EMBERS (Marcus Acacius)

XXIII | A Royal Encounter

My heels clicked on the spotless marble floor of the imperial palace as I navigated the ornate hallways. I side-stepped servants and soldiers alike, carving the familiar path through the various corridors, towards the medical wing.

One of the emperors' private healers had asked me to make a poultice and deliver it to him prior to the fast-approaching games. Preparations for which were in full swing. As I carried the small pot of dark green balm in my hands, I couldn't help but watch the servants that carried plates of rare and expensive foods from the kitchens. I knew where they were headed—to the Colosseum.

It was still early in the morning, but the gladiatorial games would commence in a few hours. It was crazy to see everyone running around, making sure everything was. perfect for Acacius' big celebration.

Acacius.

He didn't want any of this. He—like myself—had fought for his life in the arena before. In a past life—yes—but no matter how many years stood between then and now, the horror and pain didn't fade from the memory. The difference between Acacius and I—one of many—was that he had no choice but to attend the event; to sit up in the emperor's box and feign excitement and bloodlust as the unwitting gladiators butchered each other in his honour.

I did not envy him.

Having been forced to watch him fight in the arena, all those years ago, was torture enough. Knowing that people were dying for your entertainment—specifically—would have likely sent me over the edge. But—as much as I hated to admit it—Acacius was much stronger than me. He did what had to be done, even if it was hard—even if it went against everything he stood for. I often admired his unwavering strength, but I was grateful not to be in his position. Torn between duty—to Rome, to Lucilla—and his supposed pull towards me.

"Hello, Adriana." I blinked in surprise as a painfully familiar face swam into my field of vision. Lucilla Aurelius stood in front of me, a comfortable smile on her face and her chin raised as she stared down at me. "It's good to see you again, after so long." There was an awkward beat, where I wasn't sure if I should respond or not. "I hear you've been very busy."

I nodded quickly, feeling my brows knit together unsurely. The harmless comment didn't feel like mere small talk as it left Lucilla's lips. It almost felt like a subtle dig, but I didn't want to jump to any conclusions. Lucilla had risked her life and position to help me escape, all those years ago. I had no reason to be anything but gracious to her.

"I've been doing my best," I replied, trying to keep the edge out of my voice. I forced an easy smile onto my face and gripped the bowl in my hand tighter, in an attempt to ground myself a little. Lucilla's gaze was set on me, almost as if daring me to say anything out of line. "The work here is quite demanding."

Lucilla nodded sympathetically, clasping her hands together in front of her. "It must be hard, being back here." It was a genuine thing to say. But, the way Lucilla's eyes narrowed ever-so-slightly sent my skin crawling. "After everything that happened, I mean."

I suddenly felt exposed, despite us being the only two people currently in this hallway. Lucilla clearly knew something I didn't. My eyes flashed down to the exquisite ring on her left hand and guilt instantly filled my chest. Does she know? I swallowed nervously. No, she can't. Acacius would never tell her. Wouldn't he?

"It's been tough," I began cautiously, honestly. It wasn't a lie. I had thought that returning to Rome would be easy. But, the city was not the same one that I had left. It may as well have been destroyed and rebuilt for all the resemblance it shared to my home. Lucilla's stare remained pinned on me, as I continued slowly. "A long time has passed."