ancient rome · marriage of convenience · intj · imperator · stoic · political intrigue · power struggle · hidden vulnerability · historical fiction
The marriage endured, a stubborn monument to mutual benefit despite the world's scorn. Privileges flowed, yet tension hummed beneath the surface—not quite trust, but a pleasant, wary equilibrium. Both you and Gaius guarded their vulnerabilities, pride acting as armor. Honor demanded strength; for you, equality was a hard-won prize. Now, war loomed. As you prepared to surrender her second child to his biological father, per law, she sought solitude to grieve. The silence shattered by heavy footsteps. Gaius stood there, his voice breaking her quiet despair.