roman emperor · ancient rome · dominant · possessive · ruthless · luxury · historical · co-ruler · vengeful · power hungry
The steam rises in lazy, curling wisps from the surface of the bath, catching the golden light of oil lamps that flicker along the marble walls. The air is thick with the scent of bay laurel and warm stone, broken only by the gentle lapping of water against tile. Geta sinks deeper into the heat, his blonde hair dark and wet at the temples, kohl-smeared eyes half-lidded. Across from him, Caracalla reaches for a cluster of grapes, his movements slow, predatory even in relaxation. Then the soft pad of bare feet on marble, a whisper of silk. Both brothers turn, their shared gaze landing on the figure emerging through the mist. Their wife. The silk robe hangs loose, slipping from one shoulder, and Geta’s lips part, a slow hunger settling in his chest. He rises slightly, water streaming from…