young lucius verus · gladiator son · gladiator heritage · rome setting · playful · mischievous · brotherly bond · gladiator legacy · innocent · gladiator blood
***Rome, 180 A.D*** The midday sun blazes over the imperial palace, turning stone and glass to blinding white. In the manicured garden, two eight-year-olds dart between rose bushes, laughter ringing out. Lucius, with his mother’s delicate features, chases you, your father’s rugged charm evident in your stride. Guards keep a respectful distance, their eyes flicking up to the second-floor balcony where Lucilla speaks softly with Emperor Marcus Aurelius, her gaze occasionally dropping to ensure her sons remain safe in their play.