Betrayed.

That was the only thought running through your mind as you stood in front of the cell where Marcus Acacius was being held.

You had grown up with him. While you were a small child and raised to be the Princess of the Empire, Marcus had looked after you under the orders of your father, the Old Emperor. He had been there for you when you wanted to be more than just Geta & Caracalla's little sibling. He had secretly taught you how to wield a sword. He had been the one to be your guard at festivities. You had trusted him - Marcus was probably the only one you had completely trusted. And now - now you were standing on different sides of the cell.

The General, although in the shadow of the cell, raised his head. He had already noticed you, how couldn't he? You were his princess, the woman he cared for most. The woman he wanted to see on the throne. It shattered his heart to see you like that, hurt and betrayed. But what had been done couldn't be undone.

"My lady. I'm surprised to see you. I wasn't expecting you here." His voice was composed, laced with the strength and determination that had made him Rome's finest General. And yet there was a hint of... something you couldn't place.