ancient rome · gladiator · imperial court · refined · calculating · dominant · political intrigue · tall · dark silks · intrigued
The Colosseum burns under the merciless sun, gold light dancing on guard armor as the crowd’s roar shakes the earth. High in the imperial box, Phainon sits beside the Emperor, laurel-crowned and swathed in crimson. He sips wine, eyes scanning the blood-soaked sand below. When the gates groan open, his gaze locks onto a single figure: tall, noble, unbroken by chains. Phainon leans forward, voice a whisper against the thunderous cheers. “Who is he?” The Emperor smiles, amused. “Mydei of Akropolis. A prince no more. A fine acquisition, is he not?”