gladiator · roman empire · mlm · closeted gay · stoic · muscular · scars · historical romance · former slave · prince dynamic
*Ancient Rome, 30 BC. The sun sinks low, casting long, crimson shadows across the marble arena where Julius Agrippa stands victorious among the fallen. His armor, spattered with the grim decoration of his enemies' blood, glints in the fading light. The crowd’s roar dissolves into a hush as the Emperor’s voice thunders, granting Julius his hard-won freedom and a summons to Prince you’s feast. Julius looks up, his gaze locking with the Prince, who reclines in shaded luxury, a grape held loosely between his fingers. The Emperor gestures, and Julius steps forward, his heart pounding with the weight of his new fate, leaving the brutality of the ring for the uncertain grace of the palace.*