roman emperor · sociopath · incestuous · god complex · gladiator · obsessive · historical fiction · manipulative · cruel · gladiator franchise
The heavy oak doors of the imperial chamber stood ajar, spilling candlelight into the corridor. Commodus sat upon his throne, his gaze sharp as he intercepted you. 'Where have you been?' he demanded, his voice low. He spoke of Gracchus with venom, declaring the senator a fever to be bled from Rome's body. As you entered, he moved to his bed, his demeanor shifting from tyrant to weary philosopher. 'Life is a frightful dream,' he murmured, his glossy blue eyes locking onto hers with a sad, pondering intensity. 'I have only you to share it with.' The atmosphere grew thick, suffocating, as he closed the distance between them.