ˢᵃᵘᵈᵃᵈᵉ

lucius aurelius 𝔁 fem! reader
𝕘𝕝𝕒𝕕𝕚𝕒𝕥𝕠𝕣 𝕀𝕀

❝ I don't want you for your body or for those lips.
Your presence is pleasurable enough. ❞

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐭. As a Courtesan of Rome, these fine silk and linen gowns were nothing new, and yet, you still could never get used to the heat without completely undressing.

Which is what you were currently doing.

The bathhouse was empty, so you decide to bask in the lukewarm waters to relieve some of the heat. Sighing as you eased into the water, your body was already cooling down. You tossed your hair up into an easy updo so that it wouldn't get wet, and sunk down until just your head was perched above the water, your chin dipping every so often. 

Silence ensued, and it was a sweet sound. You enjoyed your own company far more then anyone else's in comparison, happy to spend hours with just yourself and your thoughts.

"Y/N!"

Your eyes snapped open at the sound of your name, and you lifted your head slightly to see your caretaker entering the bathhouse. She was an old woman, lithe and dark with skin tainted by the heavy sun. Her hair fell in one thick braid down her shoulder, and she adorned an emerald silken gown to match her unearthly eyes. 

"Madame Flora," you called out, and the woman finally found you, smiling fondly with a relieved sigh. The woman was like a mother to you. She had taken you from the streets, and kept you safe in her home before training you to be a Courtesan when you were old enough.

No wonder you were the best.

"Sweet child, I have been searching everywhere for you," Flora started as she settled down by the bathtub. Her withered hand dabbed lightly at your wet skin as you lifted an arm to rest over the edge of the large bath.

"Whatever for, Flora?" you questioned as you closed your eyes. "I've just been trying to escape the heat."

Flora watched you with a knowing smirk before gently whacking your cheek. Your eyes snapped open as you scoffed with laughter, gently splashing the woman. 

"My dear, you have been chosen," Flora grinned.

"Chosen?" you repeated, your intrigue peaking as you leaned forward. 

The woman nodded with a proud smile. "My sweet child, you have been chosen by Emperor Lucius Verus Aurelius."

You went still, your eyes wide and your lips parting in shock. The emperor had chosen you as his consort, his companion. "To the Gods, I vow myself to their will, if not the emperor first," you whispered in a daze, the spiel making Flora laugh as she clapped her hands. 

"Come, my dear, the advisor of our emperor waits to meet you," Flora prompted. 

━

Half an hour later, you were strolling through the brothel's gardens with the emperor's advisor. He introduced himself as Ravi, and he was quite an enigma, that much you could tell. He entertained you with conversation like no other, and you were pleased to say he was very much surprised by your wit and charisma. 

Your laughter had just died down from another one of his jokes. "I hope the emperor is as funny as you are."

Ravi chuckled, shaking his head. You were a sweet and witty girl, and he liked you. And he knew that Lucius would grow to like you as well. Allot. 

"The emperor is a... cautious man," Ravi revealed as you both came to a stop. It was time for him to head back to the palace. "He will take some getting used too. Remember, he is from a taken home, Rome is not his way or land. He is not like others you have entertained."

You paused for a moment, contemplating his words. Ravi watched as a wonderful, soft smile lifted at your mouth. 

"Then perhaps, I will actually enjoy spending time with him then."

━

Lucius gazed at the flower in his hand, the purple sprouts of the lavender softly crumbling at his coarse fingertips. 

Lucius. Lucius. He was not yet used to his birth name, long ago abandoned in order to protect his safety. And now it is what he hears hailed from his people. The people of Rome.

It had been seven moons since he was ordained as the Prince of Rome, soon becoming the Emperor of the land by the people. They showed their loyalty through good deeds, and he showed them gratitude in kind. Lucius was a good emperor.

"Your mother wouldn't be proud," a voice called, and Lucius turned, finding Ravi by the side. "You're picking up on her old habit."

Lucius glanced down at the lavender again, a sordid yet blessed reminder of his late mother, Lucilla. He missed her like the body does air, and so many things reminded him of her.

"You speak as if you knew her," Lucius smiled slightly.

"All of Rome knows her," his friend rebuked, stepping onto the balcony. "For her valour. Her mercy and righteousness to the motherland."

Lucius merely hummed, nodding along to whatever words were coming from the man. His eyes washed over the view from his high palace room. Being in such refineries and lavishness is still hard to get used too; servants at his call to which he would politely decline, gold embedded in pretty much everything he used, offerings at his feet. It was all too much.

A part of him yearned for the simplicity of it all - his life from before. There was nothing here that made himself want to stay, if only just the justice for Rome's redemption. He felt he owed that to his parents.

"I have finally done it."

Lucius frowned in confusion, glancing over at Ravi. "What do you speak of, my friend?"

The man smiled, walking forward and clapping a hand over his shoulder. "I have picked you a courtesan." Immediately, Lucius let out a groan, to which Ravi laughed but continued, "A courtesan so lovely and beautiful, she will make you bow to every God of our planet because you will not believe she is real."

Lucius shrugged  away the man, shaking his head with annoyance, "I merely picked the girl because Rome would not let me be."

"The people doubt you. You are not like other emperors," Ravi shrugged.

"Like other emperors? So I don't have a string of whores in my wake along with the fall of Rome at my fingertips?" Lucius clarified. 

"Well, you've summed it quite well, so yes," his friend nodded, to which he let out a huff of short laughter. "I'm only looking out for you, dear friend. This woman... She is incredible."

Lucius rolled his eyes, "How so? What makes her different from the rest of the courtesans of Rome? I know her reputation, there is no doubt she is... skilled."

"She's got a mean tongue, and not just her job requirements," Ravi started rather blatantly. "She's a spitfire. She will not hesitate to challenge you, oh mighty emperor. Although I met her for her reputation, I picked her because... Well, I thought you two would make quite the pair."

Lucius stared out at the vast expanse of the empire in his name, his eyes squinting from the sun above. His eyes dotted over the homes and buildings, his mind wandering to... where his courtesan might be. What were you like? What were your opinions? His curiosity spiked for some reason and he wanted to know everything about you.

He settled on one.

"When do I get to meet her?"

━

It had been a few days since your visit from Ravi, and this morning, you had just received news from a messenger that tonight, the emperor wanted to meet you for your first acquaintance. You found yourself with Flora and two other courtesans, Diana and Cassia, the pair being your closest friends. 

"The blue brings out your eyes," the latter stated, holding up a flowing gown from your closet. 

"Ay, ay, but she's worn it a handful of times. It is nothing special," Diana clicked her tongue in disapproval before casting you a pearly smile. "Our dearest friend is meeting the emperor of Rome, so, she must dress to impress not only him, but her future subjects."

"Girls!" Flora scorned lightly, the pair giggling at the blush crawling up your cheeks. They had been jesting for days ever since they'd found out you were meeting the emperor that you were going to become his mistress, and soon, the empress of Rome. 

"A far fetched dream, girls," you voiced your thoughts with a roll of your eyes. "Now, enough daydreaming and help me pick out a colour that will make me... stand out."

You watched as the girls argued over what dressed suited you best, and you felt the eyes of Flora on you, so you turned to look. She was watching you with a soft smile, and you couldn't help but return it. 

"You truly wish to impress him," Flora said. 

You shrugged softly, "I have heard of his prowess, and I have seen all he has done for Rome in only a matter of seven moon falls. He seems to be a good, honourable man..." You glanced at the girls, finding them beaming at you as they held up a dress. It was perfect. "I hope I am right."

━

That night, the carriage took you towards the huge palace where the emperor lived. It was magnificent, with towering ivory columns and gold increments decorating every floor, wall and roof. As you were led through the hallways, flames flickered in elaborate holders, highlighting the mosaic wall patterns and lavish tapestries. 

You saw Ravi in the far corner, smiling at him as he matched it with his own. "Advisor Ravi," you greeted with a bow of your head, a gesture he returned.

"The Emperor is ready to see you now, Madame," he started with a nod of his head towards the long hallway across from you. At the end, a large set of doors awaited, and behind them would be the man you were set to entertain.

Your nerves spiked out of nowhere, but you held fast, nodding politely at Ravi before two guards escorted you through the hallway. They quietly informed you that the emperor was inside, awaiting your arrival before they slowly opened the doors.

They creaked slightly, and your breath hitched as you took a step inside, eyes widening at the sheer size of the room. It would be improper to call it a bedroom; this was a chamber. There was a ginormous bed at the end of the room, where columns highlighted the balcony it was set in front of. Sheer curtains billowed in the soft breeze, the certain smell of Rome and her fire-lit streets filled with the people filling your nostrils.

You took fragile steps across the cold marble, your sandals clicking softly against the floor. Eyes raking over the space, your eyebrows furrowed in slight confusion when you didn't see anybody. The guards informed you that he was inside, waiting for you, and yet, as you came to a stop by the bed where your fingers brushed against the pure silk sheets, you came to the conclusion that the emperor was not here.

But he was. 

Hidden away in the darkness of the room, he didn't know to approach you. Lucius was going to reveal himself rather normally and introduce himself, but upon seeing you when the doors opened, he stopped. 

Every part of his body came to a halt as his eyes traced every feature of your face and body, his breath hitching at the sight of you. The rumours were true, and your reputation of being an ethereal beauty proceeded you.

Lucius watched from the edge as you moved past every material, your eyes intent on the balcony. You walked out into the open terrace, a sigh of wonder escaping your lips as your eyes took in the marvellous sight of Rome. 

The city was alight with life, the horizon dotted with the spiked mountains. Suddenly, the sound of a throat clearing sounded and you spun around, hand flying to your chest at the abrupt alert of a new presence. 

From the room, you watched as a figure emerged. Immediately, you recognised him. You had seen him in far distances from when he visited certain areas of the city. One thing you admired about this man, someone you had never even met, was how much he presented his care and admiration for every single citizen of Rome. He didn't confine himself to the socially acceptable rich and of-status, but cast himself off to the poorer and forgotten edges of Rome. 

It seemed he rather preferred their company.

"I didn't mean to frighten you," Emperor Lucius said as he stepped out into the balcony. The fire cast an orange flow over his face, highlighting the sun kissed tan of his face. And the hard lines of the responsibilities of Rome and those of a soldier. You sometimes forgot about that- allot of Rome's citizens did. 

This man, although born in Rome of a princess and her respected general lover, lived a hard and dangerous life. He was a soldier, his home was stolen and he was forced into the once violent colosseum to fight for his life.

"Do not apologise, my emperor," you rushed out, shaking your head. "I should've announced my presence."

"I should've announced my presence," he reiterated, gesturing to himself. 

"Why didn't you?" you then asked gently, tilting your head. 

Emperor Lucius eyes widened ever so slightly, seemingly taken aback by your question. Ravi was right about you, he thought to himself. You didn't shrink away or try to hide after speaking your mind like everyone else did, scared they would offend the emperor. 

"I'm sorry," you apologised when he didn't speak. "I spoke out of tongue. Please forgive me."

"There is nothing to forgive," Lucius shook his head. 

Suddenly, the energy shifted. He watched as your eyes narrowed, and your hip docked to the side. Out of nowhere, everything about you screamed seduction as you prowled towards him like a wild cat. 

Right. This is what you were here for.

"A part of me feels guilty, so perhaps there is another way for you to ease that," you murmured, and Lucius clenched his jaw at the tone in your voice, the sound sending a slight tingle down his spine. 

He watched you from the corner of his eye as you slunk around him, your fingers softly dancing over his arms and back as you came back around him. Your hand traipsed over his chest ever so slightly, enough to illicit the perfect match of lust and softness all in one single touch. 

Out of nowhere, he captured your hand in a vice that had you flinching from the suddenness of it all. He stared at you, long and hard, his eyes never straying from your face. Your lips parted, and that was the one time that had his gaze drifting, if only for a moment.

"I know what you do, and who you are. I know of your duties," Lucius stated, and your eyebrows furrowed slightly. "You know why you've come here..." He paused for only a moment. "But I do want what you are offering."

Your gaze stuttered as your mouth opened in confusion and quiet shock. "I... I am confused."

He released your hand, and you found yourself missing the feeling, the appendage dropping to your side. Instead, he rubbed his hand over his jaw, and something in you wanted to do it for him. 

"I chose a Courtesan because Rome wondered if I was... normal," Lucius said with a huffed out chuckle. "They are more intrigued in my sexual endeavours instead of my political affairs."

"Well, a sated man is a happy man," you said with a light shrug. "And a happy man will lead a happy kingdom."

Lucius stared at you for a moment before letting out a small laugh. And to the Gods, you hoped to hear it in full, for it was a delightful sound. And such a sweet sight. The way the lines of his eyes creased, his mouth broadening and accentuating the softness in his face that is usually hardened to the public eye. 

"So... you do want my services?" you questioned. 

"I merely want your company," Lucius said in agreement. "Having such a reputable courtesan at my side will make Rome unlatch her claws from my back." You smiled at that, not noticing the way his eyes dilated at the sight. "... I simply need you."

You were quiet, watching him with a tilted head. Here stood the Emperor of Great Rome, asking you to help him. How were you in any permission to refuse?

"Who am I to deny you?" You bowed your head, your hands holding themselves at your friend. "Your wish is my command, Emperor Lucius."

"Please," he stopped. "You need not call me such titles."

"Then...?"

"Just call me Lucius."

━

That first night, you merely stayed in his room whilst he worked. Boring, yes, but on your second visit, you had asked if you were allowed to bring in some activities to do whenever you stayed in the palace. Lucius had agreed - it was still so odd to call the Emperor of Rome by just his name - so on your third visit, you had brought in paint and books with you.

"What are you reading?"

You glanced up from the page you were on, finding Lucius watching you from his desk. You were in the centre of his bed, laying on your stomach with your legs bent upwards. It had been about a week since you'd been here, simply lounging through your visits.

"Just mindless words of a poet," you shrugged nonchalantly, heart picking up slightly when he stood from his desk. Immediately, you placed the book to your side, watching as he approached you.

You were still were both unfamiliar with each other, your interactions short and speckled with simple greetings and updates on what one another was up to. You wanted to expand whatever you both had.

"I've seen this in your hands multiple times," he noted. "Is it the only one you have?"

"They are hard to come by," you chuckled. "Not everyone writes books, dear emperor." Lucius watched you before humming to yourself. Suddenly, he stretched his hand out, wordlessly eyeing you. "Yes?"

"Come with me," he stated, and immediately, you perked up from the bed, hand gliding across his coarse palm. It would be embarrassing to say there was an electric snap when you made contact, but it would also be terribly stupid to deny it.

You stared at each other before he cleared his throat. You both began walking out of his bedroom and through hallways you had yet to venture. People greeted you both, obviously him moreso with respect. 

"It seems to be working," you said, making him hum in curiosity. "Your plan, I mean. They see you with me, and haven't hassled you?"

"Yes, you are right," Lucius nodded. "I can finally breathe without them wondering if I am being sated."

He glanced at you, and you took note of the mischievous glint in his eye, irking a smile out of you. Lucius revelled in the sight of it, before schooling his features with a small grin. 

He saw the familiar doors, and led you towards them. "What's this?" you wondered as his large hand sprawled over the wood. 

It took him a moment to answer. What could he call it? 

"A gift."

The doors opened, and immediately, a quiet gasp escaped your lips as your eyes took in the sight. A large library was spread out before you, with small shelves filled with hardbound books and novellas filled the room. Maps and art decorated the walls as you traipsed inside, your hands flying to your mouth. 

"This can't be for me," you denied.

"Why not?" he asked, slightly dumbfounded. 

"It's too much."

"It's been going to waste," Lucius rebuked as he watched you from the entry. "Only I ever come in here, given its privacy. And you would appreciate far more than any other."

"I..." you trailed off, turning to him. "This... This is the most incredible gift I've ever received. But I can't take it. Do you know how many children and women would love this? Something this grand can't go towards someone like me."

"Someone like you?" he repeated. You pursed your lips, not answering him. Lucius watched you, completely captivated by you. In these moments knowing you, you show a small piece every time that makes his fondness grow. "Would it bring you more joy to give this to the community?"

"... Yes," you mumbled, playing with your thumbs to ease your nerves. You had known the man for two weeks, and you were already bargaining his grand gift. What a foolish girl you were.

You're incredible, he thought to himself.

"Then so be it."

Your eyes widened at the bluntness of his words. As if something this big was just a simple little gesture for his courtesan. 

Overcome with emotions, you let out an exhilarated laugh, rushing towards him. He caught you with ease, albeit surprised by this affection. Without thinking, you pressed your lips against his.

Lucius' eyes widened at the contact, but melted into it embarrassingly quickly. But you pulled back, your face hot as it pressed into his neck. It was discomforting to say that he didn't really know how to react to this newfound physical attention. But there was something that felt so right; the way his arms perfectly wrapped around your waist, how your face fit perfectly into the alcove of his neck. Everything about this moment was perfect.

Until you pulled away, a sheepish smile on your lips. Dazed, he could barely register you speaking before he finally snapped back to reality.

"This is so amazing of you, Lucius," you mumbled. "This is such a huge step forward. You have no idea how many women and children will cherish this place." Sighing, you embraced him one more, pressing a lingering kiss to the curve of his jaw. "Thank you, dulcissimus."

━

Before you knew it, another two weeks had passed. You were now permanently moved into the palace, with your own bedroom and quarters, although either was barely used since you spent every waking moment by Lucius' side. 

Being with him never felt like a duty. Now, it felt natural and almost destined to be with him. You were together in the morning, midday, evening and night, embarking on small adventures around Rome and its streets. He had visited the brothel yesterday, wanting to meet Flora given how much you spoke about her.

"He's so handsome," Cassia ogled from beside you. You were leaning against one of the columns, watching Lucius converse with Flora in the gardens. You were nervous for them to meet, but you also realised that he wasn't anything but a client. It wasn't like she was meeting your future husband.

"I know," you sighed wistfully. 

"The nights must be exhausting, but so worth it," Diana purred, the pair giggling as they nudged your shoulder.

"Oh, I couldn't agree more," you nodded. "If only I could experience a night with him, then I could confirm this."

Diana and Cassia's eyes widened, the latter speaking, "You mean you haven't... performed?" You shook your head, and immediately speculation blossomed. "Perhaps he is challenged down there."

"Or perhaps he doesn't sway that way," Diana added.

"No, ladies, no!" you shook your head, hushing their thoughts. "Trust me, I know which way he sways. And he is not challenged in any way of that manner." The girls giggled as you huffed. "The only reason he wanted me was because of my reputation. The citizens of Rome were confused as to why there were no interesting rumours about their emperor in terms of sexual innuendos. He was advised to take on a courtesan to quell the gossip."

Diana and Cassia shared a look as they glanced out to the garden. "Well," Diana murmured with a soft smile. "I think he might want to see how well your reputation proceeds you."

You looked over at the gardens, breath hitching when you noticed Lucius watching you. His eyes were dark and narrowed to try and hide his irises from the overpowering sun above. But you could see it there in his gaze. 

Perhaps Diana was right. 

━

That night, there was a tension between you and Lucius. You were trying to exhaust yourself with painting, hoping to fall asleep with the parchment at your hands but a certain knot in your stomach kept you awake. 

"I can feel your aggression," Lucius' voice suddenly rang out in the orange hued room. It seemed he wanted to acknowledge whatever this was. "And I can hear the grinding of your teeth."

"Then fix me," you stated rather bluntly, glancing over at him to where he watched you from his desk seat. "Ease my aggression. Give me something else to grind on."

Lucius let out a huff of laughter, taken aback by your tongue once again. You were quite vulgar for a woman, but he thought it was hilarious. "Y/N, you know why-."

"I am tired of waiting," you huffed, standing up to which he met your stance. "Put my talents to use."

You stood up, and once again, he mirrored your movements as you both walked to each other. "I don't want to use you like th-."

"Use me," you demanded, narrowing your gaze as it met his. Your hands slid up the sides of his arms and all the way over his shoulders to his neck. "I am giving you permission. Use me however you want."

"Tempt me, you will not," he whispered.

"All I want is to tempt you," you groaned. "Fix me, carissimus. Please me."

His eyes dragged over you, and the rope inside of him finally snapped. Lucius was not going to hold back anymore then. "Your wish is my command," he said against your lips, a reflection of your statement from the first night.

━

From that night, your relationship had changed. It moved into an intimate relationship that tested boundaries neither of you had crossed before. You how now known Lucius for four moons, and everyday you awoke in his arms, a piece of your heart wound with his. 

Neither of you had called it what it was, but with each glance, touch or smile, there was an understanding.

"By all the Gods, all she has to do is exist and she becomes the object of all your temptation," Ravi laughed, watching his friend.

Lucius peeled his eyes away from you with much struggle, captivated by your presence as usual. A few children from one of the schools of Rome had visited the library, and they had found you lounging in the garden, soaking in the sun.

Within the hour, you were playing all kinds of games with them, before settling down to read them a story. That's how Lucius had found you, with a few children all resting around you. You were glowing, your voice an angelic sound in the vast garden.

"I need to thank you, Ravi," Lucius mumbled after a moment, and the man looked over in confusion. His friend looked so... calm. There was a quiet air of happiness, relaxation and... dare he thinks, love, surrounding the soldier turned emperor. 

"Thank me?" the advisor repeated.

Lucius sighed softly, looking back at you. "She truly is a gift I never thought would be bestowed upon me. And I wouldn't have found her if it weren't for you, so... Thank you. Truly."

"You're in love," Ravi smiled.

"I won't get ahead of myself," Lucius chuckled, shrugging off the heavy words.

Once again, his friend grinned, smoothing a hand over his shoulder and gripping it hard enough to make Lucius look over. "Don't lie to yourself either then, my friend."

━

That night, you were lying in bed after a certain endeavour. Lucius had reluctantly left you to quickly fill out a few letters and scrolls, desperately wanting to finish them so that he fall asleep with you in his arms again. 

"What are you paying me for, my sweet emperor?" you airily chuckled, and Lucius smiled. "Come back to bed so I can make your coin worth while."

"I don't want you for your body or for those lips. Your presence is pleasurable enough," he said. You let out a surprised scoff of laughter, and he glanced at you from his seat with a teasing smirk. 

"You didn't say that an hour ago."

"I didn't say allot of things," Lucius rebuked. "I think we both only made a few good noises together."

Immediately, his smile expanded when you tossed a round pillow at him with full force. He dodged it just in time as he abounded the seat, and rushed towards you with a laugh as you let out a squeal of surprise as he ambushed you. 

The sheets, feathers and plushness of the bed enveloped you two as you laughed breathily, the man holding you captive beneath his heavy muscled expanse of body. The both of you calmed down, and Lucius was content with watching you, and you him. 

If a gaze could speak, so many feelings would flourish from the both of you. 

"Did you enjoy yourself tonight?" he asked after a moment.

"I enjoy every night with you," you smirked.

Lucius matched it with his own, softer one. "No, I meant... After."

After. When the two of you spent hours upon hours wrapped in each other's embrace talking about everything and anything. You told him your secrets, and he allowed you to peak into his wardrobe of skeletons. Another night where the two of you truly understood each other and every aspect of your life and personality. 

You were taking too long to reply now, and Lucius noticed that. He hated to say he was nervous. This was a feeling he'd been fighting for a while now. Lucius lifted himself from the bed, the movement making you come to back to life. 

You watched as he slipped to the side of the bed, his forearms resting atop his large, toned legs as he stared at his knuckles. Immediately, you followed after him like a moth to a flame, your frame slinking over his legs. 

Lucius allowed it, welcomed it even, as his arms captured you in an embrace that kept you from falling. You shivered slightly at the feeling of his hands cascading delicately over your back. 

"Tonight was the most amazing of my life," you murmured softly. The statement had him snapping up, eyes widening as he stared at you. You hummed gently with a small smile. "I wish I could do it over and over again."

You tried to grab his cheeks, but instead, he halted their movements and grasped them in his callous grip. Callous from the hard times he had fought through to become who he was now.

"I don't want this life for you," he stated in a voice heavy with emotion, eyes dancing across every part of your face. "You deserve a life where you can choose to do anything you wish."

You smiled softly, "But what if what I want to do, is sitting here and holding me so sweetly?" you whispered against his lips.

Lucius' eyes fluttered slightly at the intoxicating feeling of your soft lips ghosting over his own, before seemingly snapping out of whatever reverie you always seem to put him in. Your giggle was airy and scheming as he pressed his forehead to your own, and he couldn't help but chuckle as well.

"You don't listen to me," Lucius said with a pointed look.

Releasing yourself from him, you laughed and shook your head. "I only listen when you pay," you jested. This was your way of shrugging off the tempered emotion that had just fallen over the two of you moments ago. You didn't want him to think of you any differently, or think of your deep feelings towards him that you were trying so desperately to cover up. 

Lucius watched as you peeled yourself from his lap, and danced across the large room towards one of the tables. You plucked a jug of wine and a chalice, pouring yourself a cup. Just as you sipped, you heard him.

"I don't want to pay for your company anymore," he muttered. You froze, the wine just about to spill into your mouth. Slowly, you placed the chalice down and turned, thus prompting him to continue, "But if it keeps you close to me forever, then I will gladly watch Rome crumble as I spend her treasures on you."

Your eyes widened at his words. He was such a poetic man when he wanted to be, not just brutish muscle and responsibility. You made him forget about all of it.

Lucius didn't shrink from your gaze, instead simply watched you with a tilted head and soft eyes. His words meant so much to you. They elicited what he was feeling, and he never shied away from speaking, claiming it wasn't weak to do so. Emotion settled over your face like a quiet wave, lips moving on their own.

"I have not taken a single penny from you since three moons ago for myself," you confessed softly. "It does not go towards fancy dresses of the north or fine jewellery from the east. It goes to those in the street and the other women of the brothel."

You made your way towards him, and Lucius' gaze were pinned to only your eyes as he watched you slink down onto his lap once again. His arms moved with ease and it came natural for them to want to wind around you in hopes of this single embrace to protect you from anything and everything.

"I have come here every day and night of free nature. Purely for your company, my emperor." You brushed a loose curl from his forehead, voice becoming thick as you realised you were confessing something nestled deeply in your heart. "I don't wish for you to pay for me anymore either," you mumbled.

"Everything about you is perfection," he whispered, brushing a hand over your face. "Your thoughts, your words, your smile and laugh, everything about you, your mind and soul, is perfection. Your presence alone makes everything melt away."

"You sound like you are confessing something quite scandalous, dear emperor."

"So what if I am?"

The words fanned over your lips as he delved closer for a kiss, a kiss you readily accepted as you rocked back from the force of it. You were surprised when he pulled away, your lips red and puffy from such a kiss.

Lucius wrapped his arms around you in a vice, his head fixing itself into the crook of your neck. You were taken aback at the affection, but your body seemed to move on natural instinct. Your hand flew to his head to caress his hair whilst the other curled around his shoulders to hold him closer. Your legs fell over the side of his own and the chair, but it was the most comfortable you'd ever been in your life.

Because you were with him.

"That night I first met you," he whispered after a moment. "I told you that I needed you." Your hand caressed his cheek, but unlike usual, he paid it no mind, intent on wanting you to listen. "I never knew that you would truly be what I needed."

"Lucius," you mumbled, voice thick with emotion. 

"You keep me alive," he whispered against your lips, and immediately, a sting attacked at the back of your eyes. "You keep me wanting to live everyday because I know I have you. You give me life- my chest isn't as heavy when I'm with you. I feel like I can breathe and just be."

"Are you saying what I think you are?"

"What do you think I am saying?"

"I hope to the Gods you are saying you love me," you said earnestly, not caring anymore.

You loved him. You loved Lucius so much that it pained you to be separated from him. You loved him not for his treasures, status or power, but for his personality, emotions, mind and everything he felt for you. 

You watched a smile slowly spread at his lips. 

"Then, you wouldn't be mistaken."

"Say it."

"Say it?"

"Say it, you fool."

"... I love you, ulcissima amor."