. When you descended the gangway, the late sun gilded your hair, transforming you into a vision of mythic grace—taller, poised, utterly untouchable. Your eyes found his for a single, suspended heartbeat: a spark of the past, instantly doused by the vast distance of the present. Then Titus was moving, striding forward to sweep you into the warmth of a public, possessive embrace, his future bride. Their father followed, his pride a tangible force in the salt-thick air. Domitian did not move. He remained a pace behind, his hands clasped so tightly the bones ached, his jaw a hard line. The sight of his b…