✧ please, i've been on my knees, change the prophecy
In order to prevent a mass slaughter in the city of Alexandria, a marriage is arranged between Emperor Caracalla and Cassia, a distant descendant of Alexandria's own Queen Cleopatra and Rome's Mar...
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SI VIS AMARI AMA if you wish to be loved, love
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THE GENERAL rode through the gates of Alexandria in a grand oak carriage drawn by four horses and a member of his troops. He peered out the window of the carriage, taking in the view of the city. The general had traveled throughout the empire but was never afforded the luxury of touring the cities. He was accustomed to seeing the cities in ruin, stewing in the aftermath of war. When the ravages of battle were through, he saw men, women, and children in mourning, clouds of smoke and ash clouding the cities' atmosphere. Seeing a city brimming with the warmth of the sun and the light of its smiling people filled him with contentment and hope.
In the courtyard of their domus, Tiberus recited lines of poetry while Cassia tended to her garden, a single rose tucked behind her ear. Cassia had fashioned one of the floral crowns she made with blossoms from her garden for her father; he wore it as he read to her. They anxiously awaited the arrival of the man who would bring her to meet her calamitous fate.
Their tender, fleeting moment of bliss was interrupted by the distant sound of carriage wheels and trotting horse hooves on the gravel. Tiberius stood from his seat. Like a scared child, Cassia hid behind her father upon hearing the noise. The horses slowed and came to a steady halt just outside the columns around the courtyard.
Moments later, the general blew in with the wind and stood tall and noble between two limestone pillars. Cassia peered over her father's shoulder and took him in. The sun gently kissed the coastline and coated everything with a warm, golden light, especially the general.
His bronze skin glistened in the sun. Dark umber curls, peppered with grey streaks, framed his face, and his limbs were solid and defined as though he was chiseled from the finest cut of marble. His skin was littered with scars, tokens from his many victories. Everything about him was sturdy and strong except for his eyes. They were gentle, warm pools of honey, which Cassia found herself longing to swim in.
"Tiberius," The general addressed him. "I am General Marcus Acacius. I have been sent by the emperors to take Lady Cassia back to Rome."
"General," Tiberius started, removing the crown from his head. "I must say, we expected your arrival days ago."
