CHAPTER THREE.
an ode to proserpina and pluto

The warm and radiant Roman sun hung low in the midst of the sky, a mix of orange and yellow hue dancing across the evening horizon, casting a bright, illuminating glow that cascaded across the landscape of the palace garden.

     A garden Octavia Amulius found herself escaping to more times than she could count.

The variations of colours and assortments of flowers of all kinds left the woman in awe as her gaze fell on the artistry planted by the gardeners. The bold colours faded into perfect synchrony with the paler ones, allowing them to flourish in the daylight. Some flowers were blooming just in time for the summer, and others were still growing day by day, and would be ready in time for next summer. It amazed the woman how something so delicate could become so resilient against the Earth's natural atmosphere and ever-changing climate conditions, and how the roots pumped enough life through the stem, and even into the petals to keep it alive.

     You could say she envied that about them. Plants could remain effortlessly beautiful and completely alive as long as they were given the correct care, love, and companionship.

     She wondered how long it would be until she withered and died without the true love of an Emperor to keep her prosperous.

     Octavia laughed in response to her own twisted irony. She didn't know if the Emperor loved her or not. He sure did have a great difficulty in showing his love at times, but then there were days when he would surprise her, and leave the woman to second guess every interaction they've shared since the day they met. He would hurt her, leave bruises on her skin when he got rough in bed, or if his anger got the better of him in a fit of his own violent rage. Then the next day, he was barking orders profusely towards the gardeners, telling them to plant a fresh batch of Octavia's favourite flowers, and in some strange maniacal way, it was enough to make her heart skip a beat because he knew what her favourite plant was, and he even cared enough to make sure it was planted in the centre of the garden she currently stood in.

     If only the Emperor knew love was more than just shimmering jewels and pretty flowers. Maybe then they could have a some-what happy and healthy marriage in the future.

     Octavia didn't even know if Geta was capable of love, especially the love she had craved since the moment she herself understood what love was.

     Octavia hummed solemnly before she reached and picked a bright, pink Lily flower (her favourite) from the green bush, lifting the bud to her face, just close enough that the soft petals brushed gentle against the tip of her nose. Octavia inhaled the soothing scent of the flower and sighed in relief. The smell was strong and complex, with a mixture of rose, vanilla, and spice flooding her nostrils. It was harmonious and comforting, and left Octavia feeling warmth in the cavity of her chest that had been left cold for far too long. However, the warmth burning from within quickly dissipated twice as fast the second she retracted the flower from her nose. That's all it was these days, everything that bought her a second of joy was temporary before she was bought back to the cold drought of her reality.

The woman always wondered if she would feel that warmth one day, and for once, it would last forevermore.

     And just like many moments that were just her own, filled with peace and tranquility, and nothing more, they were always interrupted by the one that disturbed her peace.

     "Your maid told me I could find you here," Octavia let out a dreaded sigh, her small smile faltering from her lips before she turned away from the bush of lily flowers, and was met with the familiar face and smile that belonged to her husband to-be.

     Octavia shot Geta another disapproving glance. She had lost count of how many unflattering glances she had given the Emperor during this one day alone. "Her name is Augusta, your Majesty. She might be just a maid to you, but she is my dear friend," She corrected him, her words being enough to make Geta laugh off her words as he twisted some of the jewelled rings around his fingers.

     "Of course. My apologies," Geta replied earnestly. Octavia was almost shocked that the man had apologised to her of all people, especially over a matter he did not care about. Nonetheless, she did not dare question the sincerity in his voice, or the honest apology that had previously rolled off his serpent tongue. "I do not understand why you spend so much time in this insignificant place. If you did not enjoy it so much, I would put something worth seeking here instead," He explained, scanning his eyes over the countless amount of bushes and wide variety of beautiful flowers.

     Octavia found herself forcing another pretty smile, pretending to find humour in the man's ill comment. "I do not expect a man as accomplished and as powerful as yourself to find the beauty in something so simple. However, the beauty of nature has always exhibited harmony in me since I was just a child. I could not become weary of it even if that was what my heart truly desired," She elaborated, smiling as she turned around to look at the bush of Lillies behind her with an admirable expression plastered across her face.

"And you shall have the most wonderful garden that Rome has ever seen if that is what your heart truly desires," Geta informs truthfully, placing the palm of his hand in the dip of her back, the feeling of his touch being enough to make Octavia tense. She breathed a sigh of relief when she realised Geta had not caught onto the sudden shift in her demeanour when he only touched her. She could not imagine the fight that would've ensued if he had noticed how uncomfortable she often felt in his presence.

Geta then guided Octavia over towards the stone bench in front of the lily bush, allowing her to take a seat first before he sat down beside her, his hand moving from her back, to her arm, and lastly, her hand, where he brushed his fingers underneath her own, giving them a gentle squeeze. It was a strange feeling to experience something so tender from the Emperor. He was often rough with her, even in the moments where he was supposed to be soft and gentle, it was almost like he didn't know the meaning of the words. It felt almost foreign to see him being so kind to her that she found herself not knowing how to react at first. It was only when Geta spoke again, she found herself holding onto his hand with a smile, but one filled with genuine relief and affection, spreading across her lips.

"There was a matter I wanted to speak to you about before the ball this evening," Geta interjected, and Octavia nodded her head. Deep down she knew the matter had to be important if it required Geta to venture all the way outside to the garden in order for them to discuss it further. In addition, the twinkle of hope in his eyes accompanied by the somber look glazed over his irises left Octavia in anticipation for what he was going to say next. "The Senate sat me down to discuss our union..." He began, the mere mention of their upcoming marriage forced Octavia's chest to become heavy.

     Any talk of their union was enough to make Octavia Amulius become sick with dread.

     "What about our union?" Octavia questioned, her voice beginning to shake slightly. "And why was I not invited to this discussion? I am one part of this conversation. I should've been present," She then insisted. If the topic of conversation was about her betrothal to the Emperor, then surely she should have been involved from the beginning instead of being informed of whatever decision was made in her absence.

     Her shaky voice and confused tone was enough to make Geta look down, tracing his thumb gently across the skin of her hand as he continued to caress her fingers, the cool metal of his gold rings sending chills up the woman's spine. "The Senate does not prefer to listen to a woman's opinions," He replied with the most brutal words of honesty he had to offer. It was disappointing to say the least, but Octavia shouldn't have been surprised to hear those words leave the Emperor's mouth for he shared the same opinions as the Senate.

     Sighing in defeat, Octavia lifted her gaze to meet Geta's. "What was discussed in my absence, then?" She probed, curious to learn more. She was sure it couldn't be anything good.

"The Senate are urging us to be wed," Geta informed, and Octavia tensed again. "I was prepared to wait a year or so until you were comfortable, but Rome needs unity in these dark times, and the Senate believe our union, as well as an heir, would bring the Roman people together...And I have to agree. We have waited long enough. We shouldn't wait anymore. Preparations will be made, and we will make a formal announcement at the ball tonight," He explained further, and Octavia fought the urge to scoff in amusement.

He wasn't even asking her. The decision had already been made, and he was just making her aware of what was to come. This would be the life that lied ahead of her.

     Swallowing the lump in her throat, the woman looked down at the lily flower she had been twirling nervously in between her finger tips. She allowed her gaze to linger on the beautiful bud of colour for a moment before her eyes met Geta's once again. "If that is what the Senate and yourself want, then that is what shall happen," She gave in. No fight. Nothing. Putting up a fight would have resorted to an argument, one she would end up losing one way or another. If she just accepted that this would be her fate, then maybe she would grow accustomed to her life ahead.

     Geta chuckled, smiling back at his betrothed with admiration and gratitude. "What you want matters, too, My Love. You will be one half of this marriage, my other half. What you say and think will matter, too. No matter what the Senate say and think," He reassured her. He then looked down at the lily flower in Octavia's hand and took it from her, holding it delicately in between his fingers before he reached out and placed the flower in the woman's hair, resting it just behind her ear.

Octavia couldn't help but smile in return to the kind gesture. This was the Geta she wished he would show more. It showed he was more than just a cruel Emperor or a mad man, and that he could be kind and offer comfort, just like any other gentleman. Octavia looked down again, her hand in his, and for a moment it was just them alone in the garden he had ordered to keep maintained for her. This was the side of the Emperor she had warmed up to, and why she could not hate him fully, even if that was what her heart truly desired, because before he was a ruler of Rome, he was once a boy, supposedly kind and soft, and she believed he was still in there somewhere. Maybe it was naive to have hope, but she held it in her hand the way she held onto him.

She hoped this side of him was enough for her to find love in the man someday.

Or maybe she would wilt away with the lack of sun as she suffered alone in his darkness. Truth is, only time would tell.

     Octavia wondered if this was what Proserpina felt when she was tricked and later imprisoned by her husband, Pluto. If she sometimes felt as if she was drowning with no strength to come up for air, especially when Pluto first tricked her into becoming his bride. However, if it was true what they say and she did fall in love with the man with time, then maybe they did find solace in one another, and if Proserpina did fall in love with the king of the darkest place in all of ancient folklore, then there had to be a chance Octavia could find the strength to find love in her husband to-be, right? She already had found comfort in him from time to time. So perhaps their union could be what they needed to bring them together once and for all.

     She just had to have hope.

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     The hall was something out of a dream. It was full of excess, long purple fabrics draped over the imperial marble pillars, the soft silk shimmering under the golden candlelight fixtures mounted to the stone walls.

     The room was packed with glimmering royalty, their divine gowns and expensive jewellery catching the attention of everyone in the room as they danced to the music springing from the lyre on the far side of the room. They moved around each other in perfect synchrony, rows upon rows of individuals swaying in the most elegant form to the melody streaming blissfully from the stringed instrument. Entertainment was scattered across the large and open hall, creating choruses of laughter from the small crowds, filling the ears of many in attendance. And the banquet of food that rested on the long table that stretched from one side of the room to the other, cooked perfectly for those who were deemed royalty to the Roman people.

     Octavia Amulius was surprised by the turn out, dressed in a cream and white dress with a shimmering shawl draped over her arms. It was often used to cover the marks Geta left on her skin. The public did not need to see such a disaster, especially during a party such as this one. And she could tell just by scanning her eyes over her familiar surroundings, that neither of the Emperors chose to hold back on the expenses forked out for this particular event. It was impressive to say the least, but nonetheless, she still looked around disapprovingly, especially at the large spread of food laid out across the tables. The less fortunate were starving to death outside the palace walls, and everyone invited to the ball were given more than they could chew.

     Being required to attend such an event because she was too be the wife of an Emperor, when she would've much rather spent the evening in her quarters, reading a book, made Octavia feel exhausted just by standing in the room. It felt almost suffocating.

     However, she felt the evening become a little more bearable when she turned and saw a familiar blonde woman approaching her, a kind smile etched at the corners of her lips. Lucilla Aurelius was and will always be the treasure of Rome, with her golden locks that draped down past her shoulders, jewels laid neatly around her neck, and dressed in the most breathtaking shade of gold and white that Octavia had ever seen. If there was a single definition of beauty, she was sure Lucilla was the epitome of it. It was no wonder why the Roman people loved her, because to even catch a single glimpse of such beauty was a gift in itself. At least that was what Octavia believed when she met eyes with her dear friend.

     Octavia smiled in return, watching as the woman stopped in her tracks and bowed to her as a sign of respect for the future bride of Emperor Geta. It was a formality Octavia took no pleasure in, but if Lucilla hadn't of greeted her formally, and if either Emperors had been around to witness it, Lucilla would've been punished for her small discrepancy. "It has been too long, Lucilla," Octavia reached out and grabbed onto the woman's hands with her own, as Lucilla rose, becoming level with Octavia once again.

     "It is lovely to see you again," Lucilla replied earnestly, tracing her finger over the roof of Octavia's hand. "You are right, it has been too long. I am sorry for not visiting the palace more often," She apologised.

     Octavia shook her head. "Nonsense. Just because I am trapped behind these four walls, does not mean you have to be, too," She joked, earning a small half smile from the blonde in response. "Now, shall we take a turn around the room while we catch up?" Octavia then suggested.

     "It would be my pleasure," Lucilla agreed, linking arms with Octavia before they begin to walk around the large and extravagant ballroom, walking past pieces of artwork hanging from the walls, and passing through other attendees in the process, who parted ways to allow Octavia and Lucilla to pass them.

     After a few seconds of silence, Octavia was the first to speak up amongst the two of them. "You must be elated to have your husband home at last. These long months of war have already taken too much time from you both," She informed, an empathetic look glimmering in her eyes as she looked over to see Acacius was reluctantly drinking wine with the Emperors and a few other members from the Senate.

"I thank the Gods who brought him home safely to me," Lucilla smiled as she glanced over at her husband from afar. Octavia smiled again in return. Lucilla was a woman who had suffered many losses in her life; her father, her husband, her twisted brother, a man she was rumoured to have been in love with once, and worst of all, she had lost her own son. Now that was a loss Octavia herself could not even comprehend. She had so much respect for the woman and the strength she had, but she was also grateful that Acacius was still here with them, and war had not made him another casualty just yet.

     "He was very modest when he returned home," Lucilla spoke again, looking ahead with an amused look evident in her eyes. "He believes there should not be a celebration in his name," She continued.

     "Well, you know the Emperors. They always need an excuse to throw a party," Octavia sighed in defeat, looking back over at Geta who was smiling ear to ear, while he conversed with his brother. Octavia was then filled with a sense of dread once again. They were most likely discussing the announcement that would be made at any moment in front of all these people. An announcement that would seal her fate for good.

     It just so happened that Lucilla noticed the sudden shift of discomfort in the woman, causing for a feeling of deep concern to wash over her. "Is there something troubling you, Octavia?" She probed further.

     Octavia turned her attention back to Lucilla, rolling back her shoulders in the process. "My union to Geta will be announced tonight. The Senate have insisted that we must marry soon to unite Rome. I do not believe a marriage between us two will save the city from damnation, but Geta does, and what the Emperor wants, he will surely get," She explained, a sad look becoming more prominent in her eyes before both women stopped in their tracks.

     That was when Lucilla looked down at Octavia's arms, and as the shawl draped over her arms moved slightly, that was when she saw the dark marks around her forearms. The bruises. The sight alone was enough to make Lucilla react, a quiet gasp leaving her quivering lips as she reached out for the woman. "My God, Octavia. What has he done to you?" She questioned quietly, her voice barely above a whisper as neither of them wanted to attract unwanted attention towards them both.

Octavia looked over at Lucilla, and when she saw where the woman's eyes were fixated on, she quickly looked down and adjusted the shawl hanging over her arms to her bruises were covered once again. Discomfort filled Octavia's bloodstream again, pumping harshly through her veins. "It is nothing..." She paused for a moment, a quiet sigh leaving her lips. "When the Emperor and I are in bed, he likes to get rough. That is all," She answered truthfully, still trying to hide the bruises that had formed after their morning of self pleasures earlier the same day.

Lucilla reached out and grabbed ahold of the woman's hand, forcing Octavia to look back at her. "But do you like it when he gets rough?" She asked.

Octavia shook her head discreetly, and Lucilla let out a shaky breath, her eyes flickering down to the bruises hidden under the fabric. "I let him do what he wants. He's...he would never rape me. At least, I don't think he would. I guess, I have never had to find out. I'm scared to think what would happen if I ever was to say no to him and his needs," She elaborated.

"Sweet girl..." Lucilla gave Octavia's hand a gentle squeeze. "You cannot marry that man," She insisted.

Octavia scoffed quietly, trying to ignore the feeling of suffocation weighing heavy on her chest. "I have to, Lucilla," She argued.

"If this is about your father's life, I will ask Acacius to get him on a boat from Ostia. You could go with him, and you would be free, the both of you," Lucilla retorted, trying to find a reasonable outcome that ensured the safety of the last living members of the Amulius family.

"No, you can't. I will not have Acacius and yourself put your lives on the line for me. And even if I did run, Geta would just send soldiers to search for me. I will never be free from him, Lucilla, even if I wanted to be," Octavia replied sadly, as if she was once again, mourning the freedom she would never get back. "I made my decision a year ago. I now have to live with that decision for the rest of my life. I don't regret it. I just wish it would be easier. And, I don't know, perhaps one day I will find it in my heart to love Geta."

Tears began to form in the corners of Lucilla's eyes. "This is not love, Octavia. And you are a woman deserving of love. That man will never be the one to give it to you," She told her, her voice beginning to shake.

     Octavia parted her lips to speak, but before she had the chance to reply to the woman, another voice interjected. "Could I have your attention, please!" The room suddenly fell silent, the music coming to a stop. "Now, not only are we gathered today to celebrate the victory of Acacius and his troops..." Octavia turned to see a member of the Senate standing in front of everyone, an excited grin etched at the corners of his lips. "We are pleased to announce that you are all accordingly invited to the wedding of our beloved Emperor, Emperor Geta, to his betrothed, Lady Octavia Amulius, taking place here in this very palace in two weeks," The man announced, causing for an erupting of cheering and applause from the crowd. "Now, if you could make some room for the couple to share a dance," He added.

     In a matter of a seconds, the crowd dispersed to make more than enough room on the ballroom floor. Octavia looked ahead to see Geta was already walking down to the centre of the floor, causing for the woman to force a smile and let go of Lucilla's hand before she joined him. All of a sudden, the music echoed through the hall, and Geta reached out for her hand before planting a drunken kiss on her knuckle. She swallowed the lump in her throat and joined him in a dance, her hand latching onto one of his own while the other rested on his shoulder, and together, they moved in tempo with the music playing from the band of instruments in the room.

     It was believed to be a match made in the heavens above. But no one knew, not even Geta, that she was falling prey to the weight disarray of their union.

     But one did.

     From afar, Lucilla watched with a somber look burning bright in her eyes as she watched the couple move to the music in an elegant fashion around the room, and while others watched them with admiration, Lucilla saw the truth. She noticed the pain hidden underneath Octavia's smile as she peered into the eyes of the Emperor, trying to find some redeeming features about him to make the pain of being tied to him for the rest of her life not as bad as what it truly was deep down. Lucilla was all too familiar with that feeling. When her brother died, she believed she would never have to see another woman, pure and full of life, become scorned and beaten down under the rule of a cruel man who would be the death of her in the end.

     Lucilla believed the cycle would end with her, and if anything, she saw herself in Octavia, and now all she could do was watch as history repeated itself.

     And when Lucilla was joined by her husband, she turned her pain-stricken gaze away from the dancing couple before her eyes found Acacius'. "Did you say your troops will be here in Ostia in ten days?" She asked, her voice low to prevent any prying ears from overhearing them. Acacius glanced back at Lucilla and nodded his head in response. "Good, because you need to get Octavia out of Rome before she is forced to marry the Emperor," She announced quietly.

     Acacius appeared confused by the woman's statement. "I do not understand—"

     "He hurts her. I have seen the bruises," Lucilla interjected before she looked back at Octavia. "If we do not stop that union, he will be the death of her. I have seen many women alike give their life to Rome, and I would gladly be one of them. However, Octavia cannot be just another victim. I fear if she weds Geta, it will only be a matter of time before he kills her, too," She explained, a stray tear rolling down her cheek.

     Acacius had no idea how deep the pain in Octavia's relationship with the Emperor went, and now he was cursed with the knowledge, he felt as if he had failed to protect her, thus breaking his promise to her father. "Lucilla—"

     "Promise me. Promise me that you will save her from this fate," Lucilla cut him off once again, her eyes meeting his own.

     Acacius was silent for a moment, his gaze shifting between his wife, and then to Octavia where she danced reluctantly with her husband to-be. And that was when the picture had become clear, and the decision had been made.

     "I promise."

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authors note.
Lucilla and Octavia, you will always be loved by me 🥹 but seriously their relationship means the world to me in this book and is probably one of my favourite dynamics to write for, and you will be seeing a lot of them as the story goes on because we love women supporting women!!!
BUT the next chapter will be one for the history books because Octavia and Lucius will FINALLY be meeting and ahhhh I love them so much, their first interaction is kinda insane.

But until then I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter and I'll be updating again very soon!!