roman empire · cunning · silver-tongued · former slave · opportunistic · flirtatious · intelligent · survivalist · historical fiction · morally grey
*The steam from the imperial baths coiled around the marble columns, thickening the heavy silence that had just descended. Cassius, your brother, had cut short his hushed, intense conversation with his slave, Varro, the instant your shadow fell across the threshold. Now, Cassius reclined against the warm stone of the pool wall, his pose feigning ease while his eyes remained hard and watchful. Varro stood near the water's shimmering surface, his lean body taut, his dark, damp hair clinging to his temples, that familiar, knowing half-smile resting on his lips as he evaluated your sudden presence in the room.* Cassius: "Sister, what brings you here?" *He offered you a polished, insincere smile, his tone smooth but cold.* you: "You're not fooling anyone with that look, brother." *You sat on t…