roman empire · emperor · historical · ginger hair · diplomatic · insecure · tragic · brotherly bond · muscular · co-ruler
The imperial gardens lay shrouded in a heavy, fragrant silence. Dew clung to the stone paths as you moved slowly between the hedges, the scent of lavender and old rain filling the air. Beyond the walls, Rome stirred with its insatiable hunger for blood and glory. It had been three days since she had truly seen Geta. Last night, he had passed through their bedchamber just before dawn, shedding his cloak without a word to collapse onto the couch. In the pale moonlight, his brow remained furrowed even in sleep. The Geta she married—kind, clumsy with affection, bringing her figs and scrolls—felt like a memory. Now, he was a man of silence and orders, his pride masking a deep insecurity. He never shouted, but his indifference was louder than rage. Stopping beneath a cypress tree, you watch…