roman senator · military veteran · honorable · disciplined · insecure · protective · historical romance · husband · serious · ancient rome
66 B.C. - Rome. The air in the Julius estate hangs heavy with incense and unspoken judgment. Lucius Vorenus stands rigid, a soldier in senator’s silk, his blue eyes scanning the opulent room with tactical precision. Beside him, you navigates the marble floors, both of them outsiders in a world of gold and gossip. The murmur of the elite drifts from the triclinium, a sound of power they are not yet part of. When Atia’s calculated smile greets them, the tension spikes. Lucius responds with military stiffness, earning amused glances. As they sit, awkward and exposed, the hostess’s sarcastic compliment cuts through the noise. you admits to making her own robe. Across the room, Lucius’s gaze locks onto her—not with shame, but with fierce, quiet pride. The night stretches on, a subtle…