EMBERS (Marcus Acacius)

XIII | A New Dynasty

The house was warm and welcoming, but the guards were far from that. Their tight grips on my arms were sure to leave a bruise, but the overwhelming relief that I felt trumped any pain I was simultaneously experiencing.

"My deepest apologies." Senator Aemillius waved the guards away and motioned for us to follow him into the tablinum. My jaw dropped at its grandeur. I hadn't grown up with much wealth and had never had the privilege of stepping into a house like this. Aemillius sat down in a plush chair, gesturing for Acacius and I to sit in the one opposite him.

Acacius' arm brushed mine as he sat down beside me, not quite as astonished by this house as I was—or he was just better at hiding it.

"Tiberius intended to rescue you, Adriana." One of the senator's slaves handed me a cup of tea and I accepted it graciously, as Aemillius spoke. "He was just waiting for the right moment."

I nodded. I hadn't really expected anyone to come for me, but I wasn't upset by the notion. Tiberius had to put the rebellion first and do what was best for everyone. It wasn't about me.

"That's alright." I took a sip of the sweet tea, letting it sit on my tongue for a few seconds, before swallowing. "Tiberius would have done whatever was best for the rebellion."

Acacius shifted uncomfortably beside me and I shot him a concerned glance. He just shook his head, not meeting mine or Aemillius' eyes.

"Tiberius will likely want a stern word with you when we return to the base," Aemillius continued, his gaze now on Acacius, who nodded solemnly. "He was not happy when you left."

My brows furrowed at Acacius' expression. He didn't look guilty, but his eyes betrayed his nervousness. "I figured as much." His eyes lifted to meet mine. "But, I don't regret anything."

A small smile formed on my face and Acacius mirrored it. "It's unsafe for us to go back at the present," Aemillius said, interrupting our silent exchange. He placed his tea cup onto the table between us, waving away the slave who attempted to take it away. "You can stay here for a few days until Tiberius sends for you."

I nodded gratefully. "Thank you." I side-eyed Acacius, who was nodding in agreement. "We appreciate it."

***

The slaves had led Acacius and I to our quarters and left me, sitting on the edge of the extravagant bed. The room was exquisitely decorated, with frescos on the walls and ceiling, and embroidered cushions and blankets. It was the nicest bedroom I had ever been in.

I stood up and walked over to the large window, pulling back the sheer curtains to send streams of bright sunlight into the room. The view was nothing short of spectacular. Rome was by no means a beautiful place, but the orange glow of sunset over the looming Colosseum was truly a sight to behold. My eyes scanned the horizon, never having seen the city from such a great vantage point.

"Adriana?"

I looked up to see Acacius, standing in the doorway. He had removed his armour and now wore a plain brown toga, that stopped just above his knees. I beckoned him in and he shut the door behind him. He made his way over to me, pulling back the other curtain to see the view.

"It's nothing special," he observed, watching my awed expression as I took it all in. "You should see it from the palace."

I chuckled. "The odds of me ever setting foot in the palace are slim to none." Acacius let out a breathy laugh as he let the curtain fall back into place. I did the same, turning to face him. My eyes snapped to the cut on his shoulder—the one that I had inflicted.

My hand raised to touch it. A trail of dried blood ran down his forearm, but the cut itself was small. It had stopped bleeding, but Acacius still winced when I made contact. "Sorry." I quickly dropped my hand back to my side. "For a minute back there, I thought you were going to... you know?"