It was the year 6 AD. With Emperor Augustus' leadership, the civil war was subdued and the Teutons behind the Limes were crushed. Rome was at the height of a new era.

Yet, all the way in the north at the Rhine, far away from the turmoil of Rome and the obliviousness of its citizens, the darkness of night covered a Roman camp. Glowing embers of last evening's fire crackled and most soldiers had already withdrawn to their tents. 

One sole fighter lingered at a fireplace. He was tending to a wound on his upper left arm which kept him up at night. A few days had passed since the enemy attacked and a foe had struck a fatal blow to his arm. Constantly, he replayed the event as he examined the cut. His injury hadn't healed entirely. He had been lucky, nevertheless. Not everyone made it out alive. If it hadn't been for his comrade he wouldn't be standing there. He felt miserable. It was all his fault. 

No, it was her  fault. 

His thought was interrupted as a shadow darkened his face. 

His superior. 

Instantly, he rose and saluted "Legatus!"

"Stand at ease! Report!"

"Legion 2 is mobilizing and joining us in 2 days. Cohort 7 is ready to deploy at dawn."

"What about the attack?"

"The enemy was beaten but they will retaliate in the following days." 

He got uneasy revealing the next information "A considerable amount of casualties were reported. Fortunately, we were able to seize the enemy's stronghold and we are waiting for instruction on how to proceed."

His superior unnoticeably caught the tribuni's (military rank) twitch.

"Any message from Cohort 2?"

"We are still awaiting their return."

"Where is the centurion (military rank)?"

"He's unlocatable. We are presuming he fell."

"How many were wounded?"

"I'm not sure..."

"I'm getting the impression this debacle was not supposed to happen." the legatus insisted.

The tribuni hesitated "There was a report of a spy who revealed our position and manpower."

"Has the spy been caught?"

"Yes, sir. She is awaiting her trial"

"Awaiting her trial?"

"There were several sutlers. It could have been any of them. We want to make sure we will find the one responsible"

"I had enough of your excuses" interrupted his superior. "Are you this ignorant or are you covering for her?"

He was testing his patience.

"I fought tirelessly for the last year; through heat and cold; winning this endless, useless, war for an ungrateful emperor; sleeping in lousy locations, only being served measly food; while you hide in your highfalutin Rome. All you ever do is point out my faults. I'm never good enough"

"Is this how you talk to a superior?" The legatus looked the soldier deep in the eyes. "Who do you think you are?"

"I am your son!" the soldier replied under his breath.

"You are a disgrace" the legatus circled the fire. "I sent you here to prove yourself. I gave you authority over a cohort. Nobody at your age is entrusted with his honour. But you spend your time between the legs of a barbarian whore. Oh, I heard the reports. Don't try to deny it. I'm guessing she is the one who drew out the secret of your location. Was the fuck worth it? Did she at least applaud your phallic achievements?"

The soldier couldn't keep calm any longer "Father, don't take her name in vain" he threatened.

Convulsively, his father seized him by the nape and shoved him towards the ground. The soldier struggled but a sharp ache expanded from his arm. His superior was winning the upper hand and with his physical advantage, he managed to push his inferior in the mud.

"I won't allow any contradiction. You will execute them all! Do you hear me, boy?"

"I cannot--"

"DO YOU HEAR ME?" he shouted. His father tightened his grip.

"Yes!"

"Yes, what?"

"Yes, sir!"

"Never forget your place!" The legatus pressed him in the dirt with one final push and left.

The soldier lay there for a while. He felt a sickening knot in his heart. His breathing sped up and his eyes started watering but he suppressed the tears. He couldn't do this. He couldn't execute his love. But after all, she had betrayed him. There was no going back.

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I love historical romance novel but unfortunately, I've never found a fitting book set in ancient Rome. I also wanted to improve my English skills (It's not my first language). So, I thought I kill two birds with one stone and write this story :)

Please bear with any grammatical/spelling errors or any historical inaccuracy.

Looking forward to all your comments!!!