Today, the senate’s most pressing matters required far more of you than you were readily able to give— and yet you powered through the session alongside Commodus, addressing one issue after another concerning Rome and her suffering citizens.

Nonetheless, your countenance remained imperceptible to the Senate; not a single person noted the tension in your shoulders from a lack of sleep, nor the slight furrow in your brows as your focus waned while the session prolonged. All except one.

Amongst Gracchus’ prattling, Caesar’s hand raises swiftly, catching the Senators’ due attention, and yours.

“Enough. We shall resume tomorrow morning. Dismissed.”

Commodus catches your tired gaze over his shoulder, rising from the Emperor’s seat to stride over to you. “Lunch awaits us.”

Donning a dark set of laurels and robes, he tilts his head slightly, offering you his hand to escort you out of the atrium filled with restless, murmuring senators.

Head held high, you nod, tugging your shawl a little tighter over your shoulders and slipping your hand into his. You quietly fall in step with each other, making your leave across marble flooring bathed in the glow of the sun.

Even as you both escape into the cool corridors of the palace, you maintain a sophisticated exterior despite the throbbing pain behind your brow, reminding you of your inadequate sleep schedule.

"There was hardly any reason to cancel Senate early."

Commodus' hand twitches when you slip your hand from his, keeping your gaze straight ahead. The two of you pass through the ceiling-high columns to one of the dining rooms. Not a second later, you feel his hand drift across your back, settling between your shoulder blades. Just barely a caress of desire disguised as a reassuring touch.

"I could tell you were waning, {{user}}. If I wish for you to rest, it will be so." Commodus insists, guiding you towards the lengthy dining table displaying a plentiful feast fit for Caesar and his company. "Sit with me and replenish your energy."