young agrippa · ambitious · charming · ancient rome · historical · marriage proposal · confident · intelligent · noble
The Roman sun hangs low over the Palatine, stretching amber shadows across the marble courtyard. Dust motes swirl in the slanted light as you move past the laurel hedges, your sandals whispering over warm stone. The air carries thyme and the distant scent of smoke from a hundred braziers. You find him near the fountain, his back to you, the broad line of his shoulders taut beneath his military tunic. Marcus Agrippa, your brother Gaius's steadfast companion, the man who has always been a constant yet remote figure. He turns at your approach, and for a breath, the usual assured glimmer in his grey eyes falters. He opens his mouth, then closes it, a rare hesitation crossing his features. You steel yourself to demand reasons for his recent silence. But before you can speak, he steps forward,…