Warning mentions war, death and minor innuendo.

****

Ana was struck dumb by the young emperor. Surely this wasn't what she'd been expecting. She knew from Acacius' accounts that the emperor was young. However she was still unprepared for his appearance. She glanced over at Acacius, who as always, remained impeccably composed. Ana dared to glance over at the woman as well. She was indeed beautiful, despite her age. Beautiful golden hair, blue eyes and despite the harsh climate, flawless skin.

"It's..it's a pleasure to meet you as well, your highness," Ana said quietly, finding it difficult to look the emperor directly in the face. He smiled politely and released Ana's hand, allowing her to fall back behind Acacius. She noticed how the although the woman was being extremely subtle as not to draw attention to herself, she did allow her gaze to occasionally linger on Ana, as though she were sizing her up.

Ana wouldn't have admitted it if asked, however, by the not so subtle glances that this woman was casting in Acacius' direction, that there was a certain amount of history between the two. She would have liked to question Acacius, but obviously now was not the proper place nor time.

The emperor, unknowingly, however, did answer a few of Ana's silent questions in regards to the woman's identity and her place here.

"May I present to you, my mother," Lucius said to Ana, gesturing towards the elegant woman. "Lucilla Verus Aurelius." Ana bowed respectfully towards the woman, who merely nodded.

"She grew up, as Marcus Aurelius' daughter, so she's been teaching me all there is to know about ruling Rome," Lucius continued. Ana frowned. Wasn't the emperor aware of this Roman position that he'd enquired? She would need to ask Acacius about it as soon as they had a moment alone.

Lucilla smiled, reaching out to lightly grasp her son's hand, giving it an affectionate squeeze before releasing it. There was no mistake that Lucilla was fond of her son.

"You're a quick learner," Lucilla praised the emperor. "You've learned far more on your own than from me." Lucius shrugged off the praise, but Ana didn't miss the pride in his eyes.

"You're too kind, Mother."

"Of course." Lucilla smiled, Ana noticing how she was still glancing over at Acacius. "If you'll all excuse me, I have an appointment I must attend to."

"Of course, Mother," Lucius said. Acacius took Lucilla's hand, much to Ana's dismay, and kissed it. Lucilla's
smile remained as she thanked Acacius before taking her leave, gliding effortlessly across the floor and disappearing around the corner.

Lucius gestured for Acacius and Ana to follow him, leading them into an adjoining room, closing the door and offering some refreshments. Acacius accepted, pouring some wine for both himself and Ana, their fingers brushing against each other's as he passed her the cup.

Ana accepted the cup, slowly sipping it before the emperor offered them a seat. Ana thankfully sank down, her legs suddenly wobbly. Acacius remained standing, apparently too restless to sit.

"Not that I'm dreadfully vexed," Acacius addressed Lucius. "But this is the third time you've summoned me in less than two weeks."

Lucius' expression darkened as he lowered himself down into a chair, hunched forward, lost in thought.

"I'd apologize, but truthfully, I need your guidance, General. You know the circumstances surrounding me becoming emperor. While I am of royal blood and the true heir to the throne, I wasn't brought up in this world."

Ana perked up at Lucius' words. It seemed she'd learn the answers to her questions without having to interrogate Acacius.

"I'm aware," Acacius said, casting a backwards glance over at Ana. He frowned and Ana knew her expression was far too eager and Acacius was warning her to watch herself. He turned his attention back to Lucius.

"What does your mother say?"

"She thinks that while a war is possible, it's not entirely probable."

"You've been as honest with her as you have me?" Acacius asked bluntly. Lucius cast a sharp eye upon the general, grimacing before finally shaking his head. Acacius slammed down his empty cup, scowling.

"You're being foolish." Acacius' tone was angry and sharp. "While your mother may appear delicate, she's far from such."

"But she's been through so much," Lucius argued. "How can I admit to her that she may lose everything she cares for, again?"

"That's not the point." Acacius scowled more. Ana knew that look. The one he used when he was training with his men. Especially when he knew they weren't using their full potential and holding back. "The point is, your mother must be thoroughly aware of the eminent threat that's being posed, not only to Rome, but her as well."

Lucius opened his mouth as though to argue. He immediately snapped it shut again, lowering his head, shoulders slumping in defeat. He squeezed his eyes shut briefly before nodding and raising his head.

"You're right." Lucius' tone was hoarse. "I must be honest with my mother. No matter how difficult it will be to tell her."

Acacius softened somewhat, noting the young emperor's defeat. "Will you need assistance?"

"No," Lucius said quickly. "If you were there, Mother would instantly know how great the threat was."

"Your highness," Acacius began, but Lucius raised a hand, silencing the general.

"I know what you're about to say," Lucius said. "This threat is great. However, I prefer not to startle Mother immediately."

Acacius sighed, running a hand over his face before extending it to Ana, who obediently rose from her seat, accepting Acacius' hand.

"You're dismissed." Acacius nodded, bowing to the emperor and Ana mimicking his actions before the two slipped from the room, leaving Lucius alone to wrestle with his thoughts.

***

"You were shocked." Acacius had led Ana to a large, beautifully decorated room within the palace, announcing that this was where he resided while he was in Rome. Ana didn't need Acacius to clarify what she had been shocked by.

"I didn't realize he was so young." Acacius chuckled.

"There's no age limit on royal ruling," he stated, coming to gently gather Ana against him. She relaxed in his embrace.

"No, I don't suppose there is." Ana looked straight into Acacius' eyes. "What did he mean, he didn't grow up in this world?"

"It's a long, complicated story." Acacius sighed, shifting, grabbing Ana's hand and leading her over to the bed, where they both sat down. Ana smiled, nestling contentedly in his arms.

"Was he threatened and forced to flee?" Ana asked. Acacius gave her a knowing smile.

"Are you someone who can decipher the past?" He asked softly, a teasing note in his voice. Ana chuckled, giving him a kiss.

"Perhaps there's still more to me that you've yet to discover," she teased back. Acacius smiled appreciatively.

"Perhaps you're correct."

"But that's part of it," Ana said, returning the conversation back to Lucius. Acacius nodded.

"It is."

"How frightening, always having to live your life, looking over your shoulder, worrying about someone trying to dispose of you, simply because you're of a certain lineage," Ana murmured, absently caressing Acacius' beard. He smiled fondly at her.

"It certainly is." Acacius suddenly moved, pining Ana beneath him, as he flashed a wicked grin.

"Acacius!" Ana gasped. "What in the name of the gods are you doing?"

"Having some fun."

"But..but..." Ana's face burned. "What if someone should hear..us?" Acacius chuckled.

"Let them. Besides, it wouldn't be the first time these people have heard others enjoying themselves." Ana blushed harder.

"Perhaps. But I'd rather they didn't add me to their stories of inappropriate behavior they've overheard in the palace."

"You're not interested then?" Acacius murmured, stroking Ana's backside. She gasped again.

"I..I..didn't say no," she panted out. Acacius' mouth came down, hard, on hers. He grinned as he pulled away.

"Shall we?" Ana chuckled.

"If you insist, General."

****

Footsteps echoed down the corridor as Acacius headed for the nearest exit, needing some air. Ana was blissfully sound asleep, exhausted from their journey and love making earlier. Acacius, however, was too wide awake for sleep. He blamed it on his military habits, where he learned to sleep with one eye open when he and his men were camped out on the battlefield.

He reached the nearest door, slipping outside, into the crisp night air, breathing deeply. He gazed up at the darkened sky, catching sight of the stars. After a moment, he surveyed his surroundings, another old habit from his days on the battlefield. He sensed no threats and moved, leaning against the wall.

A moment later, Acacius heard footsteps approaching and instantly his body was more alert, coiled and ready to spring should this person pose a threat. A shadow passed by and...Acacius found himself face to face with Lucilla.

She smiled prettily at him, drawing closer, extending her hand so Acacius could greet her properly. Acacius did so, his lips barely grazing across Lucilla's knuckles before releasing her hand.

"What brings you out here this evening?" Acacius asked bluntly. Lucilla sidled up to him, her dress brushing against Acacius' arm.

"Same reason as you, I suppose, General. I couldn't sleep." Acacius desperately wanted to ask if Lucius had mentioned anything about the impending war, but wisely held his tongue.

"You were following me, weren't you?" Acacius shot Lucilla an accusing glance. She pretended not to notice it.

"Perhaps." Lucilla studied Acacius. "She's very beautiful." Acacius wasn't so dull that he didn't know what Lucilla meant.

"She is."

"What made you decide to bring her?" Lucilla asked.

"She hadn't properly seen Rome," Acacius replied shortly. Lucilla chuckled, clearly amused.

"Nonsense. You had other intentions."

"It's none of your concern, my lady." Acacius refused to be interrogated by this woman. While there had been a time when he considered her as a potential partner, that time had long past.

"Begging your pardon, General." Lucilla's tone was clipped. "Whatever takes place, in this palace, is indeed my concern." Acacius cast a sharp look at her. It wasn't hard to discover where Lucius earned his stubbornness from.

"This doesn't," Acacius said firmly. Lucilla's face hardened, her earlier coy glances, slipping away.

"It does," she insisted. "You brought that child into my domain. Close to my son. Therefore I'll consider it my concern." Acacius chuckled. He always did enjoy seeing Lucilla's fiery side emerge.

"Calm yourself, my lady," Acacius murmured. "Ana is no threat to you or your son. She's not interested in politics. Nor dethroning you."

Lucilla drew herself up to her full height, facing Acacius, her pretty face twisted into a severe scowl.

"I shall be the judge of that, General. But know this; should I discover that you've lied to me, I won't allow your treason to go unpunished."

Acacius bowed his head respectfully. Lucilla gave him a curt nod before taking her leave. Acacius watched in amusement as Lucilla strode away, her regal head held high. He shook his head, pushing off the wall and returning to this quarters.

As he quietly slipped back into the room, he immediately checked on Ana, who was still sound asleep. He smiled tenderly at her, settling himself down on the edge of the bed before removing his sandals and shifting carefully beside Ana. She stirred in her sleep, sighing.

Acacius smiled, sliding closer and gently putting his arms around her. Ana immediately settled against him. He held her, feeling that strong sense of protection that he for her. Acacius closed his eyes. It appeared that his conversation with Lucilla was precisely what he needed to get some rest.