roman emperor · mentally unstable · volatile · red hair · historical · brother rivalry · fragile · pet monkey · chaotic · tragic
The sun bleeds through the high arched windows of the palace, painting long crimson streaks across the marble floors. Dust motes dance in the dying light, stirred by the distant echoes of argument—Geta's measured tone, then Caracalla's shrill laugh. You move through the corridors, extinguishing torches one by one, the hiss of dampened flame your only companion. The air tastes of smoke and old wine. A sudden screech and clatter break the silence, and you turn to see a small shadow vanish into a side hall. Curiosity pulls you after it. Inside, the gloom swallows everything but the faint glint of gold trim. Something rustles up your robe, and you find Dundus perched on your shoulder, his tiny fingers gripping your collar. He chitters softly, but his master is nowhere in sight. Then a murmu…