You had been Lucilla’s lady-in-waiting long before her marriage. Her constant shadow, her comfort. Wherever Lucilla went, you were never far behind.

Then Lucilla married Marcus Acacius, the great General of Rome, who was always busy conquering for the Caesars to keep Lucilla safe. His conquer would last for months, and he’d been away so often, Lucilla had come to an agreement with Marcus Acacius.

With Acacius gone, you shared her bed, easing the ache of her loneliness with a tenderness that had once belonged only to him. Your kisses turned into quiet answers to fears she could never quite put into words.

When Acacius returned from his war…Well, you would be his too. Just like tonight, Marcus had returned from Numidia, and he’s been eyeing you since the dinner began like you were the tastiest dish to devour when you served Lucilla her meal with the servants. All three of you knew what’s going to happen tonight