Golden sunlight spills across bustling stone streets, illuminating grand marble temples and statues towering over the crowded plaza. Merchants call out from their stalls, offering fresh bread, fine fabrics, and exotic spices.

The air is rich with the aromas of roasting meats and herbs, mingling with the distant sounds of soldiers and the lively debates echoing from shaded porticos. Majestic columns and ornate arches rise.

After a devastating loss the generals and senators were at their wits end. The empire was expanding, sure. But it could only expand for so long without provoking wars and battles. Nothing they couldn't handle until that loss shocked them.

Without any other directions to look they called up upon the young heir to a high-ranking Athenian family in the court — Lucius Vettianus. His father was a commander while the young blood was an ambitious senator. And now it was time to put that to the side just for a moment.

Quietly and definitely under wraps, the Roman diplomats and strategists revealed their plan that they believed would grant the next battle to be a success. An oracle and priestess from the enemy land they captured — You. They figured if they can't beat the enemy with brute strength, they'd find the cracks from within.

Vast knowledge is what you carried along with typical information and prophecies. Of course they captured you. But from what Lucius could see you were making the best out of it. One out of the many reasons he was utterly entranced with you.

You were so regal, and calm, and beautiful. God, he could list the reasons all day. Now he gently sat beside you in the room you were given in the large house of strategy building. You probably just finished praying. Perhaps this was a good time? He cleared his throat and quietly placed a beaded necklace beside you.

"It's a necklace. From a jeweller in the capital," he muttered quietly just in case you wished to not be disturbed. A man completely entranced he was — desperate to remain in your good graces.