Chapter 1: Uncertain future
Crowds cheered for the arrival of General Marcus Acacius, hailed as a hero for conquering yet another distant land in Rome’s name. His victory added to Rome’s growing glory, and he was greeted by none other than the Emperors themselves. Rose petals were scattered at his feet as he ascended the grand steps of the palace, his gaze fixed on the imperial Emperors as he approached them.
“I have taken Numidia in your name, that your dominion may eclipse that of every emperor who came before you,” Acacius declared, his voice strong and resolute.
“Crown him with laurels, brother,” Emperor Caracalla said, his voice filled with approval.
Emperor Geta stepped forward, placing a crown of gold upon Acacius’s head. But unbeknownst to the gathered crowd, a pair of watchful eyes observed this moment from one of the palace windows. Hidden from view, Celenia stood silently, her expression unreadable. After a moment, she turned away, her ancillas following her quietly.
Time Skip (A micro time skip)
Inside the grand hall, the emperors and General Acacius drank the finest wine Rome had to offer, celebrating the conquest. The laughter and chatter filled the air.
"In honor of your conquest, there will be games in the Colosseum," Geta announced, his voice carrying excitement.
"I require no games in my honor," Acacius replied gallantly, his tone humble. "Serving the Senate and the people of Rome is honor enough for me."
"You are too modest, Acacius," Geta said, looking at the general with a sly smile. "That does not suit a general as accomplished as yourself."
"Your glory is yours, not mine," Acacius replied. "I only ask for some respite from war, to spend time with my wife."
"Your wife, yes," Caracalla said with a smirk. "Remember the privilege we have granted her? Where is she? Is she to ignore such occasions?"
"There are victories still to come," Geta said, his voice turning serious as he grabbed a sword from a nearby soldier. "Persia, India—both must be conquered." He tapped the blade of the sword on Acacius’s shoulder, then rested it near his neck.
"Rome has so many subjects; she must feed them," Acacius said, his gaze unwavering as he met Geta’s eyes.
"They can eat war!" Caracalla chimed in, flashing a grin and showing off his golden tooth.
Geta threw the sword to the ground, the blade sliding across the floor and clattering near the pool. The motion caused a small cut on Acacius's neck, and the sharp sound echoed through the room. "Your triumphs will be celebrated, as tribute to the greatness of the Roman people," Geta said, his eyes narrowing as he glared at Acacius, his tone taking on a more unpleasant edge.
The general did not reply, but nodded slightly, a gesture of respect and submission.
"Our sister will be in attendance..." Caracalla said, his voice filled with anticipation. "What a glorious celebration this will be," he added, laughing as though savoring the thought.
I sat in a wagon, bound and broken, being carried off to who knows where. From the small gaps between the bars, I could see people tending to their flocks, hear insults being thrown at us, and see bits of trash hurled in our direction. We were soon pulled from the wagon, shackles on our hands and feet, and led into a strange, chaotic place. The air was thick with strange noises—animals, perhaps, or worse.
"Macrinus of Thysdrus, master of gladiators!" someone yelled from the crowd, and cheers erupted from all around.
We were about to be led into a coliseum. "Stay close," I whispered to Jugurtha, not knowing what would happen next. The noise of animals going wild in their cages grew louder as we entered.
Inside this smaller Colosseum, the crowd jeered and threw rotten fruits and vegetables at us. The announcer shouted his piece, his voice barely audible over the hostile uproar. Slowly, a door creaked open, releasing a swarm of monkeys into the arena. The crowd went wild, shouting and throwing more objects, spurring the animals into a frenzy.
I tried to shield Jugurtha, but he—he gave up. Without a word, he knelt to the ground, his eyes closed, as if he sought nothing more than to join his ancestors in death. The animals were upon him instantly. I could only watch in helpless silence as they tore into him, his body crumpling under their savage onslaught.
The beast that had killed him, still snarling and bloodied, turned its attention to me. In a burst of fury, I swung my chains, knocking it back. Its blood dripped from its mouth as it stumbled. But it didn’t stop. It charged again, its teeth bared. It slammed into me, knocking me to the ground, and I fought with everything I had. I sank my teeth into its arm, pulling it away from me, and hurled it back with all my strength.
The animal growled in rage, charging at me once more. This time, I was ready. I caught it by the throat, squeezing with all my might until its struggles ceased. Its body went limp in my hands.
For a long moment, I stood there, chest heaving, staring down at Jugurtha, his lifeless body on the ground blood pooled from his neck. The roar of the crowd echoed around me, but all I could hear was the deafening silence in my own mind. I had survived, but at what cost?
Celenia was spending time with Lucilla, like she always does, sitting near a pool of water, looking at the water lilies and fish swimming around. It was peaceful, until she heard the doors open and in come Acacius.
“My lady…” he said smiling it his wife “Princess” turning to Celenia bowing with a smile
“I thank the gods that brought you back home safely.” Lucilla said to her husband
“Thank the army. They protected me.” Acacius said
Celenia only turned to them watching their interaction, the two have formed a friendship full of love. She could only watch, but turned back to the small pool dipping her fingers in.
“Will you be joining us for supper?” Lucilla asked the princess, stroking her hair
“ I must be on my way, it is getting dark.” Celenia smiled at her
Celenia was now in the comforts of her room, she preferred to eat in there as well enjoining the peace and quiet. Looking out on her balcony the overlooked Rome, the silence was broken, by her brothers.
“There will be a feast tomorrow to celebrate our newly conquered land. And will require your presence.” Geta said looking at her as she stood on her balcony looking out not sparing a glance.
Their relationship was civil, they did not act as if they were siblings caring for one another, but they understood each other well enough.
“I do not like celebrations.” she said blankly
“This isn’t a question on if you will attend or not, I am simply informing you of tomorrow's events.” Geta said to her in an annoyed tone “if you do not want to attend then simply make an appearance, I do not care… But if I do not see you,” He said, stepping closer to her, taking her hair and moving it aside “there will be consequences” he said into her ear.
She nodded in agreement, still not sparing him a glance. “Now that is settled, good night, sister.” Geta said walking out her room and the guards closing the door behind them.
Celenia looked up at the stars, wondering how her life ended up this way. Wondering if it will be different if Lucius hadn’t disappeared from her life, she could only pray to the Gods above, to protect and guide her.
