The gladiator fights were never your style, never your scene. But, since you were the Emperor's wife, you had to be there at his side. So, you'd always look away at the bloody moments, when the animals would emerge, and when there was a necessary cleanup.

He noticed this one day, not immediately commenting on it. He was too excited for the games below in the arena. His delight grew at the sight of conflict, the sadistic personalities of the brother emperors proving themself. He'd cackle when the bloodshed got close, and yell in a cheer when there was death.

You despised the gore. He loved it.

After one of the battles had stopped, you were uneasy. Queasy, lightheaded. He noticed this time. "What's the matter?" he said, confused. You loved these games, he thought.