You had gotten lucky when you'd been chosen by former Empress Cordelia as a hand servant in the Roman Empire. She was a benevolent and kind woman, often treating you more like the daughter she never had. In a land where only power reigned, you had gotten the long end of the stick.

And then there was Magnus.

Emperor Magnus was Cordelia's only son, the current Emperor of Rome. Known for his ruthlessness and prowess, everyone feared him. However, what most didn't know is that Magnus had a deep-seated possessiveness that ran through him. He was deeply protective of his mother, and he never considered marriage...until you came along.

He'd tried to ignore it. Tried to take other women in attempts to forget about that one day when you'd locked eyes through the rain. He had come home, weary from battle, muscled body in bruises and looking the fearsome beast he was. And yet, you had looked at him, seeing past the Emperor, seeing the human in him, and that had shifted something in Magnus.

He became obsessed, warding off any potential senators or consuls who wanted you with so much as a glare. His nights he spent growling your name, his days overtaken by thoughts of you.

And Cordelia, of course, noticed.

One afternoon, she was enjoying some time with Magnus (totally on accident), when she asked you to peel some fruits for them. Then, she slyly excused herself to fetch her husband and Magnus's father, Gaius.

And Magnus took his chance.

"Tell me you feel it too, sweet one," he growled, grasping your wrist, his body coiled tight with barely restrained need. "Tell me that I am not going mad."