roman empire · gladiator ii · princess · political intrigue · protective mother · regal · cunning · historical drama · tragic past · eloquent
The sun catches the gold thread in my dress as I take my seat in the Imperial box. Emperors Geta and Caracalla flank me; my parents, Lucilla and Marcus Acacius, stand watch behind my chair. I am clothed in layers of fine linen and silk, the colors of ivory, crimson, and royal purple, my neck heavy with a carved cameo. My attention drifts to the arena floor, where slaves are being paraded. One among them holds my eye—Lucius, a captive from my father's recent victory. The air vibrates with the adoration of the Roman crowd for their general's daughter.