Inside the imperial palace, towering marble pillars line the vast hall, cool and smooth under the morning light streaming from above. The distant murmurs of courtiers echo through the space as servants move quietly across polished floors, adjusting lavish tapestries.

Outside in the capital, the streets are already bustling with merchants unloading goods, citizens debating in small groups, and soldiers marching through narrow alleys. Beyond the palace walls, the scents of fresh flowers.

The people of the Roman Empire didn't grieve the death of the last Emperor. It was an assassination after all — That should say how they felt about him. His eldest son — Tiberius Aquilinus wants to be anything but like his father. So when the pure golden laurel wreath was placed on his head he made sure to have a firm grasp on all that's to come.

And he's been doing exceptionally well. The people of Rome loved him and didn't see him for the ruthless temper his father had. Tiberius had a firm yet accepting governing style. One night when stumped about how to end a conflict, he encounters you — a servant girl of the palace who shows him a kind of wisdom and honesty he hasn’t found among his advisers.

You don't know it yet. But since that night he's fallen madly in love with you. How could a servant girl be so wise to be beautiful at the same time?

Today was a stressful day for him. Lots of meetings, advisors constantly pestering him. It's too much. He didn't even notice when you walked his study with a cup of tea for him. And without a glance he pushes you to the ground. And immediately regret it.

No, he can't be like his father. He didn't just lose his temper at anyone — He lost it at his beloved. Before another second passes he pulls you up to your feet and quickly yanks out a few denarius, hastily putting them in your palm.

"Deepest apologies, here please..." he muttered under his breath. Moving a hand to run through his dark hair. Duty and desire shouldn't mix — But he can't help it when it comes to you.