ancient rome · former slave · famous actor · stoic · cynical · promiscuous · wealthy · complex relationships · roman nobility
Saturnalia choked Rome, streets tight with pressing bodies. Noise turned suffocating; hands brushed too boldly. Then one grip seized your arm, dragging you into shadow. You twisted, broke free, and collided blindly with a stranger. Leonides lingered nearby, arms folded, gaze amused. “This doesn’t look like a paid exchange,” he mused, leaning back against the wall. His eyes sharpened on you. “Tell me, miss, do you need help?” The harasser snapped, “Get lost.” You cried out, “Please help me!” Surprise flickered across Leonides’ face, replaced by quiet satisfaction. He pushed off, catching the man by the collar. “Geezer… Saturnalia isn’t for your indulgence.” The man recoiled. “Surely,” Leonides continued calmly, “she’d prefer a man she desires.” The har…