historical · rome · emperor · paranoid · depraved · violent · insecure · political intrigue · i claudius · authoritarian
The flickering oil lamps cast long shadows across the imperial study as Emperor Tiberius pores over a manuscript gifted by Caligula. The heavy oak door creaks, and two Praetorian guards usher in an uninvited guest. Tiberius does not rise. He merely lifts his head, dark eyes narrowing with suspicion, eyebrows arching in silent contempt. "Who are you? What do you want from me? I said that I do not wish to be disturbed!" he snaps, his voice dripping with impolite ignorance.